Monaco Photo 1963 Prince Albert Ii Vintage Grimaldi Son Princess Grace Original

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Seller: memorabilia111 ✉️ (808) 100%, Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, US, Ships to: US & many other countries, Item: 176269159317 MONACO PHOTO 1963 PRINCE ALBERT II VINTAGE GRIMALDI SON PRINCESS GRACE ORIGINAL. Albert II, Prince of Monaco VINTAGE ORIGINAL PHOTO FROM  1963 MEASURING APPROXIMATELY 8 X 10 INCHES
H.S.H. Prince Albert, Alexandre, Louis, Pierre, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, Marquis of Baux, was born on 14 March 1958.  Picture : Biography Studies International Domestically A commitment to Sport on a World level His Highness is the son of Prince Rainier III, Louis Henri-Maxence-Bertrand (31st May 1923 - 6th April 2005) and Princess Grace, née Kelly (Philadelphia, United States, 12th November 1929 - Monaco, 14th September 1982). H.S.H. Prince Albert II succeeded his father, Prince Rainier III who died on 6h April 2005. On 12th July 2005, at the end of the period of official mourning, the Prince's accession to the throne was celebrated. Since 1984, H.S.H. Prince Albert had assisted his father in conducting the affairs of State. STUDIES 1976: H.S.H. Prince Albert II obtained his baccalauréat "with distinction" at the end of his secondary school studies at Lycée Albert 1st in Monaco. 1976 to 1977: familiarisation courses with different branches of the Principality's Government. 1977 to 1981: H.S.H. Prince Albert II studied political science, economics, psychology, English literature, the history of art, anthropology, geology, philosophy, sociology, German and music at Amherst College, Massachusetts, in the United States. During the summer of 1979, H.S.H. Prince Albert toured Europe and the Middle East with the "Amherst College Glee Club" Choir. 30th May 1981: H.S.H. Prince Albert II graduated in political science. His degree was awarded to him in the presence of his parents, Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, and his sister, Princess Caroline. September 1981 - April 1982: H.S.H. Prince Albert II trained on board the French Navy's helicopter-carrier "Jeanne d'Arc", with the rank of Ship-of-the-Line Ensign (2nd class). His Highness is currently a reserve Lieutenant Commander. January 1983 to late 1985: training courses with various international groups in the United States and Europe in the fields of communication, financial management and marketing ("Morgan Guaranty Trust", in New York, "Moët-Hennesy", in Paris, "Rogers & Wells" law firm,"Wells Rich and Greene" in New York. 20th September 1996: H.S.H. Prince Albert II received an Honorary Doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical University of Maynooth in Ireland. 26th October 2000: His Serene Highness was made an Honorary Professor of International Studies at Tarrant County College, Forth Worth, Texas. 19th June 2009: H.S.H. Prince Albert II received the distinction of Commander of the Order of the Academic Palms. 20th October 2009: HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded The Teddy Roosevelt Medal at the United States Congress in Washington. 23rd October 2009: HSH the Sovereign Prince was awarded the « Roger Revelle » prize at the University of California, San Diego. 6th November 2009: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded The Docteur Honoris Causa Insignia of Nice-Sophia-Antipolis University. 22nd September 2010: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was made an Honorary Member of the Geographical Society of Russia. 19th October 2010: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was made an Honorary Member of the Ligurian Academy of Science and Letters and of the Italian Geographical society. 21st October 2010: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was elevated to the rank of Grand Cross of the National Order of the Lion by the President of the Replublic of Senegal. 29th March 2011: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded The Docteur Honoris Causa Insignia at The Portalis Law and Political Science Institute of Aix en Provence. INTERNATIONAL H.S.H. Prince Albert has travelled all over the world including visits to France, Italy, the United States, Russia, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, and China. In these countries he was received by the principal heads of State and political and economic leaders. At the same time, he receives credentials from over fifty countries which now maintain diplomatic relations with the Principality. Since 28th May 1993, the Prince has led the Monegasque delegation to the General Assembly of the United Nations. Since the opening of the 48th Session in September 1993 in New York, His Highness has regularly taken the floor on behalf of the Principality of Monaco. At the 36th Plenary Assembly of the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM) held in the Principality from 21st to 28th September 2001, representatives of the member states unanimously elected Monaco to head the Commission. H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Head of the Monegasque delegation, chairs this Commission. Created at the beginning of the century on the initiative of Prince Albert I, the CIESM is an intergovernmental body with 23 member states, 20 of which are located along the Mediterranean coast. Its objectives are to promote multilateral international research and facilitate the exchange of information, in particular between countries on the north and south sides of the Mediterranean Sea. The CIESM cooperates with 500 specialised institutes. On 5th October 2004, H.S.H. the Prince presided over the delegation of Monaco in Strasbourg for the official ceremony of accession of the Principality to the Council of Europe as the 46th member state of that organisation. In April 2006, H.S.H. Prince Albert II visited the North Pole by dog sled from the Russian base of Barneo 120 kilometres away. This journey was the opportunity for him to pay tribute to his great-great grandfather, Prince Albert I of Monaco, a pioneer of modern oceanography, who, in 1906, set out to Spitzberg, in the archipelago of Svalbard, the most successful of his four Arctic exploration campaigns.The trip also helped to raise the world's awareness of the planetary challenges which, in the short term, represent risks related to climate change and the dangers of industrial pollution. In June 2006, H.S.H. the Prince set up the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation dedicated to protecting the environment. It encourages sustainable and fair management of natural resources and places man at the centre of its projects. It supports the implementation of innovative and ethical solutions in three broad areas: climate change, water and biodiversity. In January 2009, Prince Albert II of Monaco undertook a three week scientific journey in the Antarctic. He visited a large number of scientific stations and rejoined the South Pole in the company of the explorer Mike Horn. They made a film of this journey "Antarctique 2009, Terre en Alerte" [Antarctic 2009, Earth on Alert] which was presented to the Principality's inhabitants in April 2009. DOMESTICALLY H.S.H. Prince Albert II has proved to be particularly concerned with the Principality's economic development in a spirit of ethics and transparency. He is committed to a policy of developing facilities and conducting major works, enabling in particular the construction of a new hospital (the Princess Grace General Hospital), the creation of community facilities (hotel school, new secondary school) on "abandoned" railway tracks and the launch of many operations, accommodating social housing and offices. Various initiatives have been conducted with a view to promoting economic activity and making company operations more transparent while maintaining a high level of ethics: creation of the legal status of Limited Liability Company, introduction of the offence of tax fraud into Monegasque criminal law, introduction of the general principle of the criminal liability of people, adoption of systems to combat money laundering, organised crime and corruption. H.S.H. Prince Albert is committed to carrying out an exemplary policy in his country in terms of the environment, by favouring the development of public transport, ecological vehicles, renewable energies and high environmental quality buildings. In the field of Human Rights, during the first years of the reign of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, several important legislative modifications emerged, in particular: the introduction and regulation of custody, the establishment of a judicial system for telephone taps, the restructuring and rationalisation of temporary detention procedures and the reorganisation of the in absentia procedure, the strengthening of the judicial protection of individuals, their personal data and their private life, as part of the exponential growth in new technologies, the reaffirmation of the principle of freedom of expression for the media and the organisation of a system of responsibility within the respect of basic human rights and public order, the modernisation of the law on education (integration of handicapped children) and the increased protection of child rights, the introduction of the principle of freedom of association and different laws on the transfer of nationality aimed at perfect equality between men and women. A COMMITMENT TO SPORT ON A WORLD LEVEL HSH the Prince participated in five Olympic Games, from Calgary in 1988 to Salt Lake City in 2002, as a member of the national bobsleigh team. A member of the International Olympic Committee since 1985, He is President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee. He is Honorary President of the International Union of Modern Pentathlon and the International Athletics Foundation. He is also a member of the Honorary Board of the International Paralympic Committee. Birth date: March 14, 1958 Birth place: Monte Carlo, Monaco Birth name: Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi, His Serene Highness, the Hereditary Prince of Monaco, Marquis of Baux Father: Prince Rainier III Mother: Princess Grace, formerly the actress Grace Kelly Marriage: Charlene Wittstock (July 1, 2011-present) Children: with Charlene Wittstock: Princess Gabriella Therese Marie and Prince Jacques Honore Rainier; with Nicole Coste: Eric Alexandre Stephane; with Tamara Rotolo: Jazmin Grace Rotolo. Education: Amherst College, BA, 1981 Military service: French Navy Other Facts He is interested in environmental issues, alternative energy and hybrid vehicles. An avid athlete, he has competed in five Winter Olympics (1988, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002) in the sport of bobsledding but has not won any medals. He has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 1985. His two oldest children are not in line for the throne, because they were born out of wedlock. Timeline March 31, 2005 - Monaco's Crown Council transfers the regency of the tiny kingdom to Prince Albert, the heir to the throne, saying that Prince Rainier can no longer carry out his duties as monarch. April 6, 2005 - Prince Rainier III dies of organ failure and Prince Albert becomes Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco. July 6, 2005 - Publicly acknowledges paternity of his son, Alexandre, born to Nicole Coste, a flight attendant from Togo. July 12, 2005 - Part one of the formal investiture as Monaco's ruler is Mass at St. Nicholas Cathedral, marking the end of the mourning period for Prince Rainier. November 17, 2005 - Part two of the formal investiture is the enthronement ceremony at St. Nicholas Cathedral. April 16, 2006 - Travels to the North Pole by dogsled to highlight global warming. June 1, 2006 - Acknowledges paternity of his daughter, Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, born to an American former waitress, Tamara Rotolo. March 2, 2007 - Presides over the opening ceremony in Paris of International Polar Year, a research program with a focus on the Polar Regions involving 50,000 scientists from 63 countries. January 28, 2008 - Is named as one of the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) "Champions of the Earth." April 22 2008 - Receives the UNEP award which recognizes individuals who show extraordinary leadership on environmental issues. January 5-14, 2009 - Completes an expedition to the South Pole evaluating climate impact on Antarctica along the way. He is the only head of state to have visited both poles. June 23, 2010 - The palace announces Prince Albert's engagement to Charlene Wittstock, 32, a former Olympic swimmer and school teacher from South Africa. July 1, 2011 - Prince Albert marries Charlene Wittstock in a civil wedding ceremony in the throne room of the Palace of Monaco. July 2, 2011 - A second wedding, a religious ceremony including Mass, is held in the main courtyard of the Palace of Monaco. The ceremony is broadcast to the 3,500 invited guests who could not fit inside the palace. October 2013 - Loans pieces of his private collection of Olympic torches for the Russian exhibition of Olympic torches. October 7, 2013 - Is one of the first torch bearers for 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games. December 14, 2015 - Prince Albert is presented with the 2015 Global Advocate Award by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for his work on climate change research and environmental conservation efforts. October 2016 - Buys his mother's childhood home in Philadelphia, with the idea of turning it into a museum or offices for foundation work. About Monaco Monaco is a sovereign principality, meaning it is ruled by a prince. It is the second smallest country in the world, after the Vatican. At 2.02 sq km (77 sq miles), Monaco is about half the size of New York's Central Park. It sits on the French Riviera and is bordered on three sides by France. It is a popular tourist destination, famous for its casino and luxury hotels. Monaco is also the capital of the principality. The official language is French. The other major languages spoken are English and Italian. Monegasque, a mixture of the French Provencal and Italian Ligurian dialects, is also spoken there. Biography H.S.H. Prince Albert, Alexandre, Louis, Pierre, Sovereign Prince of Monaco,  was born on 14 March 1958. Studies International Domestically A commitment to Sport on a World level His Highness is the son of Prince Rainier III, Louis Henri-Maxence-Bertrand (31st May 1923 - 6th April 2005) and Princess Grace, née Kelly (Philadelphia, United States, 12th November 1929 - Monaco, 14th September 1982). H.S.H. Prince Albert II succeeded his father, Prince Rainier III who died on 6h April 2005. On 12th July 2005, at the end of the period of official mourning, the Prince's accession to the throne was celebrated. Since 1984, H.S.H. Prince Albert had assisted his father in conducting the affairs of State. STUDIES 1976: H.S.H. Prince Albert II obtained his baccalauréat "with distinction" at the end of his secondary school studies at Lycée Albert 1st in Monaco. 1976 to 1977: familiarisation courses with different branches of the Principality's Government. 1977 to 1981: H.S.H. Prince Albert II studied political science, economics, psychology, English literature, the history of art, anthropology, geology, philosophy, sociology, German and music at Amherst College, Massachusetts, in the United States. During the summer of 1979, H.S.H. Prince Albert toured Europe and the Middle East with the "Amherst College Glee Club" Choir. 