The Red Cross’s big family reunited to celebrate the 40-year presidency of Prince Albert II.

Saturday 17^th December 2022 : T.S.H. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene accompanied by the royal children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, by Camille Gottlieb, member of the Red Cross’s Board of Directors, in charge of the youth section, were welcomed by Mr Pierre Dartout, Minister of State, Mr Frédéric Platini, CRM Secretary General, Mrs Bettina Ragazzoni-Janin, CRM General Treasurer.

H.S.H. Princess Charlene, Princess Gabriella and Camille Gottlieb were presented with flowers by volunteers from the youth section.

The royal couple were arrived at the Fontvieille Marquee where they were greeted by a guard of honour formed by volunteers from all sections of the Red Cross. Close to 320 people were waiting for them to discover together a collection of pictures looking back at events since 17^th December 1982, the date upon which Prince Albert II became President of CRM up until today, 17^th December 2022.

Mr Frédéric Platini and Ms Ragazzoni, masters of ceremony, spoke about how the Red Cross had grown, providing the relevant figures, before a video was shown on the past 40 years where H.S.H. Prince Albert II describes with emotion his arrival at the Monaco Red Cross.

In a very touching speech, H.S.H. Prince Albert II also pointed out some of the most memorable moments he experienced with the Red Cross teams, whom he wished to thank warmly, not to mention all the partners and donors without whom nothing would have been possible.

And what would an anniversary be without a cake!

H.S.H. Prince Albert II was visibly moved when he was presented with a lovely framed photo by His children, where they are holding a leaf with the logo of the 40 years and where they had drawn on the back with the words: “Congratulations Dad”.

To thank the Sovereign for his unflagging commitment over the last 40 years, the members of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, together with Red Cross employees, presented him with a superb personalised luxury watch, a unique piece created by Jaquet Droz. The following words are engraved around the casing: Monaco Red Cross – 2022 – 40-year Presidency

The festivities began with a presentation of the cake and a tour of the food trucks by the royal family!

Following these intense emotional moments, a delicious dinner was served in a musical atmosphere, with entertainment and activities, including Hassan of Monaco, a comedian and Red Cross volunteer in the Health Prevention section, the ice sculptor Mario Amegee, a CRM volunteer, who sculpted the royal monogram, as well as an outstanding performance by Femina Sports de Monaco gymnasts.

An unforgettable evening, full of emotion, joy and warmth.