The (not so) solemn occasion of the changing of the guard in Monaco

In 1814, the Treaty of Paris returned the tiny principality of Monaco to the Grimaldis. It is the second smallest nation state - only the Vatican is smaller.

The Monegasque royalty have their own army, the Caribiniers du Prince. They guard the palace of the Grimaldis. It is a stunning residence overlooking the harbour and was originally built as a fortress in the 13th century.

Daily at precisely 11:55 am the Carabiniers, resplendent in their blue, black and red uniforms, with bayonets fixed to their rifles, carry out the solemn ceremony of the changing of the guard. 

People gather to watch, the road is closed and police control the crowd with Gallic vigilance. We were there. Sylvana was there. Look closely. This is among the many reasons that I love Sylvana.