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Prince Albert of Monaco appeared with visible scars on his face in his first public appearance following a medical procedure earlier this week.
On Saturday, January 17, the 67-year-old crown prince met Pope Leo at the Vatican, and photos show he had a visible scar on his left cheek.
Monaco’s Princely Palace said in a statement on January 16 that Albert had undergone scheduled dermatological surgery on his scalp and face “for the treatment of a benign disease.”
“The Crown Prince’s Palace has reported that, as part of a routine dermatological follow-up, HSH Prince Albert II underwent a scheduled short-term medical procedure on his scalp and face to treat a benign disease,” the statement read. “The surgery required several stitches. The Crown Prince’s activity schedule continues as normal.”
Vatican Pool/Getty
After Prince Albert’s visit, the Holy See’s Press Office told Vatican News that Prince Albert met with both Pope Leo, 70, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, head of relations with nations and international organizations.
Albert spoke of the “good diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Principality of Monaco” and the “historic and important contribution of the Catholic Church to the social life of the Principality of Monaco.”
“Attention was paid to several issues of common interest, including environmental care, humanitarian assistance, and the defense and promotion of human dignity,” the news agency added.
The secretariat added that Albert also took time to discuss the international situation, “with particular emphasis on peace and security, as well as the general situation in some regions of the Middle East and Africa,” according to Vatican News.
Prince Albert’s hurt was visible on Friday, January 16, when he attended the opening of the 48th International Circus Festival at the Château de Fontvieille in Monaco, along with his nephew Louis Ducruet and niece Camille Gottlieb.
Mario Tomasetti – Vatican Media, via Vatican Pool/Getty
Grand Duke Albert has been Monaco’s head of state since April 2005, when he ascended the throne following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III. He will celebrate his 20th anniversary in 2025.
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Albert and his wife Princess Charlene have 11-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. Prince Jacques is the heir to the throne and follows his father’s direct line of succession.
Albert has previously met with Pope Francis in 2022 and 2016, and with Pope Benedict XVI in 2013.
Pope Leo has been meeting with other European royals in recent months. In October, King Charles made a historic first appearance by praying with Leo after their meeting at the Vatican.
The 77-year-old king participated in a solemn ecumenical service with the Pope in the Sistine Chapel during the spiritual highlight of his visit to the Vatican on Oct. 23, PEOPLE previously reported.
The service, held under the magnificent Michelangelo ceiling, will be the first time a British monarch has publicly prayed with the pope since the Reformation in the 16th century.
