During a special ceremony at the Monaco Embassy in Paris, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II presented the insignia of Knight of the Order of Saint Charles to two prominent French figures…
Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and entrepreneur Xavier Niel. The Order of Saint Charles, Monaco’s equivalent to France’s Legion of Honour, recognises individuals who have rendered eminent service to the State and the Sovereign.
Sébastien Lecornu was recognised for his contributions to defence cooperation and diplomatic relations between France and the Principality, reinforcing key bilateral ties. Xavier Niel, founder of the Iliad group and majority shareholder of Monaco Telecom, was honoured for his significant role in developing and expanding Monaco’s telecommunications infrastructure over the past decade.
Speaking after the ceremony, Niel expressed his gratitude: “It’s a great honour to receive this decoration from the Sovereign. For more than ten years, we’ve worked to grow Monaco Telecom—not only within the Principality but internationally, including recent expansion into Cyprus and the Maldives. This medal strengthens the bond I feel with Monaco, both professionally and personally.”
The event was a celebration of Monaco’s commitment to excellence and international collaboration, underscoring the Principality’s appreciation for those who support its advancement on both national and global stages. The presence of Prince Albert II made the ceremony particularly meaningful, highlighting the ongoing importance of the Order of Saint Charles as a symbol of recognition and respect.
Image: Monaco Info
