The Monegasque Royals Attend Monaco's National Day Celebration 2023

The tiny Principality of Monaco celebrates its National Day today, November 19, 2023. Known also as “The Sovereign Prince’s Day", it's usually associated with the saint's namesake of the current Sovereign Prince of Monaco.

The Sovereign Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and their twins Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. Photo credit: The Prince's Palace

From left: Princess Caroline of Hanover, Princess Charlene and her twins. Photo credit: The Prince's Palace

Prince Albert II and his son Hereditary Prince Jacques

Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella at the Palace balcony ©The Prince's Palace

The date of the National Day of Monaco is traditionally chosen by the Sovereign Prince on the day of his accession to the throne. It is usually the saint's day of his namesake, however, this tradition was not followed by Prince Albert II when he inherited the throne in April 2005.

Instead, he decided to continue the tradition set by his father of celebrating the National Day on St. Rainier's Day, November 19, instead of St. Albert's Day, November 15 - which was Monaco's National Day during the reign of Prince Albert I (1889-1922).

The Sovereign Prince family appeared at the palace balcony © The Prince's Palace

Monaco is one of the world's smallest countries, located between France and the Mediterranean Sea, but one of the nations in the world with the highest cost of living. Its source of income is tourism. It is also known as the "playground of billionaires" because most residents are wealthy. Monaco is also known as the casino capital of the world. The Monte Carlo casino is owned by the Sovereign Prince.

The Sovereign Prince of Monaco's family

Princess Gabriella, Princess Charlene, and Hereditary Prince Jacques

Today's National Day celebration in Monaco began in the morning with Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, accompanied by his sisters - Princess Stephanie and Princess Caroline, attending the review of the Guard in the courtyard of the Prince's Palace.

Thousands of Monegasque and tourists gathered outside the Prince's Palace to watch this annual royal spectacle, which is one of the sources of entertainment in Monaco.

The Principality of Monaco ©The Prince's Palace

The Sovereign Prince's family at the palace balcony ©The Prince's Palace

Princess Caroline and her four children at the palace balcony - Andrea Casiraghi, Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Charlotte Casiraghi-Rassam, and Pierre Casiraghi

Also in attendance during the review of the Guard are Hereditary Prince Jacques, his twin sister Princess Gabriella, Princess Caroline's children - Andrea Casiraghi, his wife, Tatiana, and their children, Pierre Casiraghi, his wife, Donna Beatrice Borromeo-Casiraghi, and their children, Charlotte Casiraghi-Rassam, and Princess Alexandra of Hanover. Afterward, the Monegasque royals attend a special National Day Mass at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Monte Carlo.

From left: Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Donna Beatrice and her husband Pierre Casiraghi with their children

The Monegasque royals then appeared on the palace balcony to greet the cheering crowd below. Princess Charlene stuns in an all-red ensemble, a red coat dress, red tall suede boots, a red hat, and gloves. Her daughter, Princess Gabriella, also looked stylish in a navy blue coat dress with a matching hat. Italian model and aristocrat, Beatrice Casiraghi, who is a Dior brand ambassador, also looked gorgeous in a velvet red Dior outfit with a matching velvet red pillbox.

At the National Day Gala from left: Princess Caroline of Hanover, Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and Princess Alexandra of Hanover

Later in the evening, the Monegasque royals attended the National Day Gala at the Grimaldi Forum. Princess Charlene shines in a sequin red gown as she walks on the red carpet in the arms of her husband, Prince Albert II. Also in attendance are Princess Caroline of Hanover and her daughter, Princess Alexandra of Hanover.