The Principality of Monaco’s diplomatic mission in Spain celebrates 150 years

Eduardo González The Principality of Monaco will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of its diplomatic mission in Spain in 2026. It was opened as a delegation linked to France in 1876 and elevated to the rank of Embassy in 1990. The Principality of Monaco and the Kingdom of Spain established diplomatic relations on June 2, 1876, during the reign of Charles III, Prince of Monaco from 1856 to 1889. On July 14 of that same year, King Alfonso XII of Spain authorized the opening of a Monegasque delegation, which remained linked to the Monegasque delegation in France until June 1945. Since then, the Principality of Monaco has always maintained a presence in the Spanish capital, except during the 1930s, when its presence was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent Second World War. The delegation was elevated to the rank of Embassy on November 30, 1990. Since then, the Principality has had seven ambassadors to Spain. Currently, the mission is headed by Catherine Fautrier-Rousseau, resident ambassador since August 2020, who leads a team of five. In November 2013, Spain appointed its first ambassador to Monaco, based in Paris, Carlos Bastarreche. He was succeeded by Ramón de Miguel on August 1, 2014. Currently, the Head of Mission is Victorio Redondo Baldrich. To mark the 150th anniversary, the Embassy of Monaco, in close collaboration with the Directorate of Cultural Affairs of the Princely Government, has organized a cultural program that will take place throughout the year in both Spain and the Principality. “This commemoration is part of the ongoing, long-standing historical relationship between Monaco and Spain, built on dialogue, cooperation, and shared values,” the Embassy stated. “It testifies to the continuity of an ancient diplomatic bond that has evolved over time while maintaining its strength,” it added. Furthermore, a commemorative logo has been created to mark this 150th anniversary, “highlighting the quality of relations between the two countries and the importance the Principality attaches to their continued existence.” Although the Monegasque diplomatic mission in Spain dates back to 1876, the ties between the two countries go back much further. In 1524, the Lordship of Monaco, then under the Grimaldi family, separated from the Holy Roman Empire to become a Spanish protectorate, after Emperor Charles V recognized its sovereignty and offered it his protection as the Catholic King of the Hispanic Monarchy. That relationship lasted just over a hundred years, until, on September 14, 1641, the Treaty of Péronne was signed between King Louis XIII of France and Honoré II of Monaco, ending the Spanish protectorate and returning the Principality of Monaco to the French sphere of influence.

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