30th May 1981: H.S.H. Prince Albert II graduated in political science. His degree was awarded to him in the presence of his parents, Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, and his sister, Princess Caroline. September 1981 - April 1982: H.S.H. Prince Albert II trained on board the French Navy's helicopter-carrier "Jeanne d'Arc", with the rank of Ship-of-the-Line Ensign (2nd class). His Highness is currently a reserve Lieutenant Commander. January 1983 to late 1985: training courses with various international groups in the United States and Europe in the fields of communication, financial management and marketing ("Morgan Guaranty Trust", in New York, "Moët-Hennesy", in Paris, "Rogers & Wells" law firm,"Wells Rich and Greene" in New York. 20th September 1996: H.S.H. Prince Albert II received an Honorary Doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical University of Maynooth in Ireland. 26th October 2000: His Serene Highness was made an Honorary Professor of International Studies at Tarrant County College, Forth Worth, Texas. 19th June 2009: H.S.H. Prince Albert II received the distinction of Commander of the Order of the Academic Palms. 20th October 2009: HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded The Teddy Roosevelt Medal at the United States Congress in Washington. 23rd October 2009: HSH the Sovereign Prince was awarded the « Roger Revelle » prize at the University of California, San Diego. 6th November 2009: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded The Docteur Honoris Causa Insignia of Nice-Sophia-Antipolis University. 22nd September 2010: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was made an Honorary Member of the Geographical Society of Russia. 19th October 2010: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was made an Honorary Member of the Ligurian Academy of Science and Letters and of the Italian Geographical society. 21st October 2010: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was elevated to the rank of Grand Cross of the National Order of the Lion by the President of the Replublic of Senegal. 29th March 2011: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded The Docteur Honoris Causa Insignia at The Portalis Law and Political Science Institute of Aix en Provence. 13th February 2012: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was appointed Grand Croix of the National Order of Mali 17th February 2012: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was appointed Grand Officier of the National Order of Burkina Faso 8th December 2015: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was appointed Commander of the Ordre National du Mérite Maritime 1st March 2016 : H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco received the distinction of Membre de la Légion de Marathon 27th March 2017:  H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded The Docteur Honoris Causa Insignia from the University Pierre and Marie Curie in Paris 5th May 2017 : H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded The Docteur Honoris Causa Insignia from the State University of Moldavia 9th October 2017: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded The Docteur Honoris Causa Insignia in ecology of the sea, from the University of Palermo (Sicilia) 6th March 2018 : H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded in Monaco with the 2018 European Medal of Tolerance by the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation (ECTR) 16th May 2018 : H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was awarded The Docteur Honoris Causa Insignia in Sciences and Techniques of navigation from the University of Naples "Parthénope"   INTERNATIONAL H.S.H. Prince Albert has travelled all over the world including visits to France, Italy, the United States, Russia, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, and China. In these countries he was received by the principal heads of State and political and economic leaders. At the same time, he receives credentials from over fifty countries which now maintain diplomatic relations with the Principality. Since 28th May 1993, the Prince has led the Monegasque delegation to the General Assembly of the United Nations. Since the opening of the 48th Session in September 1993 in New York, His Highness has regularly taken the floor on behalf of the Principality of Monaco. At the 36th Plenary Assembly of the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM) held in the Principality from 21st to 28th September 2001, representatives of the member states unanimously elected Monaco to head the Commission. H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Head of the Monegasque delegation, chairs this Commission. Created at the beginning of the century on the initiative of Prince Albert I, the CIESM is an intergovernmental body with 23 member states, 20 of which are located along the Mediterranean coast. Its objectives are to promote multilateral international research and facilitate the exchange of information, in particular between countries on the north and south sides of the Mediterranean Sea. The CIESM cooperates with 500 specialised institutes. On 5th October 2004, H.S.H. the Prince presided over the delegation of Monaco in Strasbourg for the official ceremony of accession of the Principality to the Council of Europe as the 46th member state of that organisation. In April 2006, H.S.H. Prince Albert II visited the North Pole by dog sled from the Russian base of Barneo 120 kilometres away. This journey was the opportunity for him to pay tribute to his great-great grandfather, Prince Albert I of Monaco, a pioneer of modern oceanography, who, in 1906, set out to Spitzberg, in the archipelago of Svalbard, the most successful of his four Arctic exploration campaigns.The trip also helped to raise the world's awareness of the planetary challenges which, in the short term, represent risks related to climate change and the dangers of industrial pollution. In June 2006, H.S.H. the Prince set up the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation dedicated to protecting the environment. It encourages sustainable and fair management of natural resources and places man at the centre of its projects. It supports the implementation of innovative and ethical solutions in three broad areas: climate change, water and biodiversity. In January 2009, Prince Albert II of Monaco undertook a three week scientific journey in the Antarctic. He visited a large number of scientific stations and rejoined the South Pole in the company of the explorer Mike Horn. They made a film of this journey "Antarctique 2009, Terre en Alerte" [Antarctic 2009, Earth on Alert] which was presented to the Principality's inhabitants in April 2009. DOMESTICALLY H.S.H. Prince Albert II has proved to be particularly concerned with the Principality's economic development in a spirit of ethics and transparency. He is committed to a policy of developing facilities and conducting major works, enabling in particular the construction of a new hospital (the Princess Grace General Hospital), the creation of community facilities (hotel school, new secondary school) on "abandoned" railway tracks and the launch of many operations, accommodating social housing and offices. Various initiatives have been conducted with a view to promoting economic activity and making company operations more transparent while maintaining a high level of ethics: creation of the legal status of Limited Liability Company, introduction of the offence of tax fraud into Monegasque criminal law, introduction of the general principle of the criminal liability of people, adoption of systems to combat money laundering, organised crime and corruption. H.S.H. Prince Albert is committed to carrying out an exemplary policy in his country in terms of the environment, by favouring the development of public transport, ecological vehicles, renewable energies and high environmental quality buildings. In the field of Human Rights, during the first years of the reign of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, several important legislative modifications emerged, in particular: the introduction and regulation of custody, the establishment of a judicial system for telephone taps, the restructuring and rationalisation of temporary detention procedures and the reorganisation of the in absentia procedure, the strengthening of the judicial protection of individuals, their personal data and their private life, as part of the exponential growth in new technologies, the reaffirmation of the principle of freedom of expression for the media and the organisation of a system of responsibility within the respect of basic human rights and public order, the modernisation of the law on education (integration of handicapped children) and the increased protection of child rights, the introduction of the principle of freedom of association and different laws on the transfer of nationality aimed at perfect equality between men and women. A COMMITMENT TO SPORT ON A WORLD LEVEL HSH the Prince participated in five Olympic Games, from Calgary in 1988 to Salt Lake City in 2002, as a member of the national bobsleigh team. A member of the International Olympic Committee since 1985, He is President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee. He is Honorary President of the International Union of Modern Pentathlon and the International Athletics Foundation. He is also a member of the Honorary Board of the International Paralympic Committee. Since 2007, He is Patron of the International Organization Peace & Sport " l'Organisation pour la Paix par le Sport" and  Patron of the World Olympians Association since 2011 2014 - Chairman of the IOC Sport and Environment Commission. Civil status and distinctions His Serene Highness Prince Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre, Prince of Monaco, Marquis of Baux, was born on March 14th, 1958. His Highness is the son of Prince Rainier III, Louis Henri-Maxence-Bertrand, (Monaco May 31st, 1923 - April 6th, 2005) and the Late Princess Grace Patricia Kelly, (Philadelphia U.S.A. November 12th, 1929 - Monaco September 14th, 1982). His Godfather was the late Prince Louis de Polignac, and his Godmother was the late Queen Victoria-Eugénia of Spain. H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince is : Grand Cross of the Order of Grimaldi, April 18th , 1958 ; Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles, March 13th, 1979 ; Colonel of the Carabineers, November 11th, 1986. Prince Albert II of Monaco married Ms Charlene Wittstock on 1 & 2 July 2011, she became Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. On decembre 10th, 2014 were born a son, Jacques Honoré Rainier and a daughter, Gabriella Thérèse Marie. Missions and responsabilities On Thursday the 31st of March 2005, in accordance with the Statutes of the Sovereign Family and after informing H.S.H. Crown Prince Albert - the Secretary of State convoked the Council of the Crown. The Council of the Crown determined that His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III was not able to carry out his functions of State and declared that H.S.H. Crown Prince Albert would act as Regent from that point on. On the 6th of April 2005, H.S.H. Prince Albert II succeeded his father, the Prince Rainier III who died on this day following a series of afflictions to his heart, lung and kidneys which had required his hospitalization since the 7th of March. Since 1984, H.S.H. Prince Albert, work alongside with His Father in the management of State affairs. In other respects, The Prince is responsible for activities in various sectors : Monte-Carlo Television Festival and Imagina : H.S.H. Prince Albert was named, by Sovereign Order on June 1st, 1988, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Monte-Carlo International Television Festival. In this respect, His Highness supervises the preparation and direction of this annual event as well as "Imagina": a festival of computer generated images. Environment : In the environmental sector, His Highness closely follows the Principality's Environmental Groups and Associations in their battle against different kinds of pollution, with such actions as the annual Electric Vehicle Show, "Méditerranée Propre" (Clean Mediterranean), etc. Within the framework of Environment Day on July 30th, 1991, and in introduction to the United Nations' Environment Committee meeting which took place just before the 1992 Rio Summit, His Highness underlined the responsibility of one and all with regard to problems linked to the environment. Sport : Practicing numerous sporting disciplines from a very young age, the Prince now assumes the chairmanship of various Federations and Organizations : He has been Chairman of the Monegasque Swimming Federation (Fédération Monegasque de Natation) since October 10th, 1983. His Highness personally follows the activities of this federation which organizes an International Swimming Meeting every year. He has been Chairman of the Monaco Yacht Club since May 15th, 1984. His Highness takes a close interest in the club's multiple activities : its sailing school, international sailing and motorboat races, including the Monaco-New York "Transat" race in 1985, but also the yearly maxi-yacht meeting, "Monaco Classic Week", which traditionally takes place in September. He has chaired the Monegasque Athletics Federation since July 17th, 1984. His Highness supervises the organization of the annual "Grand Prix IAAF - Herculis" Meeting, which takes place in August in the Louis II Stadium. In 1986, the Prince was named Honorary President of IAF (International Athletic Foundation). In 1987, the Prince was Honorary Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 2nd "Small European States" Games. On April 10th, 1987, under the impetus of Prince Albert, the Monegasque Bobsleigh, Toboggan and Skeleton Federation was formed. H.S.H. Prince Albert was Honorary Chairman of the 101st Session of the International Olympic Committee which took place in Monaco in September 1993, during which the city of Sydney was chosen to host the Year 2000 Summer Olympics Games. The Prince has chaired the Monegasque Olympic Committee since April 1994. In 1997, Prince Albert II was named Honorary President of UIPM (International Modern Pentathlon Union). He has chaired the Monegasque Federation of Modern Pentathlon since December 1999. On November 30th 2004, His Serene Highness was named Honorary President of World Beach Volleyball, by the International Volleyball Federation. Activities within the International Olympic Committee : Prince Albert II In June 1985, His Highness was co-opted into the International Olympic Committee during its 90th Session in Berlin. In 1988, Prince Albert II was chosen to be the International Olympic Committee observer to sailing events at Pusan, for the Seoul Olympics. In December 1988, His Highness was named as Vice-President of the Athletes Commission of the International Olympic Committee by its President, Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch. In 1990, he became a member of the Coordination Commission for the 1996 Atlanta Games. In December 1999, Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch again called upon the Prince, naming him as representative for Athletes within the Commission of Admission of the I.O.C. I.O.C. Athletes Commission representative on the Marketing Commission. Prince Albert is member of the