HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has expressed his heartfelt condolences to US President Joe Biden and the American people following the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans, Monaco-Matin reports. The attack, carried out by a US Army veteran with ties to the Islamic State, claimed multiple lives and left several injured.
In a letter to President Biden, HSH Prince Albert II conveyed his deep sorrow and solidarity. “It is with profound sadness that I learned of the tragic events in New Orleans, which took the lives of innocent people and left many others injured. On behalf of my family and the Monegasque people, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the injured, and the American nation. We stand united in grief and in the unwavering rejection of violence,” he wrote.
The attack took place near the birthplace of Princess Alice Heine, wife of Prince Albert I and Monaco’s first American princess. Born in New Orleans in 1857, Alice Heine was a pivotal figure in Monaco’s history. HSH Prince Albert II has frequently highlighted her significance, including during his visit to the city in 2018 to commemorate the tercentenary of New Orleans. During his visit, the prince unveiled a plaque at 910 Royal Street, marking Princess Alice’s birthplace in the historic French Quarter. Reflecting on her legacy, he noted her influential role in Monaco’s cultural history and her connection to the arts and letters in Europe, where she inspired luminaries such as Marcel Proust.
HSH Prince Albert II’s connection to New Orleans extends beyond its historical ties to Monaco. He has previously acknowledged the city’s resilience in the face of challenges, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. During his 2018 visit, the prince emphasised the importance of disaster prevention and the enduring spirit of New Orleans residents.
Now, nearly 20 years after Katrina, the city once again faces adversity. The attack occurred in a vibrant area just blocks from Bourbon Street, a location synonymous with celebration and cultural heritage.
Image courtesy of Stella He: an old building in the French Quarter of New Orleans
