Prince Albert Shares 2024 Message with Princess Charlene, Focusing on 'Gratitude' amid 'Difficult' Times

"We must continue to mobilize our efforts and devote all our energy to the cause of peace, mutual acceptance, and solidarity," the Monaco royal said

Prince Albert is reflecting on 2023 while looking ahead to 2024.

The Monaco royal appeared in a taped message shared on Facebook Sunday, in which he recalled personal and global affairs that took place over the past year beside his wife, Princess Charlene.

In the video, Albert, 65, donned a navy blue suit, while Charlene, 45, wore a burgundy, velvet Ralph Lauren gown.

“Whether on the world stage or in our personal lives, the year will have brought its share of happiness, but also trials, tribulations, and tragedies,” Prince Albert said in the clip, which was translated to English via subtitles. “The Princess and I want to express our full support, and our deepest compassion and affection for all those affected by bereavement, suffering, illness and loneliness.”

He continued: “These are difficult times, and their consequences are not yet clear to see. Our country has been spared many of the upheavals affecting the world. So we have a shared duty to acknowledge our good fortune, and an ambition too, to remain united by protecting our institutional model, our social and economic achievements.”

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Related: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco Continue Tradition with Children's Christmas Party at the Palace

Prince Albert then outlined the importance of looking ahead amid the current political climate, stating, “We must also show our gratitude for these advantages by working together to pass on what we have inherited to future generations.”

Calling 2023 a “year of celebrations” — given that it marked what would have been the 100th birthday of Prince Rainier III, as well as the 30th anniversary of Monaco joining the United Nations — he continued, “Our unity and uniqueness are our shield against the problems that today beset so many of our Western societies, and I consider it my wholehearted duty to ensure that our community remains cohesive and prosperous."

"History has too often shown how fragile nations can be, and so in an increasingly complex and unstable world, it is vital that we stay the course," Albert added.

He ended the video: “We cannot predict the future, but we can prepare for it. We may not foresee it, but we must create it. The year ahead heralds many challenges, but holds rich promise. We must continue to mobilize our efforts and devote all our energy to the cause of peace, mutual acceptance, and solidarity.”

Related: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene's Royal Twins Are All Grown Up in New Christmas Card Photo

The message from the Monaco royals came about after they celebrated their children, son Prince Jacques and daughter Princess Gabriella, turning nine in early December.

At the time, the family celebrated by sharing a new portrait of the twins, which was taken at the family’s most recent royal appearance together, on Monaco’s National Day.

Both Jacques and Gabriella were suitably dressed in formal attire, with Gabriella wearing a navy blue pea coat and matching beret and her brother clad in formal military attire. 

“Happy Birthday Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella,” the post’s caption said.

This year's New Year's message coincides with ongoing centennial celebrations of Prince Rainier III's birth. Rainier, along with wife Princess Grace, founded the country's modern dynasty, and the festivities honoring his birth are set to continue through the spring.

Later this month, Rainier's love of all things circus will be on display at the 50th edition of the Monte Carlo Circus Festival. To celebrate the Prince, who created the festival, an open-air circus parade — one of the largest in modern days — will march across the principality, starting from the palace.

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