Prince Albert II of Monaco participated in the opening ceremony of the 145th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday, February 2, at the historic Teatro alla Scala. The event marked a significant moment for the Olympic Movement as preparations intensify for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The ceremony, held in the prestigious setting of one of the world's most renowned opera houses, opened a new chapter for the Olympic Movement. It comes just days before the start of the Winter Games, which represent the first Olympic and Paralympic Winter edition to be fully conceived and organized in complete conformity with the reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020, from the bid phase through to delivery.
Speeches during the ceremony underscored the unifying power of sport and the core Olympic values of peace, respect and excellence. Italian President Sergio Mattarella and IOC President Kirsty Coventry both addressed the gathering, highlighting these principles at the dawn of this new edition of the Games.
Prince Albert, an IOC member and longtime advocate for Olympic ideals, joined other dignitaries on the red carpet and in the audience for the occasion.
The session's timing - on the eve of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games - underscores the institutional launch of the event and the global anticipation surrounding it.
Photo credits: IOC / Roy Esterhuysen / Quintin Meyer