An unexpected royal encounter took place in Monaco on Monday, October 13, as their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to the Prince’s Palace. The visit, kept entirely private, saw King Charles III’s younger brother, Prince Edward, and his wife, Sophie, drop in for a friendly, informal reunion.
A photo shared afterwards shows the couples in relaxed spirits on the palace’s grand staircase. Prince Edward dressed casually in a blazer with trainers, while Prince Albert maintained a classic suit. Princess Charlène opted for a stylish ensemble by British designer Alexander McQueen, subtly acknowledging the heritage of her distinguished guests.
The ties between the two families run deep. The Duke and Duchess attended Prince Albert and Princess Charlène’s wedding in 2011, and their ongoing friendship reflects the long-standing goodwill between the Monegasque and British royal households.
Although the meeting was private and low-key, it served as a gentle reminder of the enduring connection between the Principality and the United Kingdom, a relationship grounded in history, mutual respect, and personal rapport rather than official ceremony.
Image courtesy of Frédéric Nebinger – Prince’s Palace
