3 days Ago By Jack Brodie, Editor-in-Chief
HSH Prince Albert and HSH Princess Charlene visited the historic island of Saint-Honorat, nestled in the Bay of Cannes, for the solemn blessing of two newly cast bells, ‘Marie Augustin’ and ‘Marie Anne’. These bells are set to be installed in the tower of the island’s fortified monastery, a landmark rich in spiritual and cultural heritage. Upon their arrival, the princely couple was welcomed by Father Abbot Vladimir Gaudrat.
Their visit began with a tour of the monastery, a building designated as a “Historic Monument” and currently undergoing a meticulous restoration. This iconic site is expected to open to the public in the summer of 2025, offering visitors a chance to explore its profound history and learn about the Cistercian monks who have called the island home for centuries. The royal visit continued at the abbey church, where Prince Albert and Princess Charlene participated in a mass before the blessing of the bells, which were temporarily displayed on the church’s forecourt for the occasion.
The couple has been named the godfather and godmother of the larger bell, “Marie Augustin,” a tribute to Augustin Grimaldi (1479-1532). Grimaldi, a commendatory abbot of Lérins and lord of Monaco, was a pivotal figure in Monaco’s history. His humanist vision and leadership helped secure Monegasque sovereignty through a crucial alliance with Emperor Charles V, marking a significant chapter in the principality’s past.
Featured image courtesy of Eric Mathon / Prince’s Palace.
