Our History

Created in 1973 at the express wish of H.S.H. Princess Grace, the MonacoUSA Association has for the past 50 years been the Principality’s main rendez-vous for resident Americans and native Monégasque citizens – as well as friends of both nations from around the globe.

Princess Grace never missed an opportunity of fostering cultural educational and artistic exchanges between her native America and her adopted Principality and The MonacoUSA Association is the direct fruit of the Princess’ desire to foster a sincere friendship between the two countries.

Princess Grace worked tirelessly for several favorite charities: the Monegasque Red Cross, AMADE, the Princess Grace Ballet School, the American Association of the French Riviera and for many international organizations assisting underprivileged children At the time of MonacoUSA’s establishment in 1973, the Princess impressed on the first Committee Members that she hoped this Association would evoke the true American spirit of open friendship, good cheer, a willing hand to help others and, above all, informality. She intended that the meetings of the group be kept casual – and affordable to all “from the CEO of an international company to an ‘au pair’ working for a Monaco family” – as she herself once put it.

Princess Grace of Monaco (1953)