The traditional burning of the boat, representing the small vessel that brought Monaco’s patron saint to the Principality, took place on Thursday evening, led by HSH Princess Charlene. HSH Prince Albert could not be present this year due to the fact he had tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week.

The twins, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, gave a helping hand in setting fire to the boat outside the chapel that bears the saint’s name.

Saint Dévote was killed during the persecutions of the Christians by the Roman Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. She died in 303 AD, at the age of 20.

A spectacular drone show over the Prince’s Palace added an additional dimension to the celebrations, which have been observed in Monaco since 1874.

PHOTOS: Main, Reuters, centre and below, Prince’s Palace