Mattarella in Monaco: Italy and the Principality Renew Their Historic Ties Through the Italian Community

The relationship between Italy and the Principality of Monaco is rooted in centuries of shared history and finds one of its most tangible and enduring expressions in the Italian community living in Monaco. This was the central theme of the state visit by President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, who arrived in the Principality on October 2 and remained there until October 3 for an intense programme of institutional meetings and engagements.

The visit brought together diplomacy, culture, bilateral relations and attention to the Italian community residing in Monaco, confirming the depth of the ties between the two countries, which are linked not only by geographical proximity but also by a long history of exchanges and relations.

Mattarella welcomed by Prince Albert II

Following the official welcome in the courtyard of the Prince’s Palace, President Mattarella began the institutional meetings scheduled as part of his visit. One of the most significant moments took place in the Hall of Mirrors, where Prince Albert II awarded the Italian Head of State the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles, one of the Principality’s highest distinctions.

The President’s daughter, Laura Mattarella, was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Grimaldi.

In a gesture of reciprocity and in recognition of the strength of bilateral relations, Sergio Mattarella awarded Prince Albert II the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

The ceremony therefore carried a strong symbolic significance, expressing the continuity and solidity of institutional relations between Italy and Monaco.

An evening at the Monte-Carlo Opera with Cecilia Bartoli

One of the highlights of the visit was the evening at the Monte-Carlo Opera, where President Mattarella was greeted by prolonged applause as he entered the Princely box.

He was accompanied by his daughter Laura, Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène and a number of institutional figures, including Monaco’s Ambassador to Italy, Anne Eastwood, and Italy’s Ambassador to Monaco, Manuela Ruosi.

The evening’s artistic highlight was Cecilia Bartoli, Artistic Director of the Monaco Opera, who presented a programme spanning different eras and musical genres, from Italian opera to the music of De Curtis and jazz.

The mezzo-soprano also paid tribute to Italy through her choice of costumes, wearing white, green and red, an unmistakable reference to the Italian tricolour.

At the end of the concert, Cecilia Bartoli received a prolonged standing ovation from the audience.

The evening continued at the Prince’s Palace, in the Throne Room, where Prince Albert II hosted a gala dinner in honour of President Mattarella. Princess Caroline of Hanover and other guests of honour also attended.

Mattarella: “The Principality and Italy are united by centuries of history”

During the toast, Sergio Mattarella highlighted the profound nature of relations between Italy and Monaco, looking beyond economic ties and geographical proximity.

“The Principality and Italy are united by centuries of history,” the President recalled, also stressing shared commitments to freedom, fundamental rights and environmental protection.

His words placed the historical and human dimension of the relationship at the heart of the visit, with the Italian community representing one of its most important points of continuity.

The Italian community at the centre of the visit

The morning of October 3 was devoted to a meeting with the Italian community living in the Principality of Monaco, convened by the Italian Embassy in Monaco.

The President was welcomed by Ambassador Manuela Ruosi, who expressed, on behalf of the Italian community, her appreciation for the attention and closeness demonstrated by his visit.

“I am certain that I am expressing the feelings of everyone present in offering you our warmest greetings and thanks for this sign of closeness and recognition towards the Italian community in Monaco,” the Ambassador said.

In his address, Mattarella explained that he had wanted to meet Italians living in the Principality personally in order to express his “closeness and appreciation to Italians who live and work in the Principality”.

The President described the Italian community as “precious” and “of great importance”, highlighting the daily contribution made by Italian citizens to the country’s life.

Il Presidente della Repubblica Sergio Mattarella e la Sig.ra Laura a Palazzo dei Principi, con S.A.S. il Principe, Alberto II di Monaco, e S.A.S. la Principessa, Charlène di Monaco
(foto di Francesco Ammendola – Ufficio per la Stampa e la Comunicazione della Presidenza della Repubblica)

Italians in Monaco: a presence spanning generations

The Italian community is one of the most visible links between the Principality and Italy. Its presence has developed over time and is expressed not only through its demographic dimension, but also through work, business, professional activities, culture and social relations.

It is precisely this daily presence that makes the relationship between the two countries so tangible. The ties between the Principality of Monaco and Italy are not limited to diplomatic relations or economic exchanges: they also live through the people who contribute every day to Monegasque society while maintaining strong connections with their culture and origins.

During his meeting with the Italian community, Mattarella highlighted this very aspect, stressing the importance of Italian citizens in the social, economic and cultural life of the Principality.

The Oceanographic Museum and Mediterranean cooperation

The final stage of the state visit brought President Mattarella to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, accompanied by Prince Albert II.

The choice of the Museum was not merely linked to its role as a cultural and scientific symbol of the Principality. The protection of the sea and the Mediterranean is also an area in which Italy and Monaco share interests, expertise and initiatives.

The visit to the Oceanographic Museum therefore concluded a programme in which diplomacy was closely intertwined with culture, science and environmental protection.

At the end of his visit to Monaco, President Mattarella left the Principality to return to Italy and travel to Assisi, where he was expected for a further institutional engagement.

A relationship that continues through people

Sergio Mattarella’s visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of relations between Italy and the Principality of Monaco. From institutions to culture, diplomacy and environmental protection, the two countries maintain close ties across a wide range of fields.

Yet perhaps the most tangible expression of this relationship remains the Italian community in Monaco, a historic presence that continues to serve as a human, cultural and economic bridge between the two countries.

The President of the Italian Republic’s visit gave this connection renewed institutional visibility, highlighting how, beyond diplomatic protocols and official relations, the history of relations between Italy and Monaco continues to be shaped every day by the people who live and work there.