Prince Albert II of Monaco had a noticeable facial scar as he returned to public life for the first time since undergoing a recent medical procedure on his scalp.
The 67-year-old royal had a visible scar on his left cheek when he attended the opening of the 48th International Circus Festival at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille in Monaco, along with his nephew. Louis Ducruet and niece Camille Gottliebon Friday January 16. (Louis, Camille and his brother Pauline DucruetAlbert’s mother is Albert’s sister, Princess Estefania from Monaco).
hi! magazine reported on Friday that Prince Albert would not miss any royal engagements after undergoing a dermatological procedure.
“The Prince’s Palace informs that, as part of a routine dermatological follow-up, HRH Prince Albert II underwent a scheduled and brief medical procedure on his scalp and face to treat a benign condition,” a statement from the Prince’s Palace of Monaco confirmed. “The procedure required a few stitches. The Sovereign Prince’s schedule of activities continues as normal.”
Prince Albert II of Monaco has a noticeable scar while attending the International Circus Festival.
Stephane Cardinale/PLS Monaco Pool/Getty ImagesPrince Albert continued his public appearances on Saturday, January 17, when he traveled to Vatican City to meet Pope Leo XIV for the second time
The Vatican has confirmed that Prince Albert spoke to both the Pope and the Archbishop Paul Richard GallagherSecretary of Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, on the promotion of the spirit of union between Monaco and the Vatican.
“During the cordial discussions at the Secretariat of State, the good diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Principality of Monaco were recognized (and the) historical and significant contribution of the Catholic Church to the social life of the Principality (was recognized),” the Vatican confirmed. “Attention was given to various issues of common interest, such as environmental care, humanitarian assistance, and the defense and promotion of the dignity of the human person.”
Monaco’s first family has had numerous health problems in recent years. Prince Albert’s wife Princess Charlenefell seriously ill while visiting South Africa in September 2020 due to complications from persistent ear, nose and throat problems.
Royal watchers have been following the battle for King Charles III’s health after he was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in February 2024. “During the King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a different issue of concern was noted,” a statement from Buckingham Palace read at the time. “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form (…)
The 47-year-old princess underwent several surgeries in the spring and early summer of 2021, before temporarily retiring from public life as she battled exhaustion. Fortunately, Princess Charlene recovered enough to resume her public schedule in 2022.
Meanwhile, Prince Albert has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the first members of a royal family tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2020. He was treated at Princess Grace Hospital and continued to work during his recovery.
A statement issued by the palace at the time promised that Prince Albert was “not at all concerned” about his condition. The prince encouraged residents of Monaco to “respect confinement measures and limit contact with others to a minimum.”
When his distant relative King Charles III (then Prince Charles) was diagnosed with COVID-19 soon after, some suspected that Charles might have been infected by Albert at a royal function.
“I was at a round table at his foundation, but we never shook hands,” Prince Albert later told French radio station RTL on March 26, 2020. “I was at the other end of the table, very far away.”
He added: “We greeted each other, so I don’t think I can be accused of polluting it. There were a lot of other people around the convention center, and I know he continued his schedule after that for a few days. (He) had plenty of other opportunities to take it.”
More recently, King Charles has battled an unspecified type of cancer after being diagnosed in early 2024. He offered a rare update on his health in a December 2025 television address on cancer prevention, where he reminded viewers that “early diagnosis simply saves lives.”
“In fact, today I can share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders’, my own cancer treatment program can be reduced in the New Year,” he announced. “This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testament to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years—a testament that I hope can give encouragement to the 50 percent of us who will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in our lives.”