Prince Jacques is preparing to follow in his father’s footsteps during a meaningful new royal engagement. The 11-year-old heir will join Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and his twin sister, Princess Gabriella, for an official visit to Les Baux-de-Provence on Saturday, September 5.
The picturesque French village holds a special place in Monaco’s history, and an important connection to Jacques personally.
© Serge ASSIERDuring the visit, the young royal will be symbolically presented with the keys to the city, recreating a gesture previously made to his father more than four decades ago.
Then-Hereditary Prince Albert received the same honor during a 1982 visit alongside his mother, Princess Grace. This time, Albert will witness his own son continue the tradition as the next generation of the Grimaldi dynasty steps into the spotlight.
© Pascal Le SegretainJacques has held the historic title of Marquis of Baux since his birth in December 2014. Traditionally bestowed upon the heir to Monaco’s throne, the title dates back to the 17th century and the reign of Prince Honoré II.
The connection was established following the Treaty of Péronne, which transferred Monaco from Spanish protection to French protection. In 1642, the lordship of Les Baux was elevated to a marquisate and granted to Honoré II’s son, Hercule Grimaldi. The title has since remained closely connected to Monaco’s ruling family.
© Palais Princier de MonacoUpon their arrival, the Prince, Princess and their children will be welcomed by Mayor Anne Poniatowski, local officials and residents for a ceremony on the esplanade of the village’s historic château. The presentation of the keys is expected to place Jacques at the center of the family engagement.
The visit will also connect the twins to another chapter of their family history. The royals are scheduled to visit the Church of Saint-Vincent, home to contemporary stained-glass windows created by master glassmaker Max Ingrand. Prince Rainier III presented the windows to the church in 1962 following the birth of his son, Albert.
© Tristar MediaA Monaco postage stamp featuring one of the windows will be issued to commemorate the occasion. The visit follows the release of a €2 commemorative Monaco coin dedicated to the Marquisate of Baux in 2025.
Beyond its ceremonial significance, the outing will offer a rare opportunity to see Albert and Charlene accompanied by both of their children. For Jacques, however, the trip will carry particular weight as he honors a title linked to him since birth and repeats a memorable moment once shared by his father and Princess Grace.
© PLS Monaco Pool
