On Wednesday 29th October, the Princess — who serves as President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation — visited the Georgian Rugby Union’s training centre in Martkopi, a facility known for its elite infrastructure. She was accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, General Secretary of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

The young Monegasque players are taking part in a series of friendly matches against top-tier Georgian teams as part of their preparation for the prestigious Dubai International Rugby Sevens tournament scheduled for late November.

As part of her visit, Princess Charlene also attended a first aid training session for youth athletes, co-organised by the Georgian Red Cross and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The workshop aimed to raise awareness among players about life-saving emergency techniques.

Princess Charlene was welcomed by Natia Loladze, President of the Georgian Red Cross, and Davit Kacharava, President of the Georgian Rugby Union and former national team captain.

The day ended on a high note for the Monaco U16 team, who celebrated two more victories during the camp, bringing their total to four wins and two losses.

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Photo credit: Ana Demetrashvili / Georgian Rugby Union

Speaking at a press conference on October 27th, Rokethon president Sylvia Sermenghi outlined the association’s mission and revealed details about the upcoming event.

“What do we want to do at Rokethon? We want to give a voice to the voiceless. That’s what it’s all about,” Sermenghi explained, sharing emotional stories of abandoned animals including Shana, rejected by her owner who claimed she could no longer care for her, and Mr Jack, who lost an eye and was abandoned when his owner’s new partner didn’t want him.

The president described abandoned animals as “the wounded of abandonment” and outlined Rokethon’s ambitious long-term goal of purchasing a large property to care for elderly, abandoned, and mistreated dogs that cannot find refuge elsewhere. “An animal is a living being above all. A living being who feels things. They feel abandonment. They can suffer from it. It’s suffering,” Sermenghi said.

Princess Charlene, who participated in last year’s inaugural event, will once again join the walk with her chihuahua Kita.

“For me, it’s really a great honour, because we know her commitment to the animal cause,” Sermenghi said of the Princess’s involvement.

Event programme

The day will begin at 10am with an opening ceremony, followed by the symbolic walk around the chapiteau. Sponsors will contribute €2 for each kilometre completed, and everyone who completes the course will receive a commemorative medal. “We want to do it in a humble way. Humility really remains our watchword. Because humility allows us to have even more for the animals,” Sermenghi said.

Following the walk, there will be a fashion parade titled ‘Walk me home and love me fur-ever’, where models and dogs that are up for adoption will walk together wearing ethical creations made from ecological fur.

The ambassador from Perroton, Madrid’s major annual animal charity run, will also be attending, and will share insights from the Spanish event that inspired Rokethon’s creation.

Additionally, Lucas Bérullier, founder of Woofest, will bring interactive activities for dogs throughout the day. “We need to create emotion if we want to make things change. And we need to make things change. There’s a lot of suffering, mistreatment. And each person here, in this room, can make a small difference,” Bérullier said. He also spoke about his own evolution, noting that he once purchased dogs from breeders but has since changed his views. “We’re living proof that we can change, that we can evolve and learn things.”

Lastly, the event will also include stands from various welfare organisations, a giant tombola, and trophy presentations recognising outstanding contributions to animal welfare. Fashion photographer Toni Meneguzzo will set up a studio to capture portraits of human and canine duos throughout the day.

Registration information

All participating dogs must have identification microchips and up-to-date vaccinations for distemper, parvovirus, kennel cough, giardia, hepatitis, and parainfluenza. Dogs on the potentially dangerous breeds register may participate provided owners hold the necessary permits, liability insurance and use both muzzles and leads.

Registration details are available at www.rokethon.com or by calling 06 88 03 40 50.

With good weather forecast for November 2nd, organisers are expecting a strong turnout for an event that promises entertainment -for both owners and their loyal companions – , education, and above all, a powerful message: adopt, don’t shop.

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Main photo provided by Rokethon. 

On the occasion of his 20th year as Sovereign Prince, Monaco’s Treasury (Trésorerie générale des finances) is introducing updated standard‑issue coins for the Principality of Monaco. The portrait of Prince Albert II will be renewed on the €1 and €2 coins, bearing the millésime 2025, and will enter circulation in Monaco at the end of October.