Nomination Commission and member of Turin 2006 Olympic Games Coordination Commission. In the Cultural Field : H.S.H. Prince Albert II has assumed : The Deputy-Chairmanship of the Princess Grace Foundation of Monaco. This institution, founded by Princess Grace in 1964, has a triple vocation : a) On a cultural level, the Foundation supports the Princess Grace Classical Dance Academy, both directly and through scholarships awarded to young talented dancers as well as to students of the Prince Rainier III Academy of Music. In 1984, the Foundation was responsible for the establishment of the « Princess Grace Irish Library », whose collections are open to students and those researching literature and Irish History. b) On a secondary level, the Foundation supports local artisans through two shops : one located in the Old Town (le Rocher), the other located in the district of Monte-Carlo. c) Finally, the Foundation undertakes benevolent activities, principally in favour of infants, on both a local and an international level. Its main thrust is that of aiding the families of children handicapped through illness. This takes the form of intervention "in situ" (theatre workshops, fitting-out of premises) and the support of medical research via a special open-end investment trust. The Deputy Chairmanship of the "Princess Grace Foundation - U.S.A. », since 1982. The Foundation was founded to perpetuate the memory and the engagement of Princess Grace in the artistic domain. Each year, during a Gala event in New York, the Foundation awards scholarships to talented young people in different artistic fields : those of dance, music, theatre and cinema. The Honorary Chairmanship of the "Friends of the Monte-Carlo Opera" Association, since November 1993. The Honorary Chairmanship of the National Monegasque's Committee of the UNESCO International Plastics Arts Association since 31st August 1999. In the Economic Field Le Prince Albert IIAs well as following the activities undertaken by the Government and various economic agencies of the Principality, His Highness takes a very close interest in the initiatives of local associations. Prince Albert is Honorary Chairman of Monaco's "Jeune Chambre Economique" (Junior Chamber of Commerce). This association, founded in 1963, aims to contribute to the economic, social and cultural progress of the community, following the principles of freedom, respect for the individual and tolerance. In the Field of Humanitarian Action : H.S.H. Prince Albert II was named, by Sovereign Order, on December 17th, 1982, Chairman of the Monegasque Red Cross. His Highness has participated in, and followed: - multiple international aid programs, - activities on a national level, - ad hoc emergency aid programs. Since 1982, Prince Albert has been Honorary Chairman of the association "Monaco Aide et Présence" (M.A.P.), founded in 1979 under the auspices of Princess Grace. Following the participation by the Prince in the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1985 and 1986, M.A.P. built, at Agadès in Nigeria, a dispensary inaugurated in April 1988, which carries his name. Since then, the establishment has been added to, with the construction of a maternity ward and a pathology laboratory, and has become the most important health care center in Northern Nigeria. Other humanitarian activities have been carried-out in Brazil, Madagascar, former Yugoslavia, Romania, Sri Lanka, India and at the doorstep of Monaco on an ad hoc basis. The Prince has, on many occasions, taken it upon to make field visits. In the first day of March 2005, He visited "Princess Grace Orphanage" in Sri Lanka and some areas hits by the tsunamis in December 2004. His Highness is also : Honorary Member of the International Institute for Human Rights since September 3rd, 1986. Member of the Support Committee for W.W.F. France since March 1990. Patron of the association "Outward Bound France" since March 1992. This association aims to train young people according to the concept of « learning through actions ». His Serene Highness is also Patron of the association "Outward Bound Monaco" since its creation in October 2004. Albert II[1][2] (Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi; born 14 March 1958) is the reigning Prince of Monaco and head of the princely house of Grimaldi. He is the son of Prince Rainier III and Grace, Princess of Monaco, formerly Grace Kelly, the American actress. Prince Albert's sisters are Caroline, Princess of Hanover, and Princess Stéphanie. In July 2011, Prince Albert married Charlene Wittstock.[3] Prince Albert II is one of the wealthiest royals in the world, with assets valued at more than $1 billion,[4] which include land in Monaco and France. Although Prince Albert does not own the Prince's Palace of Monaco, he does own shares in the Société des bains de mer de Monaco, which operates Monaco's casino and other entertainment properties in the principality.[5][6] Contents 1 Early life 2 Sports career 3 Accession 4 Reign 5 Personal life and relationships 5.1 Marriage 5.2 Children in the line of succession 5.3 Children born out of wedlock 5.3.1 Jazmin Grace Grimaldi 5.3.2 Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste 5.3.3 Other alleged children 6 Succession issues 7 Environmental issues 7.1 Year of the Dolphin 7.2 Jardin Animalier 7.3 Expedition to Antarctica 7.4 CITES and bluefin tuna 7.5 Roger Revelle Prize 8 Awards 9 Commemorative coins 10 Other roles 11 Titles, styles, honours and awards 11.1 Titles and styles 11.2 Military appointments 11.3 Honours 11.3.1 National orders 11.3.2 Foreign orders 11.3.2.1 Dynastic orders 11.3.3 Other awards 12 Ancestry 13 Arms and monograms 14 See also 15 References 16 External links Early life Prince Albert with his mother in 1972 Albert was born in the Prince's Palace of Monaco. He has ancestry from Italy, Ireland, Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Mexico, Belgium, and Monaco and is American[7]-Monegasque by birth; he renounced American citizenship in his early adulthood. He was baptized on 20 April 1958, by Monsignor Jean Delay, archbishop of Marseille, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Monaco, before being presented at the balcony of the Palace to the people of Monaco.[8] His godmother was the Spanish queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain, and his godfather was Prince Louis de Polignac (1909–1996).[9] Albert graduated with distinction from the Lycée Albert Premier, in 1976. He was a camper and later a counselor for six summers at Camp Tecumseh,[9] on Lake Winnipesaukee, Moultonborough, New Hampshire, in the 1970s. He spent a year training in various princely duties and enrolled at Amherst College, in western Massachusetts, in 1977 as Albert Grimaldi, studying political science, economics, music, and English literature; he also joined Chi Psi fraternity.[9] He speaks French, English, German, and Italian.[9] He spent mid-1979 touring Europe and the Middle East with the Amherst Glee Club, and also undertook an exchange program with the University of Bristol, at the Alfred Marshall School of Economics and Management in 1979. He graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. [10] Prince Albert's mother died as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident in 1982. She was aged 52.[11] In 2017, in In Depth interview with Graham Bensinger, the Prince stated that his mother's death was a traumatic event for him and the family. He also revealed that his father was "never the same man" after the loss.[12] Sports career Albert II, Prince of Monaco Sport Country  Monaco Sport Bobsleigh Event(s) 4-man, 2-man Retired 2002 Achievements and titles Olympic finals 1988, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002 Albert was an enthusiastic sportsman, participating in cross country, javelin throwing, handball, judo, swimming, tennis, rowing, sailing, skiing, squash and fencing. He is a patron of Monaco's football team, AS Monaco. Albert competed in the bobsleigh at five consecutive Winter Olympics for Monaco, taking part in both the two-man and four-man events. In the two-man bobsleigh Albert finished 25th at the 1988 games in Calgary, 43rd at the 1992 games in Albertville, and 31st at the 2002 games. In the four-man bobsleigh Albert finished 27th in 1992, 26th at the 1994 games in Lillehammer, and 28th at both the 1998 games in Nagano and the 2002 games in Salt Lake City.[13] Albert was Monaco's flag bearer at the 1988, 1994, and 1998 Winter Olympics.[13] Albert has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 1985, and his maternal grandfather, John B. Kelly Sr., and maternal uncle, John B. Kelly Jr., were both Olympic medalists in rowing.[13] Albert has been the patron of the World Olympians Association since 2012.[14] In 2017 Albert gained OLY post-nominal status under his competition name of Albert Grimaldi rather than his royal title.[15] Albert took part in the 1985 Paris–Dakar Rally, but did not finish it.[citation needed] He also became a judo black belt.[16] Accession On 31 March 2005, following consultation with the Crown Council of Monaco, the Palais Princier announced that Albert would take over the duties of his father as regent since Rainier was no longer able to exercise his royal functions.[17] On 6 April 2005, Rainier died and Albert succeeded him as Albert II. The first part of Prince Albert II's enthronement as ruler of the Principality was on 12 July 2005, after the end of the three-month mourning period for his father.[9] A morning Mass at Saint Nicholas Cathedral presided over by the Archbishop of Monaco, the Most Reverend Bernard Barsi, formally marked the beginning of his reign.[18] Afterward Albert II returned to the princely palace to host a garden party for 7,000 Monégasques born in the principality. In the courtyard, the Prince was presented with two keys of the city as a symbol of his investiture[19] and he made a speech.[20] The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display on the waterfront.[18] The second part of his investiture was on 19 November 2005. Albert was enthroned at Saint Nicholas Cathedral.[21] His family was there in attendance, including his elder sister Princess Caroline with her husband Ernst, Prince of Hanover and three of her four children, Andrea, Pierre and Charlotte; as well as his younger sister Princess Stéphanie, his paternal aunt Princess Antoinette, Baroness of Massy, his godson, Jean-Léonard Taubert-Natta de Massy, and his cousin Elisabeth-Anne de Massy. Royalty from 16 delegations were present for the festivities throughout the country. The evening ended with an opera performance in Monte Carlo.[21] Reign Prince Albert with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 4 October 2013. Prince Albert continues the policy – initiated by previous rulers of Monaco – of strengthening environmental awareness. In July, 2005, just like his great-great-grandfather Albert I, he travelled to Spitsbergen. During this trip, he visited the glaciers Lilliehöökbreen and Monacobreen. Prince Albert II also engaged in a Russian Arctic expedition, reaching the North Pole on Easter, 16 April 2006.[22] As a result, he is the first incumbent head of state to have reached the North Pole. Prince Albert is the Vice-Chairman of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, an American charity founded in 1982, after his mother's death, which supports emerging artists in theatre, dance, and film, as Princess Grace did in her lifetime. In 2006, Prince Albert created the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which continues the Principality of Monaco's commitment by supporting sustainable and ethical projects around the world. The foundation focus on three main challenges: climate change and renewable energy development; combating the loss of biodiversity; and water management (improving universal access to clean water).[23] Albert is also a global adviser to Orphans International. On August 27, 2015, Prince Albert apologized for Monaco's role in facilitating the deportation of a total of 90 Jews and resistance fighters, of whom only nine survived. "We committed the irreparable in handing over to the neighboring authorities women, men, and a child who had taken refuge with us to escape the persecutions they had suffered in France," Albert said at a ceremony in which a monument to the victims was unveiled at the Monaco cemetery. "In distress, they came specifically to take shelter with us, thinking they would find neutrality."[24] Personal life and relationships Monégasque princely family Great coat of arms of the house of Grimaldi.svg HSH The Prince HSH The Princess HSH The Hereditary Prince HSH The Countess of Carladès HRH The Princess of Hanover HSH Princess Stéphanie vte Prior to Albert's marriage, there was much discussion of his continual bachelor status. Although he had received much press attention for dating well-known fashion models and actresses, his apparent disinclination to marry gave rise to rumours that he was homosexual. Prince Albert has consistently denied suggestions of homosexuality, most notably in a 1994 interview published in the French magazine Madame Figaro. "At first it was amusing", he said, "but it becomes very irritating in the long term to hear people say that I am homosexual".[25] Albert is close friends with the artist Nall and owns some of his works.[26] In October 2005, the German magazine Bunte reported that Prince Albert was dating Telma Ortiz Rocasolano, a sister-in-law of the Prince of Asturias (who is now the king of Spain). However, in November 2005, the Prince instructed his lawyer, Thierry Lacoste, to commence legal proceedings against the French newspaper France Dimanche for violation of privacy and false information regarding the story. In 2016, Albert purchased his mother's childhood house in the East Falls district of Philadelphia. Upon acquiring Grace Kelly's childhood property, he stated the home might be used as a museum space or as offices for the family's Princess Grace Foundation.[27] Although Prince Albert does not directly own the Prince's Palace, he does own – in addition to his mother's childhood home – personal homes in both La Turbie[28][29] and Marchais.[30] Prince Albert, a well-known automotive enthusiast, owns vehicles like the BMW Hydrogen 7,[31] the Lexus LS 600h,[32] the Lexus RX 400h,[32] and the Toyota Prius PHV.[32][33] He also owns a Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X, a 14-passenger leisure jet, currently stationed at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.[34][35] Marriage Further information: Wedding of Albert II, Prince of Monaco, and Charlene Wittstock Prince Albert and Princess Charlene during a 2012 visit to Kraków, Poland. Prince Albert married former South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock on 1 July 2011. They announced their engagement on 23 June 2010.[36] They had been seen together since 10 February 2006, when Prince Albert was accompanied by Wittstock to the opening ceremony of the Torino Olympics. They were seen again together at the Monaco Grand Prix. The Prince and Wittstock attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and both the "Bal de la Rose", and Princess Grace Awards Gala in 2009. They also attended the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Olympics. As a couple, they also attended the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling in Stockholm four days before their own engagement was announced and the wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine Middleton on 29 April 2011. The wedding took place over two days: the civil marriage ceremony took place on 1 July 2011, followed by the religious ceremony on 2 July 2011.