His Serene Highness Prince Albert II boarded the French Navy training schooner L’Étoile on Tuesday, April 28, during the vessel’s stop in Monaco, as part of commemorations marking the 400th anniversary of the French Navy.
The Sovereign was welcomed aboard alongside Jean d’Haussonville, France’s ambassador to Monaco, during an official visit highlighting the long-standing maritime ties between France and the Principality.
Built in 1932, the 34-metre vessel is one of the French Navy’s historic training ships and is primarily used to train naval cadets in traditional seamanship and offshore navigation. Commanded by Lieutenant Victor Kaars Sijpeesteijn, the two-masted schooner remains an active part of the French naval fleet more than ninety years after entering service.
The visit forms part of a wider programme of events organised throughout 2026 to celebrate four centuries of the French Navy, officially founded in 1626 under Cardinal Richelieu during the reign of Louis XIII of France.
Monaco has already hosted several French naval visits this year connected to the anniversary celebrations, underlining the close relationship between the Principality and France in maritime affairs. Earlier in 2026, Prince Albert II visited the French Navy minehunter Capricorne during its call in Monaco.
The anniversary programme includes naval exhibitions, conferences and international deployments intended to showcase the history, evolution and strategic role of the French Navy in modern maritime security.
During the visit aboard L’Étoile, Prince Albert II met members of the crew and toured the vessel, which continues to serve as a symbol of French naval heritage and traditional sailing expertise.
Images courtesy of Michaël Alesi / Palais princier