The refreshed design replaces the long‑standing profile portrait that has been in use since the introduction of the second series of Monégasque euro coins in 2006. This time, the effigy is depicted from the front, accompanied by the prince’s crowned monogram and the fuselé d’argent et de gueules of the Grimaldi arms.

Numismatic observers note that the timing aligns with the standard practice under EU guidelines allowing a redesign of national coin faces after about 15 years; rumoured early in 2025, the new portrait has now been formally confirmed.

This update will be of interest to both residents of Monaco — who will encounter the new coins in everyday use — and to collectors of euro‑zone and Monégasque coinage, for whom the 2025‑dated issue may represent a milestone in the country’s circulating coinage.

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Photo credit: Axel Bastello, Prince’s Palace

]]> https://monacolife.net/prince-albert-strengthens-monacos-historic-ties-with-northern-france/ Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:05:12 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=114713 Prince Albert II of Monaco travelled to the Oise department on Saturday 18 October, shining a spotlight on the deep-rooted ties between the Grimaldi dynasty and two towns steeped in history: Guiscard and Chantilly.

In Guiscard, the Prince was warmly welcomed by Mayor Thibault Delavenne and enthusiastic locals for the unveiling of a new plaque marking the town’s official entry into the Sites Historiques Grimaldi de Monaco — a growing network celebrating places with strong ancestral connections to the Monegasque royal family.

The bond dates back over three centuries, when Catherine de Guiscard’s marriage in 1708 to the 4th Duke of Aumont eventually led to their great-granddaughter, Louise d’Aumont-Mazarin, wedding the future Prince Honoré IV of Monaco in 1777.

After visiting the remains of the old Château de Guiscard, once the heart of the marquisate founded under Louis XIV, Prince Albert officially opened the town’s new Grimaldi Cultural Centre — a community hub dedicated to the arts and heritage.

Later in the afternoon, the Prince headed to Chantilly for the inauguration of a major new exhibition at the Condé Museum, housed in the Château de Chantilly. Titled From Monaco to Chantilly: A Princess of the Enlightenment in Search of Freedom, the exhibition honours Marie Catherine de Brignole-Sale — an influential 18th-century figure who became Princess of Monaco through her marriage to Honoré III, and later Princess of Condé.

Curated by Thomas Fouilleron of the Palais Princier and Mathieu Deldicque of the Condé Museum, the exhibition retraces the remarkable life of a woman often overlooked in history, yet one whose independence and intellect left a lasting cultural mark.

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]]> https://monacolife.net/princess-caroline-receives-frances-highest-national-honour-in-monaco-ceremony/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:51:33 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=114080 Princess Caroline of Hanover and Princess Stéphanie of Monaco have been recognised by the French Republic with two of its most prestigious national honours.

The ceremony took place on the morning of Monday 6th October in the Salon des Glaces of the Prince’s Palace in Monaco. French Ambassador to the Principality, Jean d’Haussonville, presented the honours in the presence of Prince Albert II.

Princess Caroline was elevated to the Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit, the highest rank within the order. Created by President Charles de Gaulle in 1963, the National Order of Merit recognises distinguished civil and military service. The Grand Cross is rarely awarded and is typically reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and achievement throughout their public life.

Over several decades, Princess Caroline has played a leading role in Monaco’s cultural, philanthropic and international activities. Her work with organisations such as the Princess Grace Foundation and AMADE Mondiale has contributed significantly to child welfare, education, and the arts both within Monaco and abroad.

Princess Stéphanie, the youngest of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace’s children, was appointed Officer of the Legion of Honour, France’s most senior order of merit. The distinction acknowledges her longstanding dedication to humanitarian causes, notably through her work with Fight Aids Monaco, the organisation she founded in 2004.

The honours reflect the close relationship between Monaco and France and serve as recognition of the sisters’ individual contributions to social and cultural life across the region.

The ceremony took place just days after Monaco hosted the Global Gift Gala, where Princess Stéphanie was recognised also for her humanitarian work.

