Prince Albert II stepped beyond the borders of Monaco for a meaningful engagement rooted in nearly a millennium of shared history. On Monday, August 24, the sovereign traveled to Faucon-du-Caire, a small village in France’s Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, for the consecration of the newly restored Sainte-Dévote–Saint-Jean-de-Matha Chapel.
Although the rural community may appear far removed from the glamour of the Principality, it holds an unexpected connection to Monaco through Sainte Dévote, its patron saint and protector.
© Michaël Alesi / Palais princier de MonacoThe ancient chapel, located in the hamlet of Saint-Barthélemy, is closely linked to the history of the saint’s relics. According to the Prince’s Palace, that connection reflects the distinctive ties that have united Faucon-du-Caire and Monaco for centuries.
Prince Albert was welcomed by Isabelle Tomatis, prefect of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence; Robert Zunino, mayor of Faucon-du-Caire; and Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard of Digne, Riez and Sisteron. He also met members of the local association responsible for restoring the historic building.
© Michaël Alesi / Palais princier de MonacoA thousand-year-old landmark given a new life:
The ceremony represented the culmination of two years of work by a small group of volunteers who helped rescue the chapel from ruin. Originally consecrated in 1080, the building received its new dedication 946 years later in front of nearly 300 attendees, according to French regional outlet Le Dauphiné Libéré.
© Michaël Alesi / Palais princier de MonacoImages shared by the Prince’s Palace showed Albert standing alongside members of the clergy outside the rustic stone chapel, surrounded by the dramatic mountain landscape. The sovereign wore a dark jacket with light trousers for the historic occasion.
More than a routine religious engagement, the visit highlighted the lasting importance of Sainte Dévote to Monaco’s identity. According to tradition, the young Christian martyr’s remains arrived on the shores of present-day Monaco after being transported from Corsica by boat.
© Michaël Alesi / Palais princier de MonacoHer story continues to play a central role in the Principality’s traditions. Every January, Monaco honors Sainte Dévote with religious ceremonies and the symbolic burning of a boat attended by members of the Princely Family.
The saint also holds a special place in the family’s personal milestones. Princess Grace visited Monaco’s Sainte-Dévote Church following her 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier III and left her bridal bouquet there. Princess Charlene continued the tradition after marrying Prince Albert in 2011.
© Michaël Alesi / Palais princier de MonacoBy attending the chapel’s consecration, Prince Albert helped renew a connection that stretches far beyond Monaco’s borders and almost one thousand years into the past. The visit also recognized the volunteers whose efforts ensured that the small but historically significant landmark would survive for future generations.
