This week is an important one for the Principality of Monaco as its citizens get ready for National Day or the ‘Fête du Prince’ which celebrates the traditions and ideals of the community of Monaco. Although the tradition of a Monégasque National Day dates from the reign of Prince Charles III, it was the current prince who chose 19th November – the feast day of St Rainier of Arezzo – to honour the memory of his father, the late Rainier III.
The day includes specific rituals such as the Ceremony of Honours by the Sovereign Prince, the presenting of arms in the Palace courtyard, the review of the troops in the Palace Square and a celebratory Mass and Te Deum in Monaco Cathedral. But for us, of course, the most fascinating part of celebration (apart from the champagne) was Princess Charlene’s outfit.
This year she didn’t disappoint either. Head-to-toe in beige jacket with a funnel neck and a pencil skirt, topped with elbow-length gloves, Charlene looked contemporarily elegant.
The celebration isn’t over yet – this evening there will be a cocktail party for the Diplomatic Corps as well as an invitation only gala soiree at the L’Opera de Monte Carlo. We’re holding our breath for Princess Charlene’s evening gown and I have a sneaky suspicion it’ll be a gem from Armani Privé collection. Maybe one of these?
by Olga Titarenko
Haute Today 