Carolina of Monaco, Princess of Hanover, met this Saturday with the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel as part of her official visit to Cuba.
"Her Royal Highness, Carolina, Princess of Monaco and Hannover, who is on an official visit to Cuba, was received on Saturday afternoon at the capital's Palace of Conventions by President Díaz-Canel," reported on X by the Presidency of Cuba, which posted a photo of Díaz-Canel presenting a bouquet of flowers to the royal member.
"It is a pleasure, welcome to Cuba," said Díaz-Canel.
Carolina of Monaco expressed, for her part, her honor in returning to Cuba, where she visited ten years ago on what was her first visit, as stated by the Presidency's account.
“At that moment,” he said, “we formed very beautiful bonds.”
At the reception were also the Minister of Culture of the regime, Alpidio Alonso, and Viengsay Valdés, principal dancer and general director of the National Ballet of Cuba.
The princess's journey is part of the second visit of the dancing company of the Principality of Monaco to Havana, where they premiered Core Meu (My Heart) this Friday.
The artistic director of the Principality of Monaco company, Jean-Christophe Maillot, informed the agency EFE that the piece is set in the Mediterranean Sea, set to the rhythm of the tarantella, a popular dance from Southern Italy.
This Saturday, in addition, Carolina of Monaco visited the Guayasamín House, in Old Havana, where she donated the portrait created by the Ecuadorian painter.
During her tour of the Guayasamín house, Carolina also appeared alongside the director of the Cuban National Ballet, Viengsay Valdés.
This is the second time that the Ballet de Montecarlo has come to Cuba. The previous visit was in 2015 to present their version of Cinderella. On both that occasion and this one, Princess Carolina has accompanied the dancers.
The Monte Carlo Ballet, founded in 1936, was revived 40 years ago by Carolina to promote the image of Monaco through dance.
Driven by her mother's love for ballet, Grace Kelly, Carolina distinguished herself as a dancer apprentice and has been a major patron of the arts in Europe.
She not only founded the Ballet of Monte Carlo but has also served as president of the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Monte Carlo Opera, the Prince Pierre Foundation, the Primaveral Art Festival, the Monte Carlo Garden Club, and the Princess Grace Foundation.
Frequently asked questions about Princess Caroline of Monaco's visit to Cuba
What was the purpose of Princess Caroline of Monaco's visit to Cuba?
The visit of Princess Caroline of Monaco to Cuba had a cultural and artistic significance, particularly highlighted by her attendance at the presentation of the Monte Carlo Ballet and the donation of a portrait of herself to the Guayasamín House in Old Havana.
What cultural events accompanied Princess Carolina's visit to Cuba?
During her stay in Cuba, Princess Carolina attended the premiere of the play "Core Meu" by the Monte Carlo Ballet at the National Theater of Cuba. Additionally, she donated a portrait of herself painted by the Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, highlighting her interest in promoting cultural ties between Monaco and Cuba.
What significance does the Monte Carlo Ballet have in Princess Caroline's visit?
The Monte Carlo Ballet plays a central role in Princess Caroline's visit, as she has been a great patron of the company, helping to revive it to promote the image of Monaco. The presence of the ballet in Cuba strengthens the cultural ties between the two countries.
How has the visit of Princess Caroline been perceived by the Cuban government?
The visit of Princess Carolina has been welcomed by the Cuban government, as evidenced by the meeting with President Miguel Díaz-Canel. This type of visit is used to present the regime as a cultural host and open to international exchange, despite internal criticisms and the country's political situation.
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