The people of Monaco are feeling the a sense of change, and not from the current economic crisis.
- FILE – Reuters
A recent article from Britain’s Daily Telegraph, reported on how the often fiercely loyal Monagesques are beginning to turn on their sovereign, Prince Albert II.
They are complaining that since taking office in 2005, 51 year-old Albert has spent little time in his tiny principality on the French Riviera, and appears to do little to secure the future of the ruling Grimaldi family.
“Albert treats Monaco like his holiday home,” complained Julien Bonni, 45, one of Monaco’s many chauffeurs. “He pops in for a few weeks, then dashes off on another long jaunt thousands of miles away.
“Monaco is feeling the effects of the credit crunch too, and at a time like this most people feel he should be spending more time governing us, and less time jet-setting about.
“He’s been all over the place this year. During part of the debate over our tax haven status, he was in the South Pole.”
Another Monaco resident, Jacqueline, 34, a housewife, added: “He could boost everyone’s morale here with a good state wedding to his girlfriend, then get on with giving us an heir.”
The Prince has been dating South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock for about three years. He has two illegitimate children from two different women, neither of whom can inherit the Grimaldi dynasty since only those born within wedlock can do so, according to law.
Another problem Prince Albert is facing is the fact he is changing the country’s banking laws so it would take Monaco off the “black list” of tax haven countries. This is something most of the national council members disagree with.
In a statement 21 of the 24 members signed, it reads: “We deplore that Monaco’s situation was not defended with more vigor… as a result we are astonished by the self-congratulatory statements from the government on the new classification of the country.”
But, Monaco’s Minister of State, Jean-Paul Proust disagrees with the council. He says, “The image given to the Principality is false and unfair and has stuck to our country for a long time…We are doing everything to get off this ridiculous list.”
This past weekend saw Prince Albert being active in his sovereign duties. He, along with sister Princess Caroline, opened the Garden Club – an event which celebrates flower arrangement.
He also planted trees in an area that was damaged by wildfires in 2003.
Royalty survives by paying attention to the needs of the people. History has shown when royals neglect their people, the people question their loyalty to royalty.
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