RoyMob

The Principality of Monaco

The Prince and Princess received Red Cross delegations at the palace

The Prince and Princess received Red Cross delegations at the palace

Photo: Palais Princier de Monaco

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène received the delegates of the tenth SENS meeting at the Princely Palace on Wednesday. The network brings together the small European Red Cross societies, and the Monaco Red Cross is hosting it from 15 to 18 September. Six countries are represented.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène received the delegates of the tenth SENS meeting at the Princely Palace in Monaco on Wednesday 16 September. SENS is the network for the small European Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.

Prince Albert in a dark blazer and Princess Charlène in a beige dress stand side by side in a room at the palace The Prince and Princess received the delegates at the Princely Palace. Princess Charlène wore a dress by Oscar de la Renta. Photo: Palais Princier de Monaco

• What SENS is

SENS stands for Small European National Societies and was created in 2016. The idea behind the network is that the small national societies should be able to share experience, build lasting cooperation and make their voices heard within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The meeting is organised each year by one of the member societies.

Princess Charlène and Prince Albert smile at a guest standing with her back to the camera From the reception at the palace. Photo: Palais Princier de Monaco

• Back in Monaco after ten years

The Croix-Rouge monégasque, the Monaco Red Cross, is hosting the gathering from 15 to 18 September. Monaco also hosted the very first SENS meeting ten years ago, so this is the second time it has been held in the principality.

Prince Albert greets a woman in a patterned outfit while Princess Charlène looks on The Prince and Princess greeted the delegates one by one. Photo: Palais Princier de Monaco

• Six countries around the table

Six national societies are represented: Andorra, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta and the host country Monaco. Representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and of the International Committee of the Red Cross are also taking part.

A group of delegates gathered around a long table with red folders in a meeting room at the Monaco Red Cross The delegations during the working session at the Croix-Rouge monégasque. Photo: Croix-Rouge monégasque

Over two working days the delegations are discussing the challenges facing the small national societies today: international cooperation, migration, governance, youth engagement, climate change, mental health and emergency preparedness.

• The Prince is president

The Croix-Rouge monégasque was founded in 1948 by Prince Louis II, and Prince Albert II is the society's president.

More stories about Monaco