On 18 June 2024, the Olympic flame passed through the Principality of Monaco. Six Monegasque torchbearers helped to keep the flame alive along the way. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène were the last to hold up their torch in the Place du Palais, before the flame continued on its way to Paris.
Le bobeur Rudy Rinaldi allume la torche du prince Albert II avec la flamme olympique ce 18 juin 2024 (Photo : David Nivière/ABACAPRESS.COM)
The Olympic flame passes through the Principality of Monaco.
On Tuesday 18 June, the Olympic flame returned to mainland France after travelling for several days overseas. During the day, the flame passed through several towns on the Côte d'Azur, including a stopover in Monaco. It was in the early hours of the morning that the flame emerged from the harbour at Villefranche-sur-Mer, brought ashore by snorkeler Alice Modolo.
At 2.15pm, the flame entered the Principality, welcomed by racing driver Charles Leclerc, Monaco's most famous sportsman of the moment, even though motor sports are not on the Olympic Games programme. The Formula 1 driver took up the baton in front of the statue of Juan Manuel Fangio, located on Port Hercule. The flame then crossed the Avenue du Port, headed for the Place d'Armes, then the Major ramp, before arriving at the Place du Palais.
Princess Charlène, still known as Charlene Wittstock, took part in the Olympic Games in 2000. Prince Albert has taken part in five editions of the Olympic Winter Games (Photo: David Nivière/ABACAPRESS.COM)
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène among the six Monegasque relay runners.
Skier Alexandra Coletti, table tennis player Xiaoxin Yang and bobsleigh driver Rudy Rinaldi took over after Charles Leclerc. The crossing of Monaco ended with the last two prestigious relay runners: the Head of State and his wife. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène, dressed head to toe in white, held up their torches.
On Tuesday 18 June, the Olympic flame passed through the Principality. Before returning to France, a final relay will take place in front of the royal palace, with the Head of State taking part (Photo: David Nivière/ABACAPRESS.COM)
The royal couple were accompanied by their twins, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. Prince Albert II, who has taken part in the Winter Olympics on several occasions, is a member of the International Olympic Committee. Princess Charlène herself took part in the Olympic Games in swimming.
Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella were present at the handover of the Olympic flame (Photo: David Nivière/ABACAPRESS.COM)
After a stopover in Monaco, the flame returned to France, to Antibes-Juan-les-Pins. Antibes-Juan-les-Pins is the only commune in France twinned with the Greek town of Olympia. In the coming days, the flame will continue its journey through the regions of France, until its triumphant arrival in Paris. The 33rd Summer Olympic Games will take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024. The Monegasque delegation is sending three athletes this year: Lisa Pou in 10km open water swimming, Xiaoxin Yang in table tennis and Quentin Antognelli in rowing.
NICOLAS FONTAINE
ROYAL ARTS VISIONS: PRINCE ALBERT II AND PRINCESS CHARLÈNE CARRY THE OLYMPIC FLAME AS IT PASSES THROUGH MONACO