National Day, also known as Sovereign Prince's Day, is observed in Monaco every November 19. This holiday commemorates the anniversary of the reigning Prince of Monaco's ascension to the throne. The day marks the final ascension of Prince Albert II, who inherited the throne in 2005 following a mourning period for his father, Reiner III. The celebration includes a grand military parade through the streets of Monaco, followed by a solemn mass at the Saint Nicholas Cathedral. The date was chosen by Prince Albert II to coincide with his enthronement rather than a patron saint's day, which is a common practice among previous princes. National Day reflects Monaco's sovereignty, which was recognized in 1861 through the Franco-Monegasque Treaty after a history of foreign administration.