Monaco hosted a celebration in honour of France’s liberation, as a gesture of respect and friendship towards the French people…

Speaking beneath the iconic terraces of the Monte-Carlo Casino during Bastille Day celebrations, France’s ambassador to Monaco, Jean d’Haussonville, confirmed that His Serene Highness Prince Albert II will undertake a state visit to France in 2026. The announcement came as part of a speech marking France’s national holiday, delivered before the Sovereign and senior figures in Monaco’s public life.

With a touch of Gallic wit, the ambassador opened his remarks with a quip referencing President Emmanuel Macron’s recent toast at Windsor Castle: “The French may not love monarchy at home, but they certainly admire it abroad.” It set a light tone for what would become a speech steeped in diplomacy and symbolism.

D’Haussonville paid tribute to Prince Albert II’s two decades on the throne and reflected on Macron’s own state visit to Monaco in early June. That visit, which coincided with the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, underscored France’s respect for Monaco’s sovereignty and highlighted the shared commitment of both heads of state to ocean conservation—a cause long championed by the Prince on the global stage.

The ambassador hailed Monaco’s role in the success of the UN Ocean Conference held in Nice, crediting the Principality’s influence for drawing international attention to the urgency of marine protection. “Your early and consistent leadership on this front, Monseigneur, has left a mark on every major forum,” he said.

In officially announcing the return visit, d’Haussonville stated: “I look forward to welcoming you to Paris and beyond in 2026, at the invitation of the President of the Republic.”

He also touched on landmark moments shared by the two nations in 2024—from the emotional reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, which Prince Albert attended, to the fervour surrounding the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. “We thank the Principality for embracing the spirit of the Games and for hosting the Olympic flame with such grace,” he added.

The ambassador closed by acknowledging the upcoming transition within Monaco’s government, offering thanks to interim Minister of State Isabelle Berro-Amadeï and welcoming her successor Christophe Mirmand. “There is much work ahead as we prepare for this symbolic visit,” he concluded.

Image courtesy of Communications Department – Stéphane Danna: France’s ambassador to Monaco, Jean d’Haussonville