ROYAL ARTS VISIONS; PRINCE ALBERT II VISITS DURAS CASTLE

PRINCE ALBERT II VISITS DURAS CASTLE

Prince Albert II of Monaco continues his visits to localities with links to his ancestors and the Grimaldi family. This July 15, the Monegasque sovereign visited Duras, in Lot-et-Garonne.

Prince Albert II unveils the commemorative plaque of his visit to the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church on the day of its inauguration after renovation (Photo: Axel Bastello / Princely Palace)

Visit in the footsteps of the Grimaldis in New Aquitaine

Prince Albert II of Monaco, 64, began his visit to Duras, at the foot of the castle, on July 15, 2024. The Monegasque sovereign was welcomed by the mayor of the town, Bernadette Dreux. Prince Albert went to the bell tower on foot, before reaching the Sainte Marie-Madeleine church where an inauguration ceremony took place after its restoration.

Prince Albert II and local authorities inaugurate the “Site historique Grimaldi de Monaco” sign (Photo: Axel Bastello / Princely Palace)

The visit of Prince Albert II is part of his desire to visit European locations which are linked to the history of the Grimaldis. His visit to Duras, in Lot-et-Garonne, is not the first. He had already visited the town in 2017. This visit on July 15 took place on the exact date of the 247th wedding anniversary of his ancestors. On July 15, 1777, Louise Félicité d'Aumont, granddaughter of Emmanuel Félicité de Durfort, Duke of Duras, married the future Prince Honoré IV of Monaco. Prince Honoré IV had been divorced for two years when he acceded to the Monegasque throne in 1814. Two sons of Honoré IV and Louise Félicité succeeded one another on the throne: Honoré V in 1819 and Florestan I in 1841.

Inauguration celebration of the Duras church after its renovation (Photo: Axel Bastello / Princely Palace)

Duras Castle (Photo: Axel Bastello / Princely Palace)

Prince Albert II, the mayor of Duras and the prefect Daniel Barnier unveiled the “Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco” square at the entrance to Duras. Prince Albert was then able to see the progress of the work in the locality, having visited there seven years ago. Prince Albert II was also reminded how these ancestors influenced life in Duras. Jacques de Durfort, ancestor on the maternal side of Louise Félicité d'Aumont, was at the origin of the creation of a Protestant temple in Duras, in 1611. The temple was then transformed into a church, in 1685.

Prince Albert II receives the certificate of honorary citizen of the commune of Duras (Photo: Axel Bastello / Princely Palace)

Passing through the weekly Duras market, Prince Albert II took a walk in the crowd, greeting the population who were intrigued by his presence. Before lunch in the Marshals' Hall at Duras Castle, Prince Albert received the city's medal.