The annual ceremony for the Order of Cultural Merit took place on Tuesday, November 18, in the Blue Room of the Prince’s Palace, in the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II...
This distinguished National Day tradition honours individuals whose work, talent and dedication enrich the cultural life of the Principality. This year, HSH Princess Stéphanie was elevated to the rank of Commander, receiving her insignia from Her Royal Highness the Princess of Hanover, accompanied by her children, Louis Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb.
The distinction recognises her longstanding commitment to Monaco’s artistic and community landscape—most notably through her tireless support of circus arts and the many cultural initiatives she has led over several decades.
In her address, the Princess of Hanover reflected on culture as a “common good,” noting that National Day offers a meaningful moment to highlight those who contribute to Monaco’s artistic and intellectual influence. She praised the recipients as individuals who “transmit emotion and meaning,” shaping a cultural identity rooted in history, open to nature, and engaged with modernity.
Six additional honourees were celebrated this year, representing a broad spectrum of disciplines: circus and performing arts, visual arts, music, heritage preservation, philanthropy, and cultural mediation. Their careers, she noted, form the threads of a cultural tapestry that strengthens Monaco’s identity at home and abroad.
The Princess of Hanover also paid tribute to two emblematic figures linked to Monaco’s artistic story: Joséphine Baker, for whom the Principality was a final “homeland of the heart,” and composer Pierre Boulez.
This year’s recipients:
HSH Princess Stéphanie,
Mr. Ashok Adicéam,
Mr. Bjorn Dahlström,
Mr. Damien MacDonald,
Mr. Bruno Mantovani,
Ms. Isabelle Minioni,
Mr. Pierre Nouvion Duboys de Lavigerie.
Images: Prince’s Palace IG
