I will moralize the principality, Prince Albert II on the throne in tears

MONTECARLO – Alberto was moved, ascending the throne of the principality of Monaco, among many heirs who came to congratulate but no ruler. The tension, the expectation, the pope’s message of good wishes for a “long and fruitful kingdom in the service of his fellow citizens”. And then the applauding crowd, the still-fresh mourning for the death of his father, the promise – made last July – to moralize the principality and put an end to easy money. “It is mortifying – he says – to see how the principality of Monaco is combined with unclear financial operations and dubious investments, I want all this to end”. After the blessing his eyes were veiled and the prince seemed about to burst into tears. He was accompanied by the “solemn march” of Karg Elert in his entry into the cathedral, the same that saw the marriage of Grace Kelly with Ranieri 49 years ago worldwide. But Stephanie, the turbulent princess who always had her shoulder in her brother, was even more moved. Solemn Te Deum of thanksgiving on the day of the national holiday wanted by Ranieri III in the presence of sixteen foreign delegations. However, no member of the Spanish royal house was present. A polemical absence: today the Spanish royals are in cold weather with the new Prince of Monaco, after a clash in the spring within the International Olympic Committee, when Alberto raised security issues for Madrid’s candidacy for the 2012 games and is in favor of joining the Gibraltar IOC, a territory claimed by Spain. President Ciampi did not represent Italy but Marcello Pera, president of the Senate. For France there was Pascal Clement, Minister of Justice, in place of Chirac. For England the younger son of Queen Elizabeth, Edward, with his wife Sofia, for Sweden the heir to the throne, Princess Victoria, in a red suit. Carolina in dark blue, very high-necked and very austere, Stephanie unlikely as always in a suit of bouclé wool with fringe. Charlotte is very admired but affected under a large light gray Chanel hat. Inevitable the presence of Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, escorted by his wife-actress Clotilde Coureau, to deny any rumor of crisis between the two: “Albert of Monaco, besides presenting us during a charity event, was our wedding witness. I am sure he will bring a breath of novelty and youth to the principality », comments the young Prince of Savoy. The guests in the cathedral, decorated with thousands of white lilies and red roses in the colors of the principality, were 810. Around 9.30 am foreign delegations made their entry, the last to arrive Prince Albert, in full uniform with decorations and collar of the order of Saint Charles, and his family. The rite was officiated by the Archbishop of Monaco, Monsignor Bernard Barsi, in the presence of Monsignor Fortunato Baldelli, apostolic nuncio in France representing the Pope. The Mass ended at around 11.30 am: Albert II left the Cathedral in a shower of applause. The Monegasques, in the armored and semi-desert city, followed the ceremony on a giant screen. During the Mass the Pope’s message was read which sent a “cordial greeting” to the prince, his family and all the inhabitants of the tiny state. The Pope urged “divine assistance” in favor of Monaco, to whose inhabitants he imparted “a special apostolic blessing”. “The ceremony of ascent to the throne underlines the continuity of the Grimaldi dynasty which, with the help of God – underlined Archbishop Barsi – has governed the destiny of the principality for over seven centuries”. At noon and a half Alberto appeared on the balcony of the Palace to greet the crowd, no more than three thousand people: only the citizens were allowed. He followed a breakfast in the Throne Room where the 810 guests took part. In the afternoon the new sovereign attended the friendly football match between Monaco and Saint Etienne. Gala evening at the Opera Theater with the “Journey to Reims” by Rossini. Nicole Costa, the Togo hostess who gave him a son, Alexandre, recognized this summer, was excluded from all the celebrations. The woman and child, who is three years old, followed the ceremony on TV in the villa that Alberto put at their disposal a few kilometers from the borders of the principality.

November 20 2005