[37] Twins Gabriella Thérèse Marie, Countess of Carladès and Jacques Honoré Rainier, Hereditary Prince of Monaco were born to Prince Albert and Princess Charlene on 10 December 2014.[38] Children in the line of succession On 10 December 2014, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene welcomed their first and second child, twins Gabriella Thérèse Marie and Jacques Honoré Rainier. The twins were born at Princess Grace Hospital in La Colle, Monaco. Jacques, as his father's heir-apparent, bears the titles Hereditary Prince of Monaco and Marquis of Baux while Albert has granted Gabriella the title of Countess of Carladès. Children born out of wedlock Jazmin Grace Grimaldi In 1992, an American woman, Tamara Rotolo, filed a paternity suit against the prince, claiming that he was the father of her daughter, whom she named Jazmin Grace Grimaldi. Prince Albert was also listed as the child's father on the Riverside County, California, birth certificate, according to The Desert Sun. The case went to trial in 1993 and was eventually dismissed by Superior Court Judge Graham Anderson Cribbs, who refused jurisdiction and found that there was "insufficient connection between [Prince] Albert and the State of California to justify hearing a suit [in California]"[39] and in doing so essentially accepted the submissions of the Prince's lawyer, Stanley Arkin, on that point. On 31 May 2006, after a DNA test confirmed the child's parentage, Prince Albert admitted, in a statement from his lawyer, that he is Jazmin's father. He also extended an invitation for the girl to study and live in Monaco.[9] Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste In May 2005, Nicole Coste, a former Air France flight attendant, originally from Togo (West Africa), claimed that her youngest son, whom she named Alexandre Coste, was Prince Albert's son, and that this was proven by DNA tests conducted by Swiss technicians working on orders from the Monegasque government. She further claimed the prince had signed a notarised certificate confirming paternity but that she had not received a copy of it. The French weekly Paris Match published a ten-page interview with Coste and included photographs of the prince holding and feeding the child. Coste also told Paris Match that she was living in the prince's Paris apartment, and receiving an allowance from him while pretending to be the girlfriend of one of his friends in order to maintain privacy. She also said that the prince had last seen the boy in February 2005. A spokesman for Prince Albert had no comment, though upon news of Coste's claims, the prince's lawyer, Thierry Lacoste, announced that "A judicial strategy will be determined within the next few days". In mid-May 2005, Lacoste announced that as a result of the international publicity over the revelations of the prince's son, Prince Albert was suing the Daily Mail, Bunte, and Paris Match for delving too deeply into his private life. On 6 July 2005, a few days before he was enthroned on 12 July, Prince Albert officially confirmed via his lawyer Lacoste that the 22-month-old was his biological son.[40] Other alleged children In an earlier paternity suit, Bea Fiedler, a German topless model whom the Daily Telegraph described as a "sex-film star", claimed her son Daniel was the prince's son. This suit was reportedly dismissed. A blood test, which was refused by the judge, did not prove that the prince was the father of Fiedler's son.[41] Succession issues As Rainier III's health declined, his son's lack of legitimate children became a matter of public and political concern owing to the legal and international consequences. Had Prince Albert succeeded his father and died without lawful heirs, it would have triggered Article 3 of the 1918 Franco-Monegasque Treaty, according to which the Principality of Monaco would become a protectorate of the French Republic.[46] Prior to 2002, Monaco's constitution stipulated that only the last reigning prince's "direct and legitimate" descendants could inherit the crown. On 2 April 2002, Monaco promulgated Princely Law 1.249, which provides that if a reigning prince dies without surviving legitimate issue, the throne passes to his legitimate siblings and their legitimate descendants of both sexes, according to the principle of male-preference primogeniture.[47] Following Albert's accession, this law took full effect in 2005 when ratified by France, pursuant to the Franco-Monégasque Treaty regulating relations between the Principality and its neighbour. Prince Albert's sisters and their legitimate children thereby retained the right to inherit the Monegasque throne, which they would have otherwise lost upon the death of Prince Rainier. Under the current constitution, neither Jazmin, nor Alexandre, are in the line of succession to the Monegasque throne as they are not Prince Albert's legitimate children, and he emphasised their ineligibility to inherit the throne in statements confirming his paternity.[22][40] Monegasque law stipulates that any non-adulterine illegitimate child is legitimised by the eventual marriage of his/her parents, thereupon obtaining the rights to which that child would have been entitled if born in lawful marriage. Thus Alexandre would have become Monaco's heir apparent under current law if Albert were to marry his son's mother. But in a 2005 exchange with American reporter Larry King, Albert stated that this would not happen.[48] Prior to the birth of Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, Prince Albert's elder sister, Caroline, Princess of Hanover, was heir presumptive and, according to the Grimaldi house law, bore the traditional title of Hereditary Princess of Monaco.[49] Following their birth, she is now third in line. In the spring of 2015, it was revealed in the magazine 'Ici Paris'[50] that Prince Albert had undergone surgery for a malignant skin cancer. Questions were raised in terms of succession as his heir, Prince Jacques, was barely four months old. Environmental issues Albert rides through a river on a guided tour in the Shoshone National Forest in the U.S., September 2013 Year of the Dolphin The year 2007 was declared as (International) Year of the Dolphin by the United Nations and United Nations Environment Programme.[51] Prince Albert served as the International Patron of the "Year of the Dolphin", saying "The Year of the Dolphin gives me the opportunity to renew my firm commitment towards protecting marine biodiversity. With this strong initiative we can make a difference to save these fascinating marine mammals from the brink of extinction." Jardin Animalier The Zoological Garden of Monaco (Jardin Animalier) was founded by Prince Rainier in 1954. Rainier was petitioned unsuccessfully for many years by Virginia McKenna, founder of the Born Free Foundation, to release a pair of leopards at the zoo.[52] Prince Albert met McKenna after his accession to the throne, and agreed to release the leopards as well the zoo's hippo and camel.[9] He intends to convert the Jardin into a zoo for children.[52] Expedition to Antarctica In January 2009, Prince Albert left for a month-long expedition to Antarctica, where he visited 26 scientific outposts and met with climate-change experts in an attempt to learn more about the impact of global warming on the continent.[53] During the trip he stopped at the South Pole, making him the only incumbent head of state to have visited both poles.[54][55] CITES and bluefin tuna Prince Albert II at the 5th Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and Islands. UNESCO, Paris (2010) In June 2009, Prince Albert co-authored an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal with Charles Clover, the author of The End of the Line, a book about overfishing and ocean conservation issues that had recently been made into a documentary by Rupert Murray. In the piece, Prince Albert and Clover note that bluefin tuna has been severely overfished in the Mediterranean, and decry the common European Union practice of awarding inflated quotas to bluefin fleets.[56] Albert also announced that Monaco would seek to award endangered species status to the Mediterranean bluefin Thunnus thynnus, (also called the Northern bluefin) under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). If upheld by the voting CITES delegates, this proposal would effectively ban the international trade in Mediterranean bluefin. This was the first time a nation had called for the inclusion of Mediterranean bluefin under CITES since Sweden[56] at the 1992 CITES Conference, which was vehemently opposed by Japan who eventually threatened retaliation through trade barriers.[57] Sweden withdrew its proposal. On 16 July 2009, France declared that it too would seek to have Mediterranean bluefin listed as an endangered species.[58] Only hours later, the United Kingdom followed suit.[59] Roger Revelle Prize On 23 October 2009, Prince Albert was awarded the Roger Revelle Prize for his efforts to protect the environment and to promote scientific research.[60] This award was given to Prince Albert by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California.[61] Prince Albert is the second recipient of this prize.[62] Awards In 1996, Prince Albert received the Eagle Award from the United States Sports Academy. The Eagle Award is the Academy's highest international honor and was awarded to Prince Albert for his significant contributions in promoting international harmony, peace and goodwill through the effective use of sport.[63] In October 2017, Prince Albert received the Lowell Thomas Award from The Explorers Club, a non-profit group that promotes scientific exploration. The award is presented by the President of the Club on special occasions to groups of outstanding explorers. The Club cited Prince Albert's dedication to the protection of the environment, and that he was the first head of state to reach both the North and South poles.[64] Prince of Monaco Albert II.  on October 14, 2019 at the Comenius University in Bratislava, he received the honorary title "doctor honoris causa" for activities in the field of protection of natural and cultural heritage and in removing the consequences of climate change. Commemorative coins As Monaco's head of state, Prince Albert II is depicted on coins, including collectors' coins, with very rare exceptions. One of the most recent examples is the €5 silver Prince Albert II commemorative coin, the first commemorative coin with his effigy on it, minted in 2008. On the obverse, the prince is depicted in profile with his name on the top of the coin. On the reverse, the Grimaldi coat of arms appears; around it, the words "Principauté de Monaco" (Principality of Monaco) also appear along with the nominal monetary value of the coin.[65] Other roles President, Monaco Red Cross President, Comité Olympique Monégasque Honorary President, Association Mondiale des Amis de l'Enfance Honorary President, The Automobile Club de Monaco Honorary President, The Festival de Télévision de Monte-Carlo Honorary President, Jumping International de Monte Carlo Honorary Board Member, International Paralympic Committee [66] Patron, Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters Patron, Peace and Sport Organization Senator, Junior Chamber International Trustee, Al Oerter Foundation/Art of the Olympians[67] Titles, styles, honours and awards Titles and styles Styles of Albert II, Prince of Monaco Personal standard of Prince Alberto II of Monaco.svg Reference style His Serene Highness Spoken style Your Serene Highness Alternative style Sir 14 March 1958 – 6 April 2005: His Serene Highness The Hereditary Prince of Monaco, Marquis of Baux 31 March 2005 – 6 April 2005: His Serene Highness The Prince Regent of Monaco 6 April 2005 – present: His Serene Highness The Sovereign Prince of Monaco As the prince, his official shortened title is "His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco"; this does not include the many other styles claimed by the Grimaldi family. Military appointments Monaco Monaco: Colonel of the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince (11 November 1986 – 6 April 2005)[2][68] France France: Capitaine de frégate de la Marine Nationale (2 April 1992 – present)[2][69] Honours Main article: List of honours of the Monegasque Princely Family by country National orders Grand Master and Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles (Grand Cross, 13 March 1979; Grand Master since 6 April 2005)[70] Grand Master of the Order of the Crown (since 6 April 2005) Grand Master and Grand Cross of the Order of Grimaldi (Grand Cross, 18 April 1958; Grand Master since 6 April 2005)[70] Grand Master of the Order of Cultural Merit (since 6 April 2005) Foreign orders  Albania: National Flag Order (16 October 2018)[71]  Bulgaria: 1st Class decoration of the Order of Stara Planina (26 November 2004)[70][72]  Burkina Faso: Grand Officer of the National Order of Burkina Faso (17 February 2012)[73]  Costa Rica: Grand Cross with Gold Star of the National Order Juan Mora Fernández (es, 2003)[70]  Croatia: Knight Grand Cross of the Grand Order of King Tomislav (7 April 2009)[73]  El Salvador: Grand Collar of the Order of the Liberator of the Slaves José Simeón Cañas (es, 2002)[70]  France: Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (2006)[70]  France: Grand Cross of the Ordre National du Mérite (25 July 1997)[70]  France: Commander of the Ordre des Palmes Académiques (19 June 2009)[70][74]  Germany: Grand Cross special class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (9 July 2012)   Holy See: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre (27 January 1983)[70]  Italy: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (12 December 2005)[70][75]  Jordan: Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Renaissance (before 07/2011)[70]  Lebanon: Grand Cordon of the Order of Merit (before 07/2011)[70]  Lithuania: Grand Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great (15 October 2012)[76]  Mali: Grand Cross of the National Order of Mali (12 February 2012)[73]  Netherlands: Recipient of the King Willem-Alexander Inauguration Medal  Niger: Grand Cross of the National Order of Niger (March 1998)[70]  Panama: Grand Cross of the Order of Vasco Núñez de Balboa (2002)[70]  Peru: Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun (2003)[70]  Poland: Member 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (2012)[77]  Romania : Collar of the Order of the Star of Romania (2009)[70][78]  San Marino: Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Agatha (2010)[70]  San Marino: Collar of the Order of San Marino (2015)  Senegal: Grand Officer (May 1977),[70] later Grand Cross (2012)[74] of the Order of the Lion  Slovakia: Grand Cross (or 1st Class) of the Order of the White Double Cross (2017)  SMOM: Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion (15 October 1997)[70]  SMOM: Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion (31 July 2011)[79]  SMOM: Collar of the Order pro merito Melitensi (15 October 2009)[70][80]  Tunisia: Grand Cordon of the Order of 7 November (September 2006)[70][81]  Sweden: HM King Carl XVI Gustaf 50th Anniversary Medal (30 April 1996)[82]  Sweden: Recipient of the 70th Birthday Badge Medal of King Carl XVI Gustaf (30 April 2016) Dynastic orders  House of Savoy: Grand Cross of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (1 March 2003)[83] Kingdom of Montenegro House of Petrović-Njegoš: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Danilo I Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Two Sicilian Royal Family: Knight of the Order of Saint Januarius (7 November 2017) Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Two Sicilian Royal Family: Bailiff Knight Grand Cross with Collar of Justice of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George (7 November 2017) Other awards  FIODS: Medal of the International Merit of Blood (12 March 1994)  Pahang: College of Darjah Kerabat Diraja Pahang (7 November 1997)  France: Grand Prix Humanitaire de France (6 March 2007) Logo upmc sorbonne.png Pierre and Marie Curie University: Doctor Honoris Causa (23 March 2017)[84]  Finland University of Lapland: Doctor Honoris Causa (19 February 2019)[85] Monaco (/ˈmɒnəkoʊ/ (listen); French pronunciation: ​[mɔnako]), officially the Principality of Monaco (French: Principauté de Monaco; Ligurian: Prinçipatu de Múnegu), is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west of the Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe, on the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by France to the north, east and west. The principality is home to 38,682 residents,[11] of whom 9,486 are Monégasque nationals;[12] it is widely recognised as one of the most expensive and wealthiest places in the world. The official language of the principality is French. In addition, Monégasque (a dialect of Ligurian), Italian and English are spoken and understood by many residents.