sentences:  For important Monégasque events—such as Grimaldi weddings and births—the palace courtyard is opened and the assembled citizens of Monaco are addressed by the prince from the Gallery of Hercules overlooking the courtyard.The courtyard is also used to host the annual children's Christmas party.Through such events, the palace continues to play a central role in the lives of the prince and his subjects, as it has done for over 700 years.