Monaco’s head of state has been honoured with the ‘Aigla Nissarda’, or Niçoise Golden Eagle, at a ceremony held at Villa Messéna, highlighting his ongoing support and contributions to the city of Nice.
Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded the Golden Eagle award on Friday 11^th December by the President of the Aigla Nissarda order, François Daure. The Sovereign shared the stage with Nice’s long time mayor, Christian Estrosi, who was also a recipient.
The Order of the Golden Eagle is a nearly 60-year-old association created to honour individuals who have a connection to the city of Nice and who “contribute to its influence and development.”

The first award was created by Léon Baréty, a former minister and deputy for the Alpes-Maritimes, in 1962. Baréty is the uncle of the current President of the Order, who revived the tradition in 2019 after it had slowly faded out over the years.
In a twice-yearly meeting, the Order gathers to propose and evaluate nominees. The criteria are that they have met at least one of seven areas of involvement: neighbourhood life, traditions and heritage of the old County, the influence and attractiveness of Nice, community life and solidarity, the environment, health and research and sport and culture.
 
Top photos: G. Luci / Prince’s Palace