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Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

]]> https://monacolife.net/prince-albert-ii-joins-european-leaders-for-copenhagen-state-dinner/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 10:18:38 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=113941 Prince Albert II was among the distinguished guests at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen on Wednesday 1st October, where King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark hosted a dinner for heads of state and government attending the European Political Community Summit.

The gathering, which drew leaders from nearly 50 nations, was the latest chapter in the European Political Community (EPC) – a forum created to strengthen dialogue and cooperation across the continent. The evening reception offered a symbolic reminder of unity, with monarchs, presidents and prime ministers seated side by side beneath the gilded ceilings of Denmark’s royal palace.

Monaco’s voice in European affairs

The Prince’s participation highlighted Monaco’s active engagement in Europe’s diplomatic conversation, despite the Principality’s small size. The EPC has quickly become a stage where countries work together on issues ranging from security to climate, migration and economic stability.

By joining the Copenhagen summit, Prince Albert underscored Monaco’s commitment to collective solutions. The Principality’s priorities – environmental protection, stability, and prosperity – align closely with the themes of the EPC, where collaboration between EU members and their neighbours is increasingly vital.

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Photo credit: Ida Marie Odgaard – Sebastian Elias Uth – Emil Helms – Mads Claus Rasmussen

]]> https://monacolife.net/prince-albert-ii-welcomes-aix-en-provence-into-the-grimaldi-historic-sites-network/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 11:38:19 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=113872 During a symbolic visit to Aix-en-Provence, Prince Albert II honoured centuries of Grimaldi heritage and was inducted as an honorary member of the city’s prestigious academy.

On 30th September, Prince Albert II made an official visit to Aix-en-Provence to mark the city’s entry into the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network, a cultural and historical initiative launched by the Prince in 2015. Speaking in the Salle des États de Provence, he reflected on centuries of ties between the Grimaldi dynasty and the city.

“Honoré II of Monaco arrived in Aix on 28th October 1646,” recalled the Prince. “He was welcomed, as Duke and Peer of France, at the Parliament of Provence, and declared that he would ‘gladly pour out [his] blood, if the good of the State and this body in particular required it’.”

The Prince also reminded his hosts that Cardinal Jérôme Grimaldi served as Archbishop of Aix for nearly four decades. A commemorative plaque in his memory was unveiled during the Prince’s visit to the former archiepiscopal palace.

A personal honour and academic tribute

Later in the day, at the Musée Arbaud, Prince Albert was admitted as an honorary member of the Académie des sciences, agriculture, arts et belles-lettres d’Aix. “To become an honorary member of your academy honours me, of course; but above all, it moves me,” he said.

Quoting his great-great-grandfather Prince Albert I, the Prince added: “The green coat of the Institut de France ‘imprints upon the worker a mark of modern nobility’. That is the same sense of nobility I see in the distinction you confer upon me today.”

From Cézanne to Sainte-Victoire, a cultural journey

The visit also embraced Aix’s cultural heritage, with Prince Albert touring the Hôtel de Caumont for the exhibition Niki de Saint Phalle – Le bestiaire magique, and the Musée Granet’s Cézanne au Jas de Bouffan. Two portraits of his ancestors – Prince Honoré II and Cardinal Jérôme Grimaldi – were specially presented to him.

Concluding the day, the Prince quoted Jacqueline de Romilly’s poetic words about Aix’s Sainte-Victoire: “A true ‘living being, whose moods are consulted and whose changing face is endlessly admired’.”

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Photo: Prince Albert II with two portraits of his ancestors – Prince Honoré II and Cardinal Jérôme Grimaldi, credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

]]> https://monacolife.net/prince-albert-ii-joins-historic-uci-world-championships-in-rwanda/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:03:07 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=113761 Prince Albert II of Monaco travelled to Kigali on the weekend to witness a landmark moment for global cycling and support the launch of a new youth sports academy, strengthening Monaco’s ties with Africa. 

The final events of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships were held in the Rwandan capital on 28th and 29th September, marking the first time the global competition has taken place on African soil — a historic milestone for the sport.

On Saturday, Prince Albert II attended the elite women’s race awards ceremony, presenting the gold medal to Canadian cyclist Magdeleine Vallieres. The Prince stood alongside UCI President David Lappartient, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire, and Secretary of State Rwego Ngarambe during the official podium ceremony.

