Monaco · 10th wedding anniversary of Fürst Albert II and Fürstin Charlène

Albert II has been Prince of Monaco since 2005 and is therefore the head of state of the Principality. He is the son of Prince Rainier III and the American actress Grace Kelly, who became known as Princess Gracia Patricia after her marriage. In addition to his constitutional duties, Albert II represents Monaco abroad and is particularly committed to environmental and marine protection.

Charlene Wittstock grew up in South Africa and was a competitive swimmer before her marriage. She competed for South Africa at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Albert and Charlene met in connection with a swimming competition in Monaco. Following their engagement in 2010, Charlene became Princess of Monaco through her marriage.

The civil wedding took place on 1 July 2011 at the Prince’s Palace (Fürstenpalast). The following day, the Catholic wedding was celebrated in the palace’s Cour d’Honneur. Members of European royal families as well as representatives from politics, sport and culture attended. The twins Gabriella and Jacques were born in December 2014. As the immediate heir to the throne, Jacques holds the title Hereditary Prince of Monaco.

For Monaco, the marriages of the reigning prince also have a dynastic and state function. The House of Grimaldi shapes the political representation of the microstate; family events of the house are therefore regularly treated as public occasions. The wedding also connected the Monegasque monarchy with an internationally renowned former athlete.

The issue on 1 July directly commemorated the date of the civil wedding. Monaco frequently uses its 2-euro commemorative coins for events from the history of the princely house. The very limited mintages correspond to the country’s usual issuing practice. The double portrait depicts the princely couple not only as private individuals but also as representatives of the Monegasque monarchy.