Prince Albert II celebrates his 20th anniversary with the Monegasques

Prince Albert II of Monaco celebrated his 20th anniversary this Saturday with the people of Monaco, at a cocktail party on the palace square, which he intended to be intimate and festive, far from the turbulence that has shaken the principality in recent years.

Accompanied by his wife Charlene, their children Jacques and Gabriella, his sisters Caroline and Stéphanie and the entire royal family, Albert II was applauded by thousands of guests, in front of vast buffets laid out under canvas in the red and white colours of Monaco.

"Everything I do, every day, whether here, in international arenas, in the solitude of my office or on distant seas, I do it for you," he declared, before recalling the "essential virtues" for his country: "hard work, a sense of hospitality, an interest in innovation, a commitment to ethics and an openness to the international community."

Under heavy heat, the princely family then strolled among the guests, in a jazzy atmosphere, before, later in the evening, cutting their birthday cake, a wedding cake covered with white and red macaroons, then served to all the guests, still to music.

"There are more than 9,900 of us Monegasques, we are all here to support our country and it's a pleasure," said Frédéric Purasso, a 43-year-old entrepreneur.

A single, athletic and seductive man in 2005, Albert II, who has now taken on the role of a fulfilled father, has reigned since the death of his father Rainier III on April 6, 2005. But his accession was only celebrated in July, after a period of mourning.

In 20 years, Albert II has managed to make his voice heard on the environment and to accompany the astonishing economic success of his micro-state of 2 km2, which combines a Mediterranean climate, luxury, casinos, Michelin-starred restaurants, spectacular views of the deep blue sea, security and the absence of corporate or income tax.

Real estate is the most expensive in the world, and GDP is expected to reach €9.4 billion in 2023, up nearly 50% since 2014. But Monaco is struggling to meet international transparency and anti-money laundering and anti-corruption requirements.

The micro-state is also shaken by a media and legal battle involving former associates of Albert II accused of embezzlement , who in turn denounce a stranglehold on the principality by the real estate magnate Patrice Pastor.

A paradoxical situation for a prince who, upon taking power, made an impression by assuring that "money and virtue must always be combined." But "let us not pay attention to those who want to divide us, weaken us, discourage us," the prince declared this Saturday in his speech to the Monegasques.

"When you're a big family and you have a good life, there are always times when people are jealous," commented Michèle Robillon, a 60-year-old retiree.

In addition to Albert II's 20-year reign, Monaco can also celebrate the end of a period of turbulence that began with the untimely death in January of Prime Minister Didier Guillaume . Appointed after five months of procrastination, State Councilor Philippe Mettoux withdrew at the last minute at the end of June. But a successor has been appointed: Christophe Mirmand, former prefect of the Paca region. He is due to take office on Monday.