Post by MyAdia on Jun 21, 2011 14:08:25 GMT -5
Here’s another TF1 interview with another Monégasque - Alain San Giorgio, president of the National Committee of Monegasque Traditions. Alain discusses mostly Monégasque traditions, but he also heaps a few non-deserved praises on Charlene. It’s amazing how this man believes the lie that Albert gave why he isn’t marrying in the church. Alain admits that the cathedral can hold 700 people (unlike the lie of 500 that the palace is given) and thus is too small for Albert to invite all the people of Monaco. Ok, Alain and all of you other morons who believe any and everything Albert and the palace tell you – get a freakin’ brain! All the people of Monaco is not invited to Albert’s wedding. The 3500 of you will be sitting in the sun outside of the ceremony to act as a rent-a-crowd to Princess Trashlene. The official guests – 800 of them - is only 100 less than the amount that you yourself stated that can fit in the cathedral.
Here’s the link to the TF1 interview in French.
Here’s the link to the TF1 interview in French.
"Monegasques allow time for Charlene to adapt their traditions"
By Ludmilla Intravaia,
June 20, 2011
Interview - Filing of the bouquet to the church, salvation to the balcony ... invitation of the population, TF1 News decrypts the customs of the approaching marriage of Monaco, with Alain San Giorgio, president of the National Committee of Monegasque Traditions.
TF1 News: Monegasque culture is rich with many traditions, including the cult of Saint Devote, the church which will make Charlene Wittstock her wedding bouquet at the end of her religious union with Prince Albert II, the Saturday, July 2. What is the symbolism of this gesture
Alain SanGiorgio, president of the National Committee of Monegasque Traditions: In the Catholic tradition, it is customary to offer a wedding bouquet to the Virgin or a saint martyred as is the case in Monaco, Saint Devote, in the church bearing her name. Sainte Devote is the patron saint of the principality and ruling family, celebrated January 27. The name of this Christian girl, martyred by the Romans, is invoked in prayers to ask for her protection and her blessing. We thank her for our victories, let us turn to her in misfortune. Holy devotee holds an important place in the heart of Monaco, as well as his church, even if it is tiny. Young women who marry in the church Sainte Devote lose their bouquet. Grace Kelly was married at the cathedral but had also filed her bouquet in the church, as will Charlene Wittstock , in order to address the thanks of the holy couple. I was present at the wedding of Princess Grace, the church of Sainte Devote, where people had gathered. It was a moment of jubilation extreme.
TF1 News: A cocktail party will be offered to Monaco on the Palace Square, the first Friday in July, after the civil marriage. Is it a tradition, for the sovereign, to invite his subjects to his wedding?
Alain SanGiorgio: Yes. For example, for 50 years of the reign of Rainier III , great celebrations were held in Monaco, Monaco where all were invited. The Prince of Monaco is the only sovereign who can invite all his subjects to his marriage. Albert II , like his father, knows almost all his subjects. Monegasques feel of the sovereign's family and vice versa. This invitation marks the communion, the deep bond uniting at all times, the wise and enlightened rulers of Monaco, in their population.
TF1 News: A population that will give a gift to the royal couple at the end of the cocktail, through its Mayor ...
Alain SanGiorgio: The gift is normal, since we want to please our sovereign. When the mayor launched a subscription for a gift, Monaco, and even non-Monaco, respond ever-present. It does not matter what. The mayor asks about what he will really enjoy. For example, for the 50-year reign of Rainier III, she offered him the car in which he participated in a rally in Monaco, at the age of 22. I do not know what we'll offer Albert II for his marriage. But even if asked for money or gifts made to charities, we will offer him a token gift.
TF1 News: Civil marriage in the royal palace, it's normal?
Alain SanGiorgio: Absolutely. A civil union is celebrated in the throne room by the registrar of the sovereign, the President of the Council of State. Then the couple from the balcony of the hall of mirrors salutes the crowd gathered in the palace square. This place is really the place where the heart of Monaco is going to fight for marriage. From there they salute in return, their sovereign.
TF1 News: For cons, the religious ceremony in the courtyard of the palace is not the first one?
Alain SanGiorgio: Indeed. With around 700 seats, the cathedral is too small for all guests. It would be unmanageable. The main courtyard is a novelty, what is more, in the open. We must not let it rain, otherwise it will be a disaster. Sure, we'll pray for Sainte Devote the weather.
TF1 News: What do you remember the wedding of Grace Kelly and Rainier III in 1956?
Alain SanGiorgio: This union marked me forever. I was 12. We had a day off. It was great, we had no school. Grace Kelly arrived in Monaco on a big ship, almost bigger than the Rock itself. And Rainier III went to meet her in a much smaller yacht to take her to the palace.
TF1 News: Were you in the streets or have you contemplated the event on television?
Alain SanGiorgio: There was no TV then. When we wanted to watch TV, we would see those that were offered for sale and the owners of the shops lit up on Saturday afternoon, to lure customers. I have seen the wedding of Grace Kelly and Rainier III of Monaco in the streets, the square of the palace to the church of Sainte Devote. To see off the boat, I was placed in a building under construction. Only regret, Grace Kelly wore a large white hat and I saw it, not her face. I had, for against, the opportunity to meet several times during my career, this woman of exceptional class. I shudder at its mere mention. Before becoming a star, she was our princess.
TF1 News: Charlene Wittstock is often compared to the mother of her future husband. Do you think the bride will live up to the task imposed by its role as sovereign, especially with regard to respect for cultural traditions Monaco?
Alain SanGiorgio: For a long time we waited for the wedding of Albert II of Monaco. Charlene Wittstock will be received with much joy as Princess Grace. This last year she was very well integrated in the Monaco community. Similarly, the Sovereign’s fiancée has already appeared with him in many public events such as celebrations of Saint Devote (see our illustration) or the national holiday, where she saluted from the balcony. She understands very quickly. And Monaco will leave her all the time necessary to adjust.
The National Committee of Monegasque Traditions, what is it?
This institution created in 1924 aims to preserve the culture and language of Monaco.Recognized by the government of the Rock, it ensures that keep the tangible and intangible heritage of the Principality, especially through the Museum of Old Monaco. For more information, the site of the National Committee of Monegasque Traditions is here.