President Sergio Mattarella makes the first state visit to Monaco by an Italian head of state on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd October, accompanied by his daughter Laura, in a two-day programme spanning a ceremonial welcome at the Prince’s Palace, a Cecilia Bartoli concert, a state dinner and a visit to the Oceanographic Museum.
The visit, at the invitation of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, is a landmark for two neighbours whose ties are among the closest in Europe — geographically, economically and culturally — yet who have never before marked them with a state visit at this level. Laura Mattarella, a lawyer, has carried out the role of Italy’s first lady since her father took office in 2015, the president being a widower.
Day one: a Palace welcome and a state dinner
The president is received at the Prince’s Palace on Friday morning, where a formal welcome and military ceremony take place in the Cour d’Honneur, the two heads of state reviewing the troops. Prince Albert II then receives President Mattarella in audience while Princess Charlene welcomes Laura Mattarella separately, before an exchange of gifts, official photographs and an exchange of decorations.
In the early evening, the princely couple join the president and his daughter at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo for a performance by the celebrated Italian mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, who directs the company. The day closes with a state dinner in the Throne Room of the Palace.
Day two: the ocean takes centre stage
On Saturday, Prince Albert II accompanies President Mattarella and his daughter to the Oceanographic Museum — a fitting setting, given the Prince’s environmental work and Monaco’s commitment to protecting the sea. The two heads of state then address the media together at around 11.35am, bringing the visit to a close.
Monaco Life will be covering this important visit.
Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.
Photo by Monaco Life