 Bells pealed across Monaco on Saturday as the tiny Riviera principality celebrated Prince Albert IIâs rise to the throne and made a final, symbolic farewell to his late father, Rainier III. Princes from Europe, Africa and the Middle East flew in for the festivities marking the final phase of Albertâs ascension to the throne of Monacoâs 700-year-old dynasty. Rainier, Europeâs longest-serving monarch, ruled Monaco for 56 years until his death in April at the age of 81.
The day started with a solemn Mass at Monacoâs 19th-century cathedral and was to end with a gala evening performance at the opera, followed by fireworks above Monte Carloâs famed casino. Wearing a royal ceremonial military uniform, Albert blinked back tears after kneeling to receive a blessing at the end of the Mass, which was led by the archbishop of Monaco, Monsignor Bernard Barsi. Hundreds of Monaco residents watched the ceremony on a giant screen outside the cliff-top palace, near the cathedral. Many waved Monacoâs red-and-white national flag.
Albert, 47, automatically took royal powers upon his fatherâs death and was appointed His Serene Highness in July, when he was sworn in before the people of Monaco in the first of a two-part investiture ceremony. This round of festivities coincided with Monacoâs national day and was intended as Albertâs coming-out party before foreign dignitaries and royalty. Those present included Britainâs Prince Edward, Prince Joachim of Denmark, Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco and Prince Faisal of Jordan. The only head of state to attend was Iceland President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson.
An afternoon ceremony outside the royal palace marked the symbolic transfer of power, with Albert presiding for the first time over Monacoâs national day military review. Standing at attention, Albert was presented with a royal standard â or banner â bearing his emblem, while Rainierâs standard was presented to the royal guard one last time and marched inside the palace gates. Rainier was credited with transforming the principality from a sleepy seaside resort into a center of finance and tourism. It was Rainierâs 1956 wedding to the Oscar-winning Kelly that endowed Monaco with its glamorous image.
"I'd like to speak to Prince Albert!"
"He can't come to the phone. He's in the can!" |
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