Marking the 400th anniversary of the French Navy (Marine nationale), His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco traveled to Antibes to preside over a solemn military ceremony, reinforcing historical regional ties and honoring the next generation of maritime service members.
The Sovereign attended the event to present insignia and distinctions to trainees of the Naval Military Preparations (Préparations Militaires Marine, or PMM) representing the departments of Alpes-Maritimes and Var.
Upon his arrival, the Prince was received by a delegation of prominent regional and military officials. The welcoming party included Mr. Jean Leonetti, Mayor of Antibes Juan-les-Pins; Mr. Patrick Amoussou-Adéblé, Secretary General of the Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes; and Rear Admiral (contre-amiral) Arnaud Tranchant.
Also present to greet the Sovereign were Mr. Éric Pauget, Deputy for the 7th constituency of Alpes-Maritimes, and Mrs. Alexandra Borchio Fontimp, Senator for Alpes-Maritimes.
Following formal military honors and official addresses, the Prince participated directly in the presentation of insignia to 23 trainees from the PMM of Antibes. The ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous year of training and intense personal commitment for the participants.
In a further gesture of recognition, His Serene Highness personally distinguished the top graduates (majors de promotion) from both the Alpes-Maritimes and Var PMM departments.
The solemn proceedings highlighted the core values championed by the French Navy: commitment, cohesion, a sense of duty, and self-surpassing. These principles hold particular resonance for the Prince, who maintains a close personal connection to the institution as a reserve officer in the French Navy.
The anniversary gathering brought together more than 220 young people from nine separate PMM centers. Beyond its formal military components, the day served as an educational outreach event, allowing the general public to discover the diverse missions of the French Navy.
Through a series of live demonstrations, interactive workshops, lectures, and film screenings, the event underscored the Navy's ongoing engagement with youth and its deep-seated integration within local territories.
Photo Credits: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier