HSH Prince Albert visited Duras in Lot-et-Garonne on Monday, July 15, commemorating the historical ties between the Grimaldi family and the village, which date back to the 18th century.

The sovereign’s visit coincided with a significant historical date; July 15, 1777, when Louise Félicité d’Aumont, a descendant of the Durfort family, married Honoré IV, the future Prince of Monaco.

Welcomed by Mayor Bernadette Dreux and Prefect Daniel Barnier, Prince Albert inaugurated a plaque at the town’s entrance, marking its inclusion in the network of Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco.

During the visit, Prince Albert II explored the recently restored Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church, originally built in 1611 by his ancestor Jacques de Durfort. The church, initially a Protestant temple, was converted into a Catholic church after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. The restoration, supported by Prince Albert, took over a year to complete.

The Prince’s itinerary also included a walk through the weekly market, before he was presented with the town’s medal by Mayor Dreux at the Château de Duras.

Prince Albert II, accompanied by Mayor Bernadette Dreux and Prefect Daniel Barnier

All images courtesy of Axel Bastello / Prince’s Palace