France’s National Day carried particular poignancy this year as commemorations marked the 10th anniversary of the devastating 2016 Nice terrorist attack, in which 86 people lost their lives and hundreds more were injured…
In Nice, remembrance ceremonies were woven into the traditional Bastille Day military parade before an evening tribute in Place Masséna, presided over by French President Emmanuel Macron. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II and Her Serene Highness Princess Charlène joined the President alongside victims’ families, survivors, associations, elected officials, former French presidents and prime ministers, and other dignitaries. Welcomed by Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti, the Princely Couple took part in the deeply moving ceremony, reaffirming Monaco’s solidarity with France and its unwavering support for all those affected by the tragedy, whose memory remains firmly etched in the collective consciousness of both nations.
In Monaco, French Ambassador Jean d’Haussonville welcomed around 300 guests to the annual Bastille Day reception at the Monaco Club, with Prince Albert II among those attending. Speaking during the event, the ambassador reflected on the enduring friendship between France and Monaco, describing the two nations as a “community of destiny” bound by deep historical and cultural ties.
The occasion also marked the ambassador’s final Bastille Day in the Principality before his departure in early August. Looking back on his three-year posting, he praised Monaco’s international influence, environmental leadership and exceptional quality of life, highlighting the Sovereign’s commitment to ocean conservation and the close relationship between the two countries’ heads of state.
Jean d’Haussonville also paid tribute to the French community living in Monaco, describing it as an essential bridge between the Principality and France, while expressing confidence that the strong partnership between the neighbouring nations will continue to flourish.
Image: Monaco Info