Prince Albert of Monaco explores caves in Puente Viesgo as he continues his tour of Spain to mark the 100th anniversary of his great-grandfather’s death
- Albert, 64, visited the site which was of particular interest to his namesake
- The late Prince Albert visited the caves himself in 1909 and 1914
- His patronage helped the site become a site of international interest
Prince Albert II of Monaco ventured underground this afternoon as he continued his tour of Spain in honour of his late great-grandfather.
The royal, 64, visited the caves on the outskirts of Puente Viesgo in Northern Spain, which was an area of particular interest to Prince Albert I during his 33-year reign.
The late Prince – who passed away at the age of 73 in 1922 – visited the site in 1909 and 1914 and his patronage contributed to the caves being recognised as as a site of international interest.
Four of the 18 limestone caves have been listed as World Heritage Sites – including El Castillo, which contains the world’s oldest cave painting, dating back 40,000 years.
Prince Albert II of Monaco is currently touring Spain and Portugal to mark 100 years since his great-grandfather’s passing. Pictured delivering a speech during his visit to the cave areas of Puente Viesgo town
Prince Albert’s great-grandfather visited the site in 1909 and 1914 and helped it become an area of international interest. The royal, 64, followed in his namesake’s footsteps this afternoon
Following in his great-grandfather’s footsteps, Prince Albert ventured down to the site and delivered a speech to mark the 100th anniversary of his namesake’s death.
Before inheriting the throne when he was 41, the late royal served in the Spanish Navy as a navigator and was awarded the French Legion Order of Honour for his service in the Franco-Prussian War.
Following his military career, Albert I grew increasingly passionate about oceanography and went on to complete 28 expeditions around the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
In Portugal, the Prince is remembered for discovering a small shelf around the Azores archipelago, which boosted the country’s fishing industry.
To this day, it is still known as ‘Princess Alice’s shelf’ in honour of the ship Albert was travelling on.
Four of the 18 limestone caves have been listed as World Heritage Sites – including El Castillo, which contains the world’s oldest cave painting, dating back 40,000 years. Pictured: Prince Albert before venturing into the cave
The Prince passed away at the age of 73 on June 26, 1922 – leaving his son Louis II, whose son Rainier III went on to marry American actress Grace Kelly, to inherit his position
Thanks to his pioneering oceanography studies, Albert and his team of biologists, zoologists and geographers developed the first maps of the world’s ocean depths.
The Prince passed away at the age of 73 on June 26, 1922- leaving his son Louis II, whose son Rainier III went on to marry American actress Grace Kelly, to inherit his position.
Yesterday, the Prince met with King Felipe of Spain for a private lunch as part of his tour of Spain and Portugal.
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