In a moving tribute to Monaco’s centuries-old ties with the Ardennes, Prince Albert II and Caroline, Princess of Hanover spent two days revisiting key sites linked to the Principality’s history, deepening the bonds between past and present.

On Thursday 24th April, the pair began their visit at the Musée de l’Ardenne in Charleville-Mézières, where they explored the new exhibition ‘Counts of Rethel, Dukes of Mazarin, Princes of Monaco. An Ardennes Story (10th–19th Centuries)’, curated in collaboration with the Palace Archives. Despite the mourning period following the death of Pope Francis, the Prince chose to honour this longstanding engagement, although he shortened the final day to travel to Rome.

Later that day, Prince Albert II addressed dignitaries at the Hôtel du Département des Ardennes before travelling to La Cassine to witness the restoration of the historic Cordeliers convent.

The first day concluded in Lametz, once part of the Duchy of Rethel, where Prince Albert II and the Princess of Hanover paid tribute at the tomb of Princess Caroline’s mother and stepfather, a gesture steeped in family history.

On Friday 25th April, the Princely Couple continued their journey to Rethel, the final leg of their visit. After a heartfelt welcome by the local community, Prince Albert II delivered a final speech from the steps of the Hôtel de Ville, reaffirming Monaco’s deep-rooted connections to the Ardennes region.

Organised with the support of the Departmental Council and the Departmental Archives of the Ardennes, the visit offered a powerful reminder of the Principality’s rich European heritage and the enduring importance of historical memory.

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Main photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier