,type=downsize)
Princess Charlene of Monaco will no longer be traveling to Japan with her husband, Prince Albert. The Princess and her twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, have pulled out of the trip "in light of current events taking place in the Middle East," the Prince's Palace of Monaco announced on Wednesday.
While the Prince's wife and 10-year-old son and daughter will not be accompanying him to Japan, Albert will be joined by his younger sister Princess Stephanie and her children—Louis Ducruet, Pauline Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb—and her daughter-in-law Marie Ducruet.
In a press release on June 25, the palace said: "H.S.H. Prince Albert Il will travel to Japan on the occasion of Monaco's National Day, celebrated on June 28, 2025, as part of the World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. He will be joined by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie, as well as Mr. Louis and Mrs. Marie Ducruet, Miss Pauline Ducruet, and Miss Camille Gottlieb, who will take part in this prestigious event that highlights the Principality's commitment on the international stage. H.S.H. Princess Charlene was due to accompany H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince of Monaco to Japan, together with Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. In light of current events taking place in the Middle East, this has led to the decision that H.S.H. Princess Charlene and the Princely children would not be participating in this trip."
"H.S.H. Princess Charlene wishes to express her sincere thanks to the teams of the Monaco Pavilion, as well as to the partners and hosts who were to welcome her in Japan, for their understanding and ongoing commitment," the palace added.
The Prince's program, beginning June 27, includes the United Through Legends match between Les Barbagiuans of Monaco, which Albert's nephew Louis is president of, and the Japan Legends at the Panasonic Stadium Suita. “We are honored to organize this charity match in Japan, in the same year as the Osaka World Expo. This event symbolizes the enduring friendship between Monaco and Japan. Through football, we aim to send a message of solidarity to the victims of the Noto earthquake. We are proud that legends of the sport are coming together for this noble cause," Louis said in a previous statement.
While in Japan on Saturday, Prince Albert is scheduled to take part in an official ceremony at the Expo site and attend an official luncheon. He will also visit different pavilions. According to the palace, the "day will conclude with several highlights: a concert by the Prince's Carabiniers Orchestra, and performances by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo and the Princess Grace Dance Academy at the Expo Hall."
Albert's trip comes ahead of his and Charlene's wedding anniversary. The Prince and Princess will celebrate 14 years of marriage on July 1.