Prince Albert gives the start for men’s race with Monégasque rider on the line

On Sunday, the Prince returned to the course to officially start the elite men’s race, where Monégasque rider Victor Langellotti was among the contenders. He later watched the thrilling finish with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and UCI President David Lappartient, as Slovenian star Tadej Pogačar sprinted to victory.

The podium ceremony once again saw Prince Albert in a central role, helping to close out a weekend that showcased Africa’s growing influence in the international cycling world.

Launch of the Carlos Takam Academy in Kigali

Following the championship, Prince Albert II joined Cameroonian-born, Monaco-based boxing legend Carlos Takam to inaugurate the Carlos Takam Academy — a new training centre in Kigali focused on empowering African youth through sport and education.

The academy will offer structured boxing programmes alongside academic support and life skills development, with the goal of nurturing young talent and providing positive opportunities for local communities.

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Photo source: UCI Road World Championships

]]> https://monacolife.net/prince-albert-ii-honoured-with-fpa-medal-at-state-dinner-in-new-york/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:15:57 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=113756 It was an action-packed visit to New York for Prince Albert II of Monaco, who capped off a week of high-level diplomacy and climate talks by receiving the prestigious Foreign Policy Association (FPA) Medal at a State Dinner on 22nd September.

The event, hosted by the FPA at the University Club, brought together dignitaries, diplomats, and international thought leaders to honour Prince Albert II’s decades-long commitment to environmental protection, global cooperation, and scientific diplomacy.

Foreign Policy Association Medal awarded to Prince Albert II

Founded in 1918, the Foreign Policy Association is one of the United States’ leading organisations promoting informed public dialogue on international relations. Its highest honour, the FPA Medal, is awarded to heads of state and global leaders who have demonstrated a deep commitment to diplomacy, cooperation, and international understanding.

Previous recipients include King Felipe VI of Spain and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

A legacy of climate leadership and diplomacy

In his keynote remarks, FPA Chairman Henry Fernandez described the Prince as “a leader who embodies diplomacy in action,” noting his environmental legacy as especially worthy of recognition.

Fernandez highlighted Prince Albert’s scientific missions to the Arctic and Antarctic, his foundation’s work in ocean conservation, and the launch of the Monaco Explorations Initiative.

“In a time of global uncertainty and growing division, Prince Albert’s voice is one of clarity and cooperation,” said Fernandez. “His dedication to sustainability and science diplomacy exemplifies what the FPA stands for.”

A milestone moment during a packed UNGA week

The medal presentation took place during an intense week of engagements for Prince Albert II on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

His schedule included a bilateral meeting with the President of Portugal, a high-level climate roundtable alongside Tony Blair and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and a key event celebrating the activation of the High Seas Treaty — a global milestone for ocean protection.

Reinforcing Monaco’s global role on climate and cooperation

The FPA Medal adds to a growing list of international recognitions for Prince Albert II’s environmental and diplomatic leadership. It also reinforces Monaco’s influence on the world stage, particularly in the areas of ocean governance, climate policy, and sustainable development.

As global challenges continue to mount, Prince Albert’s call for science-based cooperation and his unwavering environmental focus position Monaco as a principality punching far above its weight in international affairs.

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Photo source: FPA

]]> https://monacolife.net/prince-albert-ii-meets-brazils-indigenous-peoples-minister-and-global-youth-leader-at-un-to-strengthen-environmental-and-social-partnerships/ Fri, 26 Sep 2025 11:23:12 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=113725 Prince Albert II continued his diplomatic engagements in New York this week with a meaningful exchange at the United Nations, this time with Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples, Sonia Guajajara. The meeting, held on Wednesday at UN headquarters, focused on shared environmental goals and support for Indigenous-led climate action.

Accompanied by her chief of staff Francisco Filippo, Minister Guajajara discussed Brazil’s ongoing efforts to empower Indigenous communities in the protection of tropical forest ecosystems — a mission closely aligned with Monaco’s expanding environmental outreach in Latin America.

Monaco’s Sao Paulo branch and Indigenous-led conservation

The conversation spotlighted Monaco’