© Stéphane Danna & Frédéric Nebinger / Communication department
In a day filled with reverence and historical reflection, Prince Albert II of Monaco led a series of commemorative events on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Principality during World War II. The ceremonies paid tribute to Monaco’s resilience and those who fought to free it from Italian and later German occupation.
September 3, 1944, marked a pivotal moment in Monaco's history, as Allied forces liberated the tiny but strategic nation after years of foreign control. The date remains deeply significant in the Principality, and the 80th anniversary brought a heightened sense of emotion and remembrance.
The day’s events commenced on Avenue Saint-Laurent with a moving tribute to local Resistance heroes. Prince Albert II joined others in laying a wreath in honor of the Ley couple, celebrated figures in Monaco’s fight for freedom. From there, a convoy of vintage military vehicles proceeded to the Maison de France, where further wreaths were laid to honor those who sacrificed their lives during the war. The final tribute took place at the Lycée Albert I, underlining the historical weight of the day for Monaco's citizens.
A highlight of the commemoration was Prince Albert II's visit to a military encampment set up in the Place du Palais. The installation, organized by the Comité de Commémoration d’Époque, paid homage to the vital role of the American military in Monaco’s liberation. Among the honored guests was the grandson of General Frederic, commander of the U.S. 1st Airborne Task Force, whose troops played a crucial role in securing the Principality’s freedom.
The ceremonies encapsulated Monaco's gratitude for the Allied forces and underscored the enduring importance of the events of 1944, as the nation continues to honor its past while looking toward its future under the stewardship of Prince Albert II.