[a] With an area of 2.1 km2 (0.81 sq mi), it is the second-smallest sovereign state in the world, after Vatican City. Its 19,009 inhabitants /km2 (49,230/sq mi) make it the most densely-populated sovereign state in the world. Monaco has a land border of 5.47 km (3.40 mi) and the world's shortest coastline of approximately 3.83 km (2.38 mi);[13] it has a width that varies between 1,700 and 349 m (5,577 and 1,145 ft). The highest point in the state is a narrow pathway named Chemin des Révoires on the slopes of Mont Agel, in the Les Révoires ward, which is 161 m (528 ft) above sea level. The principality is about 15 km (9.3 mi) from the border with Italy.[14] Its most populous ward is Larvotto/Bas Moulins with a population of 5,443 as of 2008. Through land reclamation, Monaco's land mass has expanded by 20 percent. In 2005, it had an area of only 1.974 km2 (0.762 sq mi). The principality is governed under a form of constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state, who wields immense political power despite his constitutional status. The Prime Minister, who is the head of government, can be either a Monégasque or a French citizen; the monarch consults with the Government of France before an appointment. Key members of the judiciary in Monaco are detached French magistrates.[15] The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco, with brief interruptions, since 1297.[16] The state's sovereignty was officially recognised by the Franco-Monégasque Treaty of 1861, with Monaco becoming a full United Nations voting member in 1993. Despite Monaco's independence and separate foreign policy, its defence is the responsibility of France. However, Monaco does maintain two small military units. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with the opening of the state's first casino, the Monte Carlo Casino, as well as a railway connection to Paris.[17] Since then, Monaco's mild climate, scenery, and gambling facilities have contributed to the principality's status as a tourist destination and recreation centre for the rich. In more recent years, Monaco has become a major banking centre and has sought to diversify its economy into the services sector and small, high-value-added, non-polluting industries. Monaco is famous as a tax haven: the principality has no personal income tax and low business taxes. Over 30% of the residents are millionaires[clarification needed],[18] with real estate prices reaching €100,000 ($116,374) per square metre in 2018. Monaco is not formally a part of the European Union (EU), but it participates in certain EU policies, including customs and border controls. Through its relationship with France, Monaco uses the euro as its sole currency; before, it used the Monegasque franc, which was pegged, and exchangeable with, the French franc until the 1st of January 2002. Monaco joined the Council of Europe in 2004 and is a member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). It is also the host of the annual street circuit motor race, the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the original Grands Prix of Formula One. The local motorsports association gives name to the Monte Carlo Rally, hosted in January in the French Alps. The principality has a club football team, AS Monaco, which competes in the French Ligue 1 and have become French champions on multiple occasions. A centre of research into marine conservation, Monaco is home to one of the world's first protected marine habitats,[19] an Oceanographic Museum, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency Environment Labs, which is the only marine laboratory in the United Nations structure.[20] Contents 1 History 1.1 Arrival of the Grimaldi family 1.2 1400–1800 1.3 19th century 1.4 20th century 1.5 21st century 2 Government 2.1 Politics 2.2 Security 3 Geography 3.1 Administrative divisions 3.1.1 Traditional quarters and modern geographic areas 3.1.2 Wards 3.2 Architecture 4 Climate 5 Economy 5.1 Gambling industry 5.2 Taxes 5.3 Numismatics 6 Population 6.1 Demographics 6.2 Language 7 Religion 7.1 Christianity 7.1.1 Catholicism 7.1.2 Anglican Communion 7.1.3 Reformed Church of Monaco 7.1.4 Charismatic Episcopal Church 7.1.5 Christian Fellowship 7.1.6 Greek Orthodoxy 7.1.7 Russian Orthodox 7.2 Judaism 7.3 Islam 8 Sports 8.1 Formula One 8.2 Monégasque Formula 1 Drivers 8.3 Formula E 8.4 Monte Carlo Rally 8.5 Football 8.6 Rugby 8.7 Basketball 8.8 Professional boxing 8.9 Other sports 9 Culture 9.1 Cuisine 9.2 Music 9.3 Visual arts 9.4 Museums in Monaco 9.5 Events, festivals and shows 9.6 Bread Festival 10 Education 10.1 Primary and secondary schools 10.2 Colleges and universities 11 Flag 12 Transport 13 Relations with other countries 14 See also 15 Notes 16 References 17 External links History Main article: History of Monaco Monoecus in Roman Liguria in Italy, around 1st century BC Monaco's name comes from the nearby 6th-century BC Phocaean Greek colony. Referred to by the Ligurians as Monoikos, from the Greek "μόνοικος", "single house", from "μόνος" (monos) "alone, single"[21] + "οἶκος" (oikos) "house".[22] According to an ancient myth, Hercules passed through the Monaco area and turned away the previous gods.[23] As a result, a temple was constructed there. Because this "House" of Hercules was the only temple in the area, the city was called Monoikos.[24][25] It ended up in the hands of the Holy Roman Empire, which gave it to the Genoese. An ousted branch of a Genoese family, the Grimaldi, contested it for a hundred years before actually gaining control. Though the Republic of Genoa would last until the 19th century, they allowed the Grimaldi family to keep Monaco, and, likewise, both France and Spain left it alone for hundreds of years. France did not annex it until the French Revolution, but after the defeat of Napoleon it was put under the care of the Kingdom of Sardinia. In the 19th century, when Sardinia became a part of Italy, the region came under French influence but France allowed it to remain independent. Like France, Monaco was overrun by the Axis powers during the Second World War and for a short time was administered by Italy, then the Third Reich, before finally being liberated. Although the occupation lasted for just a short time, it resulted in the deportation of the Jewish population and execution of several resistance members from Monaco. Since then Monaco has been independent. It has taken some steps towards integration with the European Union. Arrival of the Grimaldi family Rainier I of Grimaldi, victor of the naval battle at Zierikzee and first sovereign Grimaldi ruler of Monaco Following a grant of land from Emperor Henry VI in 1191, Monaco was refounded in 1215 as a colony of Genoa.[26][27] Monaco was first ruled by a member of the House of Grimaldi in 1297, when Francesco Grimaldi, known as "Malizia" (translated from Italian either as "The Malicious One" or "The Cunning One"), and his men captured the fortress protecting the Rock of Monaco while dressed as Franciscan friars – a monaco in Italian – although this is a coincidence as the area was already known by this name.[28] Francesco, however, was evicted only a few years after by the Genoese forces, and the struggle over "the Rock" continued for another century.[29] The Grimaldi family was Genoese and the struggle was something of a family feud. However, the Genoese became engaged in other conflicts, and in the late 1300s Genoa lost Monaco in conflict with the Crown of Aragon over Corsica.[30] Aragon eventually became part of a united Spain, and other parts of the land grant came to be integrated piecemeal into other states.[30] 1400–1800 Monaco (as part of the Republic of Genoa) in 1494 In 1419, the Grimaldi family purchased Monaco from the Crown of Aragon and became the official and undisputed rulers of "the Rock of Monaco". In 1612, Honoré II began to style himself "Prince" of Monaco.[31] In the 1630s, he sought French protection against the Spanish forces and, in 1642, was received at the court of Louis XIII as a "duc et pair étranger".[32] The princes of Monaco thus became vassals of the French kings while at the same time remaining sovereign princes.[33] Though successive princes and their families spent most of their lives in Paris, and intermarried with French and Italian nobilities, the House of Grimaldi is Italian. The principality continued its existence as a protectorate of France until the French Revolution.[34] 19th century Map of the French annexation in 1860 In 1793, Revolutionary forces captured Monaco and until 1814 it was occupied by the French (in this period much of Europe had been overrun by the French armies under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte).[32][35] The principality was reestablished in 1814 under the Grimaldis, only to be designated a protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia by the Congress of Vienna in 1815.[35] Monaco remained in this position until 1860 when, by the Treaty of Turin, the Sardinian forces pulled out of the principality; the surrounding County of Nice (as well as Savoy) was ceded to France.[36] Monaco became a French protectorate once again. Before this time there was unrest in Menton and Roquebrune, where the townspeople had become weary of heavy taxation by the Grimaldi family. They declared their independence, hoping for annexation by Sardinia. France protested. The unrest continued until Charles III of Monaco gave up his claim to the two mainland towns (some 95% of the principality at the time) that had been ruled by the Grimaldi family for over 500 years.[37] These were ceded to France in return for 4,100,000 francs.[38] The transfer and Monaco's sovereignty were recognised by the Franco-Monégasque Treaty of 1861. In 1869, the principality stopped collecting income tax from its residents—an indulgence the Grimaldi family could afford to entertain thanks solely to the extraordinary success of the casino.[39] This made Monaco not only a playground for the rich, but a favoured place for them to live.[40] 20th century The Mayor of Monaco announcing concessions, ending the absolute monarchy of Prince Albert I in 1910 Until the Monégasque Revolution of 1910 forced the adoption of the 1911 Constitution of Monaco, the princes of Monaco were absolute rulers.[41] The new constitution, however, barely reduced the autocratic rule of the Grimaldi family and Prince Albert I soon suspended it during the First World War. In July 1918, a new Franco-Monégasque Treaty was signed, providing for limited French protection over Monaco. The treaty, endorsed in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles, established that Monégasque international policy would be aligned with French political, military and economic interests. It also resolved the Monaco succession crisis. The marriage of actress Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier III brought media attention to the principality. In 1943, the Italian Army invaded and occupied Monaco, forming a fascist administration.[42] In September 1943, after Mussolini's fall from power, the German Wehrmacht occupied Italy and Monaco, and the Nazi deportation of the Jewish population began. René Blum, the prominent French Jew who founded the Ballet de l'Opéra in Monte Carlo, was arrested in his Paris home and held in the Drancy deportation camp outside the French capital before being transported to Auschwitz, where he was later killed.[43] Blum's colleague Raoul Gunsbourg, the director of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, helped by the French Resistance, escaped arrest and fled to Switzerland.[44] In August 1944, the Germans executed René Borghini, Joseph-Henri Lajoux and Esther Poggio, who were Resistance leaders. Rainier III, who ruled until 2005, succeeded to the throne on the death of his grandfather, Prince Louis II, in 1949. On 19 April 1956, Prince Rainier married the American actress Grace Kelly, an event that was widely televised and covered in the popular press, focusing the world's attention on the tiny principality.[45] A 1962 amendment to the constitution abolished capital punishment, provided for women's suffrage and established a Supreme Court of Monaco to guarantee fundamental liberties. In 1963, a crisis developed when Charles de Gaulle blockaded Monaco, angered by its status as a tax haven for wealthy French citizens. The 2014 film Grace of Monaco is loosely based on this crisis.[46] In 1993, the Principality of Monaco became a member of the United Nations, with full voting rights.[36][47] 21st century View of Monaco in 2016 In 2002, a new treaty between France and Monaco specified that, should there be no heirs to carry on the Grimaldi dynasty, the principality would still remain an independent nation rather than revert to France. Monaco's military defence, however, is still the responsibility of France.[48][49] On 31 March 2005, Rainier III, who was too ill to exercise his duties, relinquished them to his only son and heir, Albert.[50] He died six days later, after a reign of 56 years, with his son succeeding him as Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Following a period of official mourning, Prince Albert II formally assumed the princely crown on 12 July 2005,[51] in a celebration that began with a solemn Mass at Saint Nicholas Cathedral, where his father had been buried three months earlier. His accession to the Monégasque throne was a two-step event with a further ceremony, drawing heads of state for an elaborate reception, held on 18 November 2005, at the historic Prince's Palace in Monaco-Ville.[52] On 27 August 2015, Albert II apologised for Monaco's role during World War II in facilitating the deportation of a total of 90 Jews and resistance fighters, of whom only nine survived. "We committed the irreparable in handing over to the neighbouring authorities women, men and a child who had taken refuge with us to escape the persecutions they had suffered in France," Albert said at a ceremony in which a monument to the victims was unveiled at the Monaco cemetery. "In distress, they came specifically to take shelter with us, thinking they would find neutrality."[53] In 2015, Monaco unanimously approved a modest land reclamation expansion intended primarily to accommodate desperately needed housing and a small green/park area.[54] Monaco had previously considered an expansion in 2008, but had called it off.[54] The plan is for about six hectares (15 acres) of apartment buildings, parks, shops and offices to a land value of about 1 billion euros.[55] The development will be adjacent to the Larvotto district and also will include a small marina.[55][56] There were four main proposals, and the final mix of use will be finalised as the development progresses.[57] The name for the new district is Anse du Portier.[56] On 3 September 2020, the first Monégasque satellite, OSM-1 CICERO, was launched into space from French Guiana aboard a Vega rocket.[58] The satellite was built in Monaco by Orbital Solutions Monaco. Panoramic view of Monaco from the Tête de Chien (Dog's Head) high rock promontory Government Politics Main article: Politics of Monaco Albert II, Prince of Monaco Monaco has been governed under a constitutional monarchy since 1911, with the Sovereign Prince of Monaco as head of state.[59] The executive branch consists of a Prime Minister as the head of government, who presides over the other five members of the Council of Government.[60] Until 2002, the Prime Minister was a French citizen appointed by the prince from among candidates proposed by the Government of France; since a constitutional amendment in 2002, the Prime Minister can be French or Monégasque.[26] On 1 September 2020, Prince Albert II appointed a French citizen, Pierre Dartout, to the office.[61] Under the 1962 Constitution of Monaco, the prince shares his veto power with the unicameral National Council.[62] The 24 members of the National Council are elected for five-year terms; 16 are chosen through a majority electoral system and 8 by proportional representation.[63] All legislation requires the approval of the National Council, which is dominated by the conservative Rally and Issues for Monaco (REM) party which holds 20 seats.[63] Union Monégasque holds three seats[63] while Renaissance holds one seat. The principality's city affairs are directed by the Communal Council,[64] which consists of 14 elected members and is presided over by a mayor.[65] Georges Marsan has been mayor since 2003. Unlike the National Council, communal councillors are elected for four-year terms[66] and are strictly non-partisan; however, oppositions inside the council frequently form.[64][67] Members of the judiciary of Monaco are appointed by the Sovereign Prince. Key positions within the judiciary are held by French magistrates, proposed by the Government of France. Monaco currently has three examining magistrates.[68] Security See also: Law enforcement in Monaco Palace guards in Monaco The wider defence of the nation is provided by France. Monaco has no navy or air force, but on both a per-capita and per-area basis, Monaco has one of the largest police forces (515 police officers for about 38,000 people) and police presences in the world.[69] Its police includes a special unit which operates patrol and surveillance boats jointly with the military. Police forces in Monaco are commanded by a French officer.[70] There is also a small military force. This consists of a bodyguard unit for the prince and his palace in Monaco-Ville called the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince (Prince's Company of Carabiniers);[71] together with the militarised, armed fire and civil defence corps (Sapeurs-Pompiers) it forms Monaco's total forces.[72] The Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince was created by Prince Honoré IV in 1817 for the protection of the principality and the princely family. The company numbers exactly 116 officers and men; while the non-commissioned officers and soldiers are local, the officers have generally served in the French Army. In addition to their guard duties as described, the carabiniers patrol the principality's beaches and coastal waters.[73] Geography See also: Land reclamation in Monaco Satellite view of Monaco, with the France–Monaco border shown in yellow Monaco is a sovereign city-state, with five quarters and ten wards,[74] located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. It is bordered by France's Alpes-Maritimes department on three sides, with one side bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Its centre is about 16 km (9.9 mi) from Italy and only 13 km (8.1 mi) northeast of Nice.[47] It has an area of 2.1 km2 (0.81 sq mi), or 208 ha (510 acres), and a population of 38,400,[75] making Monaco the second-smallest and the most densely populated country in the world.[47] The country has a land border of only 5.47 km (3.40 mi),[75] a coastline of 3.83 km (2.38 mi), a maritime claim that extends 22.2 km (13.8 mi), and a width that varies between 1,700 and 349 m (5,577 and 1,145 ft).[76][77] The highest point in the country is at the access to the Patio Palace residential building on the Chemin des Révoires (ward Les Révoires) from the D6007 (Moyenne Corniche street) at 164.4 m (539 ft) above sea level.[78] The lowest point in the country is the Mediterranean Sea.[79] Saint-Jean brook is the longest flowing body of water, around 0.19 km (190 m; 0.12 mi; 620 ft) in length, and Fontvieille is the largest lake, approximately 0.5 ha (5,000 m2; 0 acres; 54,000 sq ft) in area.[80] Monaco's most populated quartier is Monte Carlo, and the most populated ward is Larvotto/Bas Moulins.[81] After a recent[when?] expansion of Port Hercules,[82] Monaco's total area grew to 2.08 km2 (0.80 sq mi) or 208 ha (510 acres);[81] subsequently, new plans have been approved to extend the district of Fontvieille by 0.08 km2 (0.031 sq mi) or 8 ha (20 acres), with land reclaimed from the Mediterranean Sea. Land reclamation projects include extending the district of Fontvieille.[83][84][85][82][86] There are two ports in Monaco, Port Hercules and Port Fontvieille.[87] There is a neighbouring French port called Cap d'Ail that is near Monaco.[87] Monaco's only natural resource is fishing;[88] with almost the entire country being an urban area, Monaco lacks any sort of commercial agriculture industry. Panoramic view of La Condamine and Monte Carlo Administrative divisions Ambox current red Americas.svg This section's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. The reason given is: wards were re-organised in 2013. See Monaco#Organisation territoriale (fr). Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (July 2015) In the centre is La Condamine. At the right with the smaller harbour is Fontvieille, with The Rock (the old town, fortress, and Palace) jutting out between the two harbours. At the left are the high-rise buildings of La Rousse/Saint Roman. Enlargeable, detailed map of Monaco Monaco is the second-smallest country by area in the world; only Vatican City is smaller.[89] Monaco is the most densely populated country in the world.[90] The state consists of only one municipality (commune), the Municipality of Monaco. There is no geographical distinction between the State and City of Monaco, although responsibilities of the government (state-level) and of the municipality (city-level) are different.[61] According to the constitution of 1911, the principality was subdivided into three municipalities:[91] Monaco-Ville, the old city and seat of government of the principality on a rocky promontory extending into the Mediterranean, known as the Rock of Monaco, or simply "The Rock"; Monte Carlo, the principal residential and resort area with the Monte Carlo Casino in the east and northeast; La Condamine, the southwestern section including the port area, Port Hercules. The municipalities were merged into one in 1917,[92][how?] and they were accorded the status of Wards or Quartiers thereafter. Fontvieille was added as a fourth ward, a newly constructed area claimed from the sea in the 1970s; Moneghetti became the fifth ward, created from part of La Condamine; Larvotto became the sixth ward, created from part of Monte Carlo; La Rousse/Saint Roman (including Le Ténao) became the seventh ward, also created from part of Monte Carlo. Subsequently, three additional wards were created: Saint Michel, created from part of Monte Carlo; La Colle, created from part of La Condamine; Les Révoires, also created from part of La Condamine. The latter two were then merged as part of the 2013 redestricting process, where they became part of the larger Jardin Exotique ward. An additional ward was planned by new land reclamation to be settled beginning in 2014[93] but Prince Albert II announced in his 2009 New Year Speech that he had ended plans due to the economic climate at the time.[94] However, Prince Albert II in mid-2010 firmly restarted the programme.[95][96] In 2015, a new development called Anse du Portier was announced.[56] Traditional quarters and modern geographic areas The four traditional quartiers of Monaco are Monaco-Ville, La Condamine, Monte Carlo and Fontvieille.[97] However, the suburb of Moneghetti, the high-level part of La Condamine, is generally seen today as an effective fifth Quartier of Monaco, having a very distinct atmosphere and topography when compared with low-level La Condamine.[98] Wards Wards of Monaco For town planning purposes, a sovereign ordinance in 1966 divided the principality into reserved sectors, "whose current character must be preserved", and wards. The number and boundaries of these sectors and wards have been modified several times. The latest division dates from 2013 and created two reserved sectors and seven wards. A new 6-hectare district, Le Portier, is currently being built on the sea. Ward Area (ha) Remarks Reserved Sectors Monaco-Ville 20 Old City Ravin de Sainte-Dévote 2 Ravine of Sainte-Dévote Chapel Wards La Condamine 30 Northwest port area Fontvielle 33 Reclaimed from the sea Larvotto 22 Eastern beach area Jardin Exotique 24 Regroups the former districts of La Colle and Les Révoires Les Moneghetti 12 Central-west residential area Monte-Carlo 44 Casino and resort area with surrounding residential areas La Rousse 18 Northeast area Note: for statistical purposes, the Wards of Monaco are further subdivided into 178 city blocks (îlots), which are comparable to the census blocks in the United States.[81] Other possible expansions are Le Portier, a project relaunched in 2012[99] Another possibility was Fontvieille II Development to commence in 2013[100][101] Land reclamation in Monaco since 1861 Architecture See also: Architecture of Monaco and Monaco villas Monaco exhibits a wide range of architecture, but the principality's signature style, particularly in Monte Carlo, is that of the Belle Époque. It finds its most florid expression in the 1878–9 Casino and the Salle Garnier created by Charles Garnier and Jules Dutrou. Decorative elements include turrets, balconies, pinnacles, multi-coloured ceramics, and caryatids. These were blended to create a picturesque fantasy of pleasure and luxury, and an alluring expression of how Monaco sought and still seeks, to portray itself.[102] This capriccio of French, Italian, and Spanish elements were incorporated into hacienda villas and apartments. Following major development in the 1970s, Prince Rainier III banned high-rise development in the principality. His successor, Prince Albert II, overturned this Sovereign Order.[103] In recent years[when?] the accelerating demolition of Monaco's architectural heritage, including its single-family villas, has created dismay.[104] The principality has no heritage protection legislation.[105] Climate Temperature change in Monaco since 1901 in the context of global warming Monaco has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification: Csa), with strong maritime influences, with some resemblances to the oceanic climate (Cfb) and the humid subtropical climate (Cfa). As a result, it has balmy warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The winters are very mild considering the city's latitude, being as mild as locations located much further south in the Mediterranean Basin.[106] Cool and rainy interludes can interrupt the dry summer season, the average length of which is also shorter. Summer afternoons are infrequently hot (indeed, temperatures greater than 30 °C or 86 °F are rare) as the atmosphere is temperate because of constant sea breezes. On the other hand, the nights are very mild, due to the fairly high temperature of the sea in summer. Generally, temperatures do not drop below 20 °C (68 °F) in this season. In the winter, frosts and snowfalls are extremely rare and generally occur once or twice every ten years.[107][108] On 27 February 2018, both Monaco and Monte Carlo experienced snowfall.[109] Climate data for Monaco (1981–2010 averages, extremes 1966–present) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 19.9 (67.8) 23.2 (73.8) 25.6 (78.1) 26.2 (79.2) 30.3 (86.5) 32.5 (90.5) 34.4 (93.9) 34.5 (94.1) 33.1 (91.6) 29.0 (84.2) 25.0 (77.0) 22.3 (72.1) 34.5 (94.1) Average high °C (°F) 13.0 (55.4) 13.0 (55.4) 14.9 (58.8) 16.7 (62.1) 20.4 (68.7) 23.7 (74.7) 26.6 (79.9) 26.9 (80.4) 24.0 (75.2) 20.6 (69.1) 16.5 (61.7) 13.9 (57.0) 19.2 (66.6) Daily mean °C (°F) 10.2 (50.4) 10.2 (50.4) 12.0 (53.6) 13.8 (56.8) 17.5 (63.5) 20.9 (69.6) 23.8 (74.8) 24.2 (75.6) 21.1 (70.0) 17.9 (64.2) 13.8 (56.8) 11.2 (52.2) 16.4 (61.5) Average low °C (°F) 7.4 (45.3) 7.4 (45.3) 9.1 (48.4) 10.9 (51.6) 14.6 (58.3) 18.0 (64.4) 21.0 (69.8) 21.4 (70.5) 18.3 (64.9) 15.2 (59.4) 11.2 (52.2) 8.5 (47.3) 13.6 (56.5) Record low °C (°F) −3.1 (26.4) −5.2 (22.6) −3.1 (26.4) 3.8 (38.8) 7.5 (45.5) 9.0 (48.2) 10.5 (50.9) 12.4 (54.3) 10.5 (50.9) 6.5 (43.7) 1.6 (34.9) −1.0 (30.2) −5.2 (22.6) Average precipitation mm (inches) 67.7 (2.67) 48.4 (1.91) 41.2 (1.62) 71.3 (2.81) 49.0 (1.93) 32.6 (1.28) 13.7 (0.54) 26.5 (1.04) 72.5 (2.85) 128.7 (5.07) 103.2 (4.06) 88.8 (3.50) 743.6 (29.28) Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 6.0 4.9 4.5 7.3 5.5 4.1 1.7 2.5 5.1 7.3 7.1 6.5 62.4 Mean monthly sunshine hours 149.8 158.9 185.5 210.0 248.1 281.1 329.3 296.7 224.7 199.0 155.2 136.5 2,574.7 Source 1: Météo France[110] Source 2: Monaco website (sun only)[111] Climate data for Monaco Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Average sea temperature °C (°F) 13.4 (56.2) 13.0 (55.5) 13.4 (56.1) 14.6 (58.4) 18.0 (64.3) 21.8 (71.3) 23.1 (73.6) 23.6 (74.4) 22.2 (71.9) 19.6 (67.2) 17.4 (63.3) 14.9 (58.9) 17.9 (64.3) Source: Weather Atlas[112] vte Administrative divisions of Monaco vte Geography of Europe vte Climate of Europe Economy Main article: Economy of Monaco Fontvieille and its new harbour Monaco has the world's highest GDP nominal per capita at US$185,742, GDP PPP per capita at $132,571 and GNI per capita at $183,150.[113][114][115] It also has an unemployment rate of 2%,[116] with over 48,000 workers who commute from France and Italy each day.[81] According to the CIA World Factbook, Monaco has the world's lowest poverty rate[117] and the highest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita in the world.[118] For the fourth year in a row, Monaco in 2012 had the world's most expensive real estate market, at $58,300 per square metre.[119][120][121] The world's most expensive apartment is located in Monaco, a penthouse at the Odeon Tower valued at $335 million according to Forbes in 2016.