Monaco commemorated the 80th anniversary of its liberation from occupation on Tuesday, September 3, with a series of heartfelt events across the Principality. The day marked a significant moment in Monaco’s history, celebrating the end of successive occupations by Italy and Germany during World War II.
The celebrations began on Avenue Saint-Laurent with a wreath-laying ceremony honouring the resistance efforts of the Ley couple. A procession of vintage vehicles continued to the Maison de France for another tribute to those who lost their lives in the fight for freedom. The final wreath was placed at a memorial plaque at Albert I High School.
HSH Prince Albert joined the commemorations, visiting a military camp exhibition on Place du Palais organised by the Comité de Commemoration d’Époque. The camp highlighted the crucial role played by the American army in Monaco’s liberation, with the grandson of General Frédérick, commander of the 1st Airborne Task Force, in attendance.
The day concluded with the inauguration of the ‘Monaco Liberated!’ exhibition by Prince Albert II in the lobby of the Ministry of State. The commemoration events will continue through the spring of 2025, featuring contributions from the Monaco Media Library, the Monaco Audiovisual Institute, the Directorate of National Education, Youth and Sports, and the Devoir de Mémoire association.
