In a gesture underscoring the enduring historical connections between Monaco and Italy, Prince Albert II continued his official itinerary in Liguria on Saturday, Jan. 31, with a visit to the town of Millesimo. The day's events highlighted symbolic and ceremonial elements, drawing on centuries-old links to the Napoleonic era and fostering a warm rapport with local residents.
The prince's schedule in Millesimo featured a symbolic crossing of the Ponte della Gaietta, a bridge laden with historical significance. This was followed by a tour of the Napoleonic Museum, where artifacts from the early 19th century evoke the region's military and cultural past. The visit culminated in an official ceremony held on the town hall square, attended by a substantial gathering of inhabitants who turned out in numbers to welcome the sovereign.
A poignant moment occurred at the town hall itself, where Prince Albert signed the guestbook in the very room where Gen. Napoleon Bonaparte, at the outset of his Italian campaign, had received captured flags from Piedmontese forces following French victories at Montenotte and Millesimo in April 1796. This act served as a bridge between past and present, reinforcing the shared heritage between Monaco and the Italian locale.
The reception extended to the prince was notably enthusiastic, reflecting a genuine and mutual affinity between the sovereign and the community. Such interactions underscore the role of royal visits in strengthening diplomatic and cultural bonds in an era of evolving European relations.
Photo credits: Frédéric Nebinger / Sarah Steck / Palais princier