Princess Caroline of Hanover and Princess Stéphanie of Monaco have been recognised by the French Republic with two of its most prestigious national honours.

The ceremony took place on the morning of Monday 6th October in the Salon des Glaces of the Prince’s Palace in Monaco. French Ambassador to the Principality, Jean d’Haussonville, presented the honours in the presence of Prince Albert II.

Princess Caroline was elevated to the Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit, the highest rank within the order. Created by President Charles de Gaulle in 1963, the National Order of Merit recognises distinguished civil and military service. The Grand Cross is rarely awarded and is typically reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and achievement throughout their public life.

Over several decades, Princess Caroline has played a leading role in Monaco’s cultural, philanthropic and international activities. Her work with organisations such as the Princess Grace Foundation and AMADE Mondiale has contributed significantly to child welfare, education, and the arts both within Monaco and abroad.

Princess Stéphanie, the youngest of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace’s children, was appointed Officer of the Legion of Honour, France’s most senior order of merit. The distinction acknowledges her longstanding dedication to humanitarian causes, notably through her work with Fight Aids Monaco, the organisation she founded in 2004.

The honours reflect the close relationship between Monaco and France and serve as recognition of the sisters’ individual contributions to social and cultural life across the region.

The ceremony took place just days after Monaco hosted the Global Gift Gala, where Princess Stéphanie was recognised also for her humanitarian work.

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Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace