Prince's Band of Carabiniers

The Prince's Band of Carabiniers (French: Fanfare de la Carabiniers du Prince) is a part-time military band assigned to provide musical support to the Prince Albert II of Monaco, who is the head of state and the ceremonial head of the Force Publique. Its home unit is the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince, which is responsible for the country's defence. All members of the band are trained dually music and in the trades of non-band members.[1] The 26-members of the band are referred to as "rifle-musicians" while the band director is titled a Maréchal des Logis Chef.[1][2] In 1978, the title of "Fanfare de la Companies des Carabiniers" was adopted.[1][3]

A drummer of the band.

History

In previous centuries, the Prince's guardsmen included signalers and military drummers who set the marching pace and/or delivered orders to the Prince's Palace. These ensembles evolved over time, with their duties becoming more ceremonial.

In 1966, during the reign of Rainier III, they were combined into a platoon, which in 1978 eventually became a wind band. On 1 January 2014, the platoons were merged into a single company, named the Prince's Band of Carabiniers.[4][5] On 20 January 2016, the band was given the Order of Grimaldi by the Sovereign, in honour of its golden jubilee.[6][7] On this anniversary, it also performed at a gala concert in the presence of the Sovereign and his sister, with proceeds going to the Adrien Foundation and the Baby et Népal Association.[8]

Public events

The band has the following ad hoc ensembles at its disposal during public events:

The diversity of the repertoire of the band allows it to perform at official ceremonies, sporting events, and public concerts.[1][2]

Protocol

The band often performs its signature march, La Marche de la Fanfare des Carabiniers, at its public relations events.[9] It performs during the daily Changing the Guard at the Prince's Palace at 11:55.[10] It also performs during state visits to Monaco, performing the national anthem of a foreign country while also performing the Hymne Monégasque. Another occasion of importance includes the National Day celebrations in November.[11] It commonly performs at civic engagements and music festivals.[12] In its participation in the latter, the band has, since 1989, performed outside of Monaco, in various cities that include, such as: Saumur, Nîmes, Albertville, Lugano, Düsseldorf, Turin, Lisbon, Seville, Geneva, and Hanover.[1][13]

Visit to Scotland

On 4 August 2017, the band accompanied Prince Albert II in his attendance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The tattoo was the 68th edition to have been held.[14][15]

Visit to Russia

In August 2018, the band, under the direction of Senior Warrant Officer Olivier Drean, visited Russia to take part in the Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival and Tattoo on Moscow's Red Square. One of the band members dressed up as a monk resembling those worn during the war of François Grimaldi. The band was noted for using unconventional instruments during its performance, including a bass guitar and an iPad.[16] Among the guests the who were in the presence of the band included Princess Stéphanie and Ambassador Mireille Pettiti. The band also paraded with other bands such as the Central Navy Band of Russia and the Sri Lankan Military Band at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy.[17]

Dress uniform

A medium-blue cloth helmet is worn, with plumes for gala occasions. White epaulettes, spats and aiguillettes that date back to the 19th century. In the summer, a white shirt is simply worn with a white helmet for drummers.[18] For ordinary duties a modern police style uniform is worn with a peaked cap replacing the helmet.[19]

See also

References
  1. Monaco, Palais Princier de. "Palais Princier de Monaco". www.palais.mc. Archived from the original on 23 April 2012. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  2. "::: Monaco Wealth Management :::". Archived from the original on 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
  3. Madmonarchist (7 July 2009). "The Mad Monarchist: Royal Guardians Profile: The Prince's Company of Carabiniers". Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  4. "The Palace Guards / Ministry of Interior / The Government / Government & Institutions / Portail du Gouvernement - Monaco". en.gouv.mc.
  5. "The Prince's Band of Carabiniers of Monaco — [EN] Spasskaya bashnya". spasstower.ru.
  6. "L'orchestre des carabiniers du Prince Albert fête ses 50 ans". France 3 Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
  7. "Cette année, l'orchestre des carabiniers fête ses 50 ans". Monaco-Matin. March 9, 2016.
  8. "Video". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-07-12.
  9. "Video". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-07-12.
  10. "None". Archived from the original on 2009-11-15.
  11. Dupret, Candice (November 19, 2019). "Fête nationale monégasque : tenue de carabinier, premier salut militaire… le show du petit Jacques de Monaco (PHOTOS)". m.programme-tv.net.
  12. Douglas, Alan (February 10, 2017). Bad Mood Drive: English Edition. LifeRich Publishing. ISBN 9781489710628 – via Google Books.
  14. "The Tattoo reveals an array of international acts to celebrate this year's Splash of Tartan". Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
  15. Staff Writer (August 3, 2017). "Prince's Orchestre des Carabiniers to open Edinburgh festival".
  16. "Monk from the Prince's Band of Carabiniers of Monaco Performed Live on iPad at the Spasskaya Tower Festival — [EN] Spasskaya bashnya". spasstower.ru.
  17. "H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie visits Moscow for Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival / News / Monaco Embassy to Russia - Monaco Embassy to Russia". ambassade-en-russie.gouv.mc.
  18. "Summer Uniform". Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  19. "Ordinary Duties Uniform". Archived from the original on 25 March 2013. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
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