Princess Grace statue in Newport, County Mayo
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco visited Newport, County Mayo on the 16/03/23 to unveil a statue of his late mother, Princess Grace of Monaco. The statue was commissioned by the Newport Business Association with significant funding from the LEADER programme. The piece was created by Mayo-based artist Mark Rode, which celebrates the legacy of this remarkable woman, who had strong family ties to the area.
Princess Grace, also known as Grace Kelly, was an American actress. She married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, and was renowned for her beauty, talent, and charisma. She was a beloved figure in Monaco and around the world. The statue, located in the heart of Newport, stands as a testament to Princess Grace’s enduring legacy and is a powerful symbol of all that has been achieved by the Irish abroad.
The Newport Business Association hopes that the statue will attract visitors to the area, showcasing Newport and its rich cultural heritage. Moreover, the group hopes that this initiative will help to strengthen ties between Mayo and Monaco.
This official royal visit by Princess Grace’s son confirmed that family bonds to Ireland built across generations are never forgotten. This statue will stand as a permanent record of Princess Grace’s connection to the town and people of Newport.
During his visit, Prince Albert II met with local officials, community leaders, and South West Mayo Development Company representatives. He also attended a reception in his honor, where he had the opportunity to speak about his mother’s legacy and the importance of cultural exchange and cooperation between Mayo and Monaco.
The Newport Business Association worked diligently to prepare for this official royal visit, and we would like to express our gratitude to them and to everyone involved for their efforts in organising this event. Furthermore, we extend our sincere appreciation to Prince Albert II for his visit to Mayo.
Through our LEADER work, we were honored to celebrate the legacy of Princess Grace, and to welcome such a distinguished guest to our community.
Watch the video below where Prince Albert unveils Princess Grace statue and be sure to share it with your friends and family, and come visit us in Newport to see the statue.
