Monaco welcomed Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Friday for the first State Visit to the Principality by an Italian head of state, marking a new chapter in the close relationship between the neighbouring countries…
President Mattarella, accompanied by his daughter Laura, was received in the Cour d’Honneur of the Prince’s Palace by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. The official welcome included military honours, the national anthems and presentation of the delegations before Prince Albert and President Mattarella held private talks in the Family Salon.
The Palace programme also included an exchange of decorations, with Prince Albert awarding President Mattarella the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Charles and Laura Mattarella the Grand Cross of the Order of Grimaldi. President Mattarella awarded Princess Charlene the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
In the evening, the two families attended a lyrical performance by celebrated mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo before returning to the Palace for a State Dinner in the Throne Room.
Prince Albert celebrated the friendship between the two countries during the dinner, whilst Mattarella highlighted their historic ties and shared Mediterranean outlook.
The State Visit continued on Saturday morning, when President Mattarella met members of Monaco’s Italian community at the Hôtel Hermitage. The half-hour meeting was organised by the Italian Embassy in the Principality and formed part of the second day of the President’s historic visit to Monaco.
Images: Prince’s Palace