Prince Albert II has been in Taranto this week to support Monaco’s athletes competing at the 20th Mediterranean Games, joining thousands of competitors gathered in southern Italy for one of the region’s biggest multi-sport events…
The Sovereign was among those watching the padel competition, one of 28 sports on the programme at Taranto 2026. His visit offered an opportunity to follow the action at close quarters and lend his support to the Monegasque delegation as it competes against some of the Mediterranean’s leading sporting nations.
Monaco has sent 18 athletes to this year’s Games, which bring together 3,854 competitors from 26 nations. A total of 279 medal events are being contested across Taranto and other venues throughout the Puglia region.
Running from August 21 to September 3, the Games were officially opened by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and mark the 20th edition of an event whose history stretches back to Alexandria in 1951.
Prince Albert’s presence continues his longstanding involvement in international sport and support for Monegasque athletes on the world stage.
The Taranto Games also feature an unusually broad programme, ranging from athletics, swimming and cycling to sailing, combat sports and padel, as Monaco’s competitors fly the Principality’s colours in Italy.
Images: Antenna Sud/Ansa/Annalisa Galetta