HSH Prince Albert was honoured in Rome on Thursday, September 26, receiving the prestigious Magna Grecia Prize in recognition of his efforts to promote southern Italy through the Grimaldi Historic Sites network. The Sovereign’s two-day visit to the Italian capital highlighted Monaco’s deep cultural ties to Italy and his personal commitment to environmental protection, sport, and culture.
Upon arrival, Prince Albert was greeted by Monaco’s Ambassador to Italy, Anne Eastwood. His first stop was the historic convent and church of the Trinità dei Monti, which overlooks the renowned Spanish Steps. This iconic landmark, linked to the Grimaldi family, was inaugurated in 1725 by Cardinal Melchior de Polignac, a French ambassador to Rome and a paternal ancestor of the Prince.
Prince Albert continued his cultural tour with a visit to the Villa Medici, an emblematic centre for artistic creation and European culture. Here, the Consultative Commission for the Collections and Artistic Heritage of the Prince’s Palace signed a significant partnership with the French Academy in Rome. This collaboration will establish the annual “Prince of Monaco – Villa Medici Scholarship,” supporting a resident artist by commissioning new works.
The day concluded at the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, where the Prince explored its magnificent galleries adorned with masterpieces. It was in this historic setting that he was presented with the Magna Grecia Prize. The award acknowledges his dedication to environmental conservation, his promotion of sports, and his work in highlighting the rich history of southern Italy through the Grimaldi Historic Sites initiative.
In his acceptance speech, Prince Albert reflected on his previous visits to southern Italy and the enduring ties between the Grimaldi family and the Magna Grecia region, closing with the words: “Long live Magna Grecia, long live the Italo-Monegasque friendship!”
