French National Day celebrated in Monaco
Monaco celebrated France's National Day with a reception at the Yacht Club, highlighting the strong ties between the two countries as French Ambassador Jean d'Haussonville announced his upcoming departure after three years in the Principality.
Monaco marked France's National Day on Tuesday 14 July with a reception hosted by the French Embassy at the Yacht Club de Monaco, bringing together Prince Albert II, members of the Princely Government, French and Monegasque officials, and representatives of the French community.
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In his Bastille Day address, French Ambassador Jean d'Haussonville celebrated the longstanding friendship, solidarity and cooperation between France and Monaco, describing the close relationship between the two neighbouring countries as one built over centuries.
He also paid tribute to the victims of the 2016 Nice attack, noting the significance of this year's celebrations as the city marked the tenth anniversary of the tragedy.
The ambassador thanked Prince Albert II for attending the commemorations in Nice, calling it a powerful gesture of solidarity.
Looking ahead, Jean d'Haussonville announced that the President of Italy is expected to visit Monaco in the coming months, describing the visit as another example of the Principality's growing diplomatic profile following recent high-level visits, including that of Pope Leo XIV earlier this year.
The reception was held in the presence of the Art Explora Foundation's catamaran, moored outside the Yacht Club, with the ambassador describing it as a tribute to Prince Albert II's longstanding commitment to protecting the oceans.
The evening also marked a personal milestone for Jean d'Haussonville, who revealed that he will soon leave his post after serving as France's ambassador to Monaco since 2023.
He thanked the Princely Government and the French community for their support during his time in the Principality, saying Monaco would always hold a special place in his heart.