Prince Albert II has been crowned sovereign of Monaco at a ceremony in the principal palace, attended by several heads of state and government. It is just the beginning of a series of ceremonies on the Mediterranean micro-state. It will be followed by two days of festivities to coincide with Monaco's national day celebrations on Saturday when Albert will be enthroned.

Prince Albert vowed to help Monaco play a more important role on international financial markets. "Today the principality is an independent and truly sovereign state," he said. "We can thus build our future with confidence and embark on an ambitious journey. My determination is total."

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