Prince Albert of Monaco was seen with a scar on his face as he made his first public appearance following a medical procedure.
On Saturday, the prince met with Pope Leo in the Vatican, and images showed the leftover scar from the procedure on his left cheek.
In a statement released on Friday, the Palace of Monaco said that Albert underwent a scheduled dermatological procedure to treat a benign condition.
It read: “The Princely Palace reports that, as part of a routine dermatological follow-up, H.S.H. Prince Albert II underwent a scheduled, short medical procedure on his scalp and face to treat a benign condition.
Prince Albert was seen with a scar on his face from as part of a "routine" procedure
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“The procedure required a few stitches. The Sovereign Prince’s schedule of activities continues as normal.”
Pope Leo was joined by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.
Albert discussed: “the good diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the principality of Monaco,” with Pope Leo, as well as the “historic and significant contribution of the Catholic Church to the principality's social life.”
“Attention was given to several issues of common interest, such as care for the environment, humanitarian assistance, and the defense and promotion of the dignity of the human person,” The Holy See Press Office added.
The prince also took time to discuss international issues, “with particular emphasis on peace and security, as well as on the general situation in the Middle East and in certain regions of Africa,” the office stated.
The head of state’s scar was also visible during his attendance at the opening of the 48th International Circus Festival at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille in Monaco.
The pair discussed "the environment, humanitarian assistance, and the defense and promotion of the dignity" during their meeting
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He attended alongside his nephew Louis Ducruet and niece Camille Gottlieb on Friday.
The prince has reigned as Monaco’s head of state since April 2005, when he took the throne, following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III.
He marked the 20th anniversary of his accession in 2025.
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Albert shares three children with his wife, Princess Charlene, 11-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
Jaques is the heir to the throne and follows his father in the direct line of succession.
King Charles participated in an ecumenical service alongside the Pope in the Sistine Chapel during his day-long visit to the Vatican in October.
King Charles prayed with Pope Leo in October, and was the first British monarch to do so since the reformation
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It was the first time a British monarch had prayed with a Pope in public since the Reformation in the 16th Century.
Pope Leo is not the first Pope that Prince Albert has met, as he interacted with Pope Francis in 2022 and 2016, and met Pope Benedict XVI in 2013.
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