[122] One of Monaco's main sources of income is tourism. Each year many foreigners are attracted to its casino and pleasant climate.[77][123] It has also become a major banking centre, holding over €100 billion worth of funds.[124] Banks in Monaco specialise in providing private banking, asset and wealth management services.[125] Monaco is the only place in Europe where credit card points are not redeemable. Hotel points are not able to be accumulated nor are transactions recorded, allowing for an increase in privacy that is sought by many of the locals. The principality has successfully sought to diversify its economic base into services and small, high-value-added, non-polluting industries, such as cosmetics and biothermics.[failed verification][117] The state retains monopolies in numerous sectors, including tobacco and the postal service. The telephone network (Monaco Telecom) used to be fully owned by the state; it now owns only 45%, while the remaining 55% is owned by both Cable & Wireless Communications (49%) and Compagnie Monégasque de Banque (6%). It is still, however, a monopoly. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.[126] Monaco is not a member of the European Union. However, it is very closely linked via a customs union with France and, as such, its currency is the same as that of France, the euro. Before 2002, Monaco minted its own coins, the Monegasque franc. Monaco has acquired the right to mint euro coins with Monegasque designs on its national side. Gambling industry Monte Carlo Casino The plan for casino gambling was drafted during the reign of Florestan I in 1846. Under Louis-Philippe's petite-bourgeois regime, however, a dignitary such as the Prince of Monaco was not allowed to operate a gambling house.[26] All this changed in the dissolute Second French Empire under Napoleon III. The House of Grimaldi was in dire need of money. The towns of Menton and Roquebrune, which had been the main sources of income for the Grimaldi family for centuries, were now accustomed to a much-improved standard of living and lenient taxation thanks to the Sardinian intervention and clamoured for financial and political concession, even for separation. The Grimaldi family hoped the newly legal industry would help alleviate the difficulties they faced, above all the crushing debt the family had incurred, but Monaco's first casino would not be ready to operate until after Charles III assumed the throne in 1856. The grantee of the princely concession (licence) was unable to attract enough business to sustain the operation and, after relocating the casino several times, sold the concession to French casino magnates François and Louis Blanc for 1.7 million francs. The Blancs had already set up a highly successful casino (in fact the largest in Europe) in Bad-Homburg in the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Homburg, a small German principality comparable to Monaco, and quickly petitioned Charles III to rename a depressed seaside area known as "Les Spelugues (Den of Thieves)" to "Monte Carlo (Mount Charles)."[127] They then constructed their casino in the newly dubbed "Monte Carlo" and cleared out the area's less-than-savoury elements to make the neighbourhood surrounding the establishment more conducive to tourism. The Blancs opened Le Grand Casino de Monte Carlo in 1858 and the casino benefited from the tourist traffic the newly built French railway system created.[128] Due to the combination of the casino and the railroads, Monaco finally recovered from the previous half-century of economic slump and the principality's success attracted other businesses.[129] In the years following the casino's opening, Monaco founded its Oceanographic Museum and the Monte Carlo Opera House, 46 hotels were built and the number of jewellers operating in Monaco increased by nearly five-fold. In an apparent effort to not overtax citizens, it was decreed that the Monégasque citizens were prohibited from entering the casino unless they were employees.[130] By 1869, the casino was making such a vast sum of money that the principality could afford to end tax collection from the Monegasques—a masterstroke that was to attract affluent residents from all over Europe in a policy that still exists today. Today, Société des bains de mer de Monaco, which owns Le Grand Casino, still operates in the original building that the Blancs constructed and has since been joined by several other casinos, including the Le Casino Café de Paris, the Monte Carlo Sporting Club & Casino and the Sun Casino. The most recent[when?] addition in Monte Carlo is the Monte Carlo Bay Casino, which sits on 4 hectares of the Mediterranean Sea; among other things, it offers 145 slot machines, all equipped with "ticket-in, ticket-out" (TITO). It is the first Mediterranean casino to use this technology.[131] Taxes Monaco has a 20% VAT plus high social-insurance taxes, payable by both employers and employees. The employers' contributions are between 28% and 40% (averaging 35%) of gross salary, including benefits, and employees pay a further 10% to 14% (averaging 13%).[132] Monaco has never levied income tax on individuals,[83] and foreigners are thus able to use it as a "tax haven" from their own country's high taxes, because as an independent country, Monaco is not obliged to pay taxes to other countries.[133][134] The absence of a personal income tax has attracted many wealthy "tax refugee" residents from European countries, who derive the majority of their income from activity outside Monaco. Celebrities, such as Formula One drivers, attract most of the attention but the vast majority are lesser-known business people.[135] However, due to a bilateral treaty with France, French citizens who reside in Monaco must still pay income and wealth taxes to France.[136] The principality also actively discourages the registration of foreign corporations, charging a 33 per cent corporation tax on profits unless they can show that at least three-quarters of turnover is generated within Monaco. Unlike classic tax havens, Monaco does not offer offshore financial services.[83] In 1998, the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), issued a first report on the consequences of the financial systems of known tax havens.[137] Monaco did not appear in the list of these territories until 2004, when the OECD became indignant regarding the Monegasque situation and denounced it in a report, along with Andorra, Liechtenstein, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands. The report underlined Monaco's lack of co-operation regarding financial information disclosure and availability.[138][139] Later, Monaco overcame the OECD's objections and was removed from the "grey list" of uncooperative jurisdictions. In 2009, Monaco went a step further and secured a place on the "white list" after signing twelve information exchange treaties with other jurisdictions.[83] In 2000, the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) stated: "The anti-money laundering system in Monaco is comprehensive. However, difficulties have been encountered with Monaco by countries in international investigations on serious crimes that appear to be linked also with tax matters. In addition, the FIU of Monaco (SICCFIN) suffers a great lack of adequate resources. The authorities of Monaco have stated that they will provide additional resources to SICCFIN."[140] Also in 2000, a report by French Socialist MPs Arnaud Montebourg and Vincent Peillon stated that Monaco had relaxed policies with respect to money laundering including within its casino and that the Government of Monaco had been placing political pressure on the judiciary so that alleged crimes were not being properly investigated.[141] In its Progress Report of 2005, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) identified Monaco, along with 36 other territories, as a tax haven,[142] but in its FATF report of the same year it took a positive view of Monaco's measures against money-laundering.[143][144] The Council of Europe also decided to issue reports naming tax havens. Twenty-two territories, including Monaco, were thus evaluated between 1998 and 2000 on a first round. Monaco was the only territory that refused to perform the second round, between 2001 and 2003, whereas the 21 other territories had planned to implement the third and final round, planned between 2005 and 2007.[145] Numismatics Main articles: Monégasque franc, Monégasque euro coins, and Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Monaco) 1978 Monégasque franc coin with an effigy of Rainier III Monaco issued its own coins in various devaluations connected to the écu already in the seventeenth century, but its first decimal coins of the Monégasque franc were issued in 1837 continued until 2001. Although Monaco is not a European Union member, it is allowed to use the euro as its currency by arrangement with the Council of the European Union; it is also granted the right to use its own designs on the national side of the euro coins, which was introduced in 2002.[146] In preparation for this date, the minting of the new euro coins started as early as 2001. Like Belgium, Finland, France, the Netherlands, and Spain, Monaco decided to put the minting date on its coins. This is why the first euro coins from Monaco have the year 2001 on them, instead of 2002, like the other countries of the Eurozone that decided to put the year of first circulation (2002) on their coins.[147][148] Three different designs were selected for the Monégasque coins.[149] However, in 2006, the design was changed after the death of ruling Prince Rainier to have the effigy of Prince Albert.[149][150] Monaco also mints collectors' coins, with face value ranging from €5 to €100.[151] These coins are a legacy of an old national practice of minting silver and gold commemorative coins.[152] Unlike normal issues, these coins are not legal tender in all the Eurozone.[153][better source needed] The same practice concerning commemorative coins is exercised by all eurozone countries. Population Population of Monaco by nationality   French (28.4%)   Monégasque (21.6%)   Italian (18.7%)   British (7.5%)   Belgian (2.8%)   German (2.5%)   Swiss (2.5%)   American (1.2%)   Other (14.8%) Demographics Main article: Demographics of Monaco Monaco's total population was 38,400 in 2015, and estimated by the United Nations to be 39,511 as of 1 July 2021.[154][155] Monaco's population is unusual in that the native Monégasques are a minority in their own country: the largest group are French nationals at 28.4%, followed by Monégasque (21.6%), Italian (18.7%), British (7.5%), Belgian (2.8%), German (2.5%), Swiss (2.5%) and U.S. nationals (1.2%).[156] Citizens of Monaco, whether born in the country or naturalised, are called Monégasque. Monaco has the world's highest life expectancy at nearly 90 years.[157][158] Language Main article: languages of Monaco Street sign in French and Monégasque in Monaco-Ville. The main and official language of Monaco is French, while Italian is spoken by the principality's sizeable community from Italy. French and Italian are in fact more spoken in the principality today than Monégasque, its historic vernacular language. A dialect of Ligurian, Monégasque is not recognised as an official language; nevertheless, some signage appears in both French and Monégasque, and the language is taught in schools. English is also used. Italian was the official language in Monaco until 1860, when it was replaced by the French.[159] This was due to the annexation of the surrounding County of Nice to France following the Treaty of Turin (1860).[159] The Grimaldi, princes of Monaco, have Ligurian origin; thus, the traditional national language is Monégasque, a variety of Ligurian, now spoken by only a minority of residents and as a common second language by many native residents. In Monaco-Ville, street signs are printed in both French and Monégasque.[160][161] Religion Religion in Monaco according to the Global Religious Landscape survey by the Pew Forum, 2012[3]   Christianity (86%)   Unaffiliated (11.7%)   Judaism (1.7%)   Islam (0.4%)   Other religions (0.2%) Christianity Christians comprise a total of 86% of Monaco's population.[3] According to Monaco 2012 International Religious Freedom Report, Roman Catholic Christians are Monaco's largest religious group, followed by Protestant Christians. The Report states that there are two Protestant churches, an Anglican church and a Reformed church. There are also various other Evangelical Protestant communities that gather periodically. Catholicism Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate Sainte-Dévote Chapel Main article: Catholic Church in Monaco The official religion is Catholicism, with freedom of other religions guaranteed by the constitution.[2] There are five Catholic parish churches in Monaco and one cathedral, which is the seat of the archbishop of Monaco. The diocese, which has existed since the mid-19th century, was raised to a non-metropolitan archbishopric in 1981 as the Archdiocese of Monaco and remains exempt (i.e. immediately subject to the Holy See). The patron saint is Saint Devota. Anglican Communion There is one Anglican church (St Paul's Church), located in the Avenue de Grande Bretagne in Monte Carlo. The church was dedicated in 1925. In 2007 this had a formal membership of 135 Anglican residents in the principality but was also serving a considerably larger number of Anglicans temporarily in the country, mostly as tourists. The church site also accommodates an English-language library of over 3,000 books.[162] The church is part of the Anglican Diocese in Europe. Reformed Church of Monaco There is one Reformed church, which meets in a building located in Rue Louis Notari. The building dates from 1958-59. The church is affiliated with the United Protestant Church of France (Église Protestante Unie de France, EPUF), a group that incorporates the former Reformed Church of France (Église Réformée de France). Through this affiliation with EPUF, the church is part of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. The church acts as a host-church to some other Christian communities, allowing them to use its building. Charismatic Episcopal Church The Monaco Parish of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (Parish of St Joseph) dates from 2017 and meets in the Reformed Church's Rue Louis Notari building. Christian Fellowship The Monaco Christian Fellowship, formed in 1996, meets in the Reformed Church's Rue Louis Notari building. Greek Orthodoxy Monaco's 2012 International Religious Freedom Report states that there is one Greek Orthodox church in Monaco. Russian Orthodox The Russian Orthodox Parish of the Holy Royal Martyrs meets in the Reformed Church's Rue Louis Notari building. Judaism The Association Culturelle Israélite de Monaco (founded in 1948) is a converted house containing a synagogue, a community Hebrew school, and a kosher food shop, located in Monte Carlo.[163] The community mainly consists of retirees from Britain (40%) and North Africa. Half of the Jewish population is Sephardic, mainly from North Africa, while the other half is Ashkenazi.[164] Islam The Muslim population of Monaco consists of about 280 people, most of whom are residents, not citizens.[165] The majority of the Muslim population of Monaco are Arabs, though there is a Turkish minority as well.[166] Monaco does not have any official mosques.[167] Sports Formula One Main article: Monaco Grand Prix Formation lap for the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix Since 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix has been held annually in the streets of Monaco.[168] It is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world. The erection of the Circuit de Monaco takes six weeks to complete and the removal after the race takes another three weeks.[168] The circuit is narrow and tight and its tunnel, tight corners and many elevation changes make it perhaps the most demanding Formula One track.[169] Driver Nelson Piquet compared driving the circuit to "riding a bicycle around your living room". Despite the challenging nature of the course it has only had two fatalities, Luigi Fagioli who died from injuries received in practice for the 1952 Monaco Grand Prix (run to sports car regulations that year, not Formula 1)[170] and Lorenzo Bandini, who crashed, burned and died three days later from his injuries in 1967.[171] Two other drivers had lucky escapes after they crashed into the harbour, the most famous being Alberto Ascari in the 1955 Monaco Grand Prix and Paul Hawkins, during the 1965 race.[168] Monégasque Formula 1 Drivers There have been five Formula One drivers from Monaco: Charles Leclerc (2018–present) Robert Doornbos (2005, Dutch driver under a Monégasque license) Olivier Beretta (1994) André Testut (1958–1959) Louis Chiron (1950–1958) Formula E Starting in 2015 Formula E started racing biennially with the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco on the Monaco ePrix[172] and used a shorter configuration of the full Formula 1 circuit, keeping it around Port Hercules until 2021. ROKiT Venturi Racing is the only motor racing team based in the principality, headquartered in Fontvieille.[173] The marque competes in Formula E and was one of the founding teams of the fully-electric championship. Managed by former racing drivers Susie Wolff (CEO) and Jérôme d'Ambrosio (Team Principal),[174] the outfit holds 16 podiums in the series to date including five victories. 1997 Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve and eleven-time Formula One race winner Felipe Massa have raced for the team previously.[175][176] Ten-time Macau winner and 2021 vice World Champion Edoardo Mortara and Season 3 Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi currently race for the team.[177] Monte Carlo Rally Since 1911 part of the Monte Carlo Rally has been held in the principality, originally held at the behest of Prince Albert I. Like the Grand Prix, the rally is organised by Automobile Club de Monaco. It has long been considered to be one of the toughest and most prestigious events in rallying and from 1973 to 2008 was the opening round of the World Rally Championship (WRC).[178] From 2009 until 2011, the rally served as the opening round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.[179] The rally returned to the WRC calendar in 2012 and has been held annually since.[180] Due to Monaco's limited size, all but the ending of the rally is held on French territory. Football Stade Louis II, home of AS Monaco FC Monaco hosts two major football teams in the principality: the men's football club, AS Monaco FC, and the women's football club, OS Monaco. AS Monaco plays at the Stade Louis II and competes in Ligue 1, the first division of French football. The club is historically one of the most successful clubs in the French league, having won Ligue 1 eight times (most recently in 2016–17) and competed at the top level for all but six seasons since 1953. The club reached the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final, with a team that included Dado Pršo, Fernando Morientes, Jérôme Rothen, Akis Zikos and Ludovic Giuly, but lost 3–0 to Portuguese team FC Porto. French World Cup-winners Thierry Henry, Fabien Barthez, David Trezeguet, and Kylian Mbappe have played for the club. The Stade Louis II also played host to the annual UEFA Super Cup from 1998–2012 between the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. The women's team, OS Monaco, competes in the women's French football league system. The club plays in the local regional league, deep down in the league system. It once played in the Division 1 Féminine, in the 1994–95 season, but was quickly relegated. The Monaco national football team represents the nation in association football and is controlled by the Monégasque Football Federation, the governing body for football in Monaco. However, Monaco is one of only two sovereign states in Europe (along with the Vatican City) that is not a member of UEFA and so does not take part in any UEFA European Football Championship or FIFA World Cup competitions. They are instead affiliated with CONIFA, where they compete against other national teams that are not FIFA members. The team plays its home matches in the Stade Louis II. Rugby Main article: Rugby union in Monaco Monaco's national rugby team, as of April 2019, is 101st in the World Rugby Rankings.[181] Basketball Multi-sport club AS Monaco owns AS Monaco Basket which was founded in 1928. They play in the top-tier European basketball league, the EuroLeague, and the French top flight, the LNB Pro A. They have three Pro A Leaders Cup, two Pro B (2nd-tier), and one NM1 (3rd-tier) championship. They play in Salle Gaston Médecin, which is part of Stade Louis II. Professional boxing Due in part to its position both as a tourist and gambling centre, Monaco has staged major professional boxing world title and non title fights from time to time; those include the Carlos Monzon versus Nino Benvenuti rematch,[182] Monzon's rematch with Emile Griffith,[183] Monzon's two classic fights with Rodrigo Valdes,[184][185] Davey Moore versus Wilfredo Benitez,[186] the double knockout-ending classic between Lee Roy Murphy and Chisanda Mutti (won by Murphy),[187] and Julio César Chávez, Sr. versus Rocky Lockridge.[188] All of the aforementioned contests took place at the first Stade Louis II or the second Stade Louis II stadiums. Other sports A view of the 2011 Monaco Porsche Supercup. Motor racing is very popular, with one course encompassing almost the whole country. The Monte-Carlo Masters is held annually in neighbouring Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, as a professional tournament for men as part of tennis's ATP Masters Series.[189] The tournament has been held since 1897. Golf's Monte Carlo Open was also held at the Monte Carlo Golf Club at Mont Agel in France between 1984 and 1992. Monaco has a national Davis Cup team, which plays in the European/African Zone. Monaco has also competed in the Olympic Games, although, no athlete from Monaco has ever won an Olympic medal. At the Youth Olympic Winter Games, Monaco won a bronze medal in bobsleigh. The 2009 Tour de France, the world's premier cycle race, started from Monaco with a 15 km (9 mi) closed-circuit individual time trial starting and finishing there on the first day, and the 182 km (113 mi) second leg starting there on the following day and ending in Brignoles, France.[190] Monaco has also staged part of the Global Champions Tour (International Show-jumping).[191] In 2009, the Monaco stage of the Global Champions tour took place between 25 and 27 June. The Monaco Marathon is the only marathon in the world to pass through three countries, those of Monaco, France and Italy, before the finish at the Stade Louis II. The Monaco Ironman 70.3 triathlon race is an annual event with over 1,000 athletes competing and attracts top professional athletes from around the world. The race includes a 1.9 km (1.2 mi) swim, 90 km (56 mi) bike ride and 21.1 km (13.1 mi) run. Since 1993, the headquarters of the International Association of Athletics Federations,[192] the world governing body of athletics, is located in Monaco.[193] An IAAF Diamond League meet is annually held at Stade Louis II.[194] A municipal sports complex, the Rainier III Nautical Stadium in the Port Hercules district consists of a heated saltwater Olympic-size swimming pool, diving boards and a slide.[195] The pool is converted into an ice rink from December to March.[195] In addition to Formula One, the Circuit de Monaco hosts several support series, including FIA Formula 2, Porsche Supercup and Formula Regional Europe.[196] It has in the past also hosted Formula Three and Formula Renault. From 10 to 12 July 2014 Monaco inaugurated the Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup, a series of ocean races exclusively for solar-powered boats.[197],[198] The women team of the chess club CE Monte Carlo won the European Chess Club Cup several times. Panoramic view of Monaco City and the port of Fontvieille Culture Cuisine Main article: Monégasque cuisine The cuisine of Monaco is a Mediterranean cuisine shaped by the cooking style of Provence and the influences of nearby northern Italian and southern French cooking, in addition to Monaco's own culinary traditions.[199] Music Main article: Music of Monaco Seaside façade of the Salle Garnier, home of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo Monaco has an opera house, a symphony orchestra and a classical ballet company. Monaco participated regularly in the Eurovision Song Contest between 1959–1979 and 2004–2006, winning in 1971, although none of the artists participating for the principality was originally Monegasque. Visual arts Monaco has a national museum of contemporary visual art at the New National Museum of Monaco. In 1997, the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco was founded aimed to preserve audiovisual archives and show how the Principality of Monaco is represented in cinema. The country also has numerous works of public art, statues, museums, and memorials (see list of public art in Monaco). Prince Albert of Monaco visited the Sassi di Matera on 22 April 2022, exploring the ancient districts.[200] Museums in Monaco Main article: List of museums in Monaco Oceanographic Museum Monaco Top Cars Collection Napoleon Museum (Monaco) Oceanographic Museum Events, festivals and shows The Principality of Monaco hosts major international events such as : International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo Mondial du Théâtre Monte-Carlo Television Festival Bread Festival Monaco also has an annual bread festival on 17 September every year.[201] Education Primary and secondary schools Lycée Albert Premier of Monaco Monaco has ten state-operated schools, including: seven nursery and primary schools; one secondary school, Collège Charles III;[202] one lycée that provides general and technological training, Lycée Albert 1er;[203] and one lycée that provides vocational and hotel training, Lycée technique et hôtelier de Monte-Carlo.[204] There are also two grant-aided denominational private schools, Institution François d'Assise Nicolas Barré and Ecole des Sœurs Dominicaines, and one international school, the International School of Monaco,[205][206] founded in 1994.[207] Colleges and universities There is one university located in Monaco, namely the International University of Monaco (IUM), an English-language university specialising in business education and operated by the Institut des hautes études économiques et commerciales (INSEEC) group. Flag Main article: Flag of Monaco Monaco's flag and its coat of arms The flag of Monaco is one of the world's oldest national flag designs.[208] Adopted by Monaco on 4 April 1881, it is almost identical to the flag of Indonesia (The flag "Sang Saka Merah Putih" was the very old flag from Indonesian kingdom called Majapahit in the past, on 13th century and also adopted by modern Indonesia) except for the ratio of height to width.[209] Transport Main article: Transport in Monaco Further information: Rail transport in Monaco The Monaco-Monte Carlo station is served by the SNCF, the French national rail system. The Monaco Heliport provides helicopter service to the closest airport, Côte d'Azur Airport in Nice, France. The Monaco bus company (CAM) covers all the tourist attractions, museums, Exotic garden, business centres, and the Casino or the Louis II Stadium.[210] Relations with other countries Main article: Foreign relations of Monaco Further information: France–Monaco relations, Monaco–European Union relations, Monaco–Russia relations, and Monaco–United States relations The Rock of Monaco in 1890 Monaco is so old that it has outlived many of the nations and institutions that it has had relations with. The Crown of Aragon and Republic of Genoa became a part of other countries, as did the Kingdom of Sardinia. Honoré II, Prince of Monaco secured recognition of his independent sovereignty from Spain in 1633, and then from Louis XIII of France by the Treaty of Péronne (1641). Monaco made a special agreement with France in 1963 in which French customs laws apply in Monaco and its territorial waters.[136] Monaco uses the euro but is not a member of the European Union.[136] Monaco shares a 6 km (3.7 mi) border with France but also has about 2 km (1.2 mi) of coastline with the Mediterranean sea.[211] Two important agreements that support Monaco's independence from France include the Franco-Monégasque Treaty of 1861 and the French Treaty of 1918 (see also Kingdom of Sardinia). The United States CIA Factbook records 1419 as the year of Monaco's independence.[211] Embassy of Monaco, Paris, France There are two embassies in Monaco: those of France and Italy.[212] There are about another 30 or so consulates.[212] By the 21st century Monaco maintained embassies in Belgium (Brussels), France (Paris), Germany (Berlin), the Vatican, Italy (Rome), Portugal (Lisbon),[213] Spain (Madrid), Switzerland (Bern), United Kingdom (London) and the United States (Washington).[212] As of 2000 nearly two-thirds of the residents of Monaco were foreigners.[214] In 2015 the immigrant population was estimated at 60%[211] It is reported to be difficult to gain citizenship in Monaco, or at least in relative number there are not many people who do so. In 2015 an immigration rate of about 4 people per 1,000 was noted, or about 100–150 people a year.[215] The population of Monaco went from 35,000 in 2008 to 36,000 in 2013, and of that about 20 percent were native Monegasque[216] (see also Nationality law of Monaco). A recurring issue Monaco encounters with other countries is the attempt by foreign nationals to use Monaco to avoid paying taxes in their own country.[211] Monaco actually collects a number of taxes including a 20% VAT and 33% on companies unless they make over 75% of their income inside Monaco.[211] Monaco does not allow dual citizenship but does have multiple paths to citizenship including by declaration and naturalisation.[217] In many cases the key issue for obtaining citizenship, rather than attaining residency in Monaco, is the person's ties to their departure country.[217] For example, French citizens must still pay taxes to France even if they live full-time in Monaco unless they resided in the country before 1962 for at least 5 years.[217] In the early 1960s there was some tension between France and Monaco over taxation.[218] There are no border formalities entering or leaving France. For visitors, a souvenir passport stamp is available on request at Monaco's tourist office. This is located on the far side of the gardens that face the Casino.
  • Type: Photograph
  • Year of Production: 1959
  • Featured Person/Artist: Prince
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Monaco
  • Original/Licensed Reprint: Original

PicClick Insights - Monaco Photo 1963 Prince Albert Ii Vintage Grimaldi Son Princess Grace Original PicClick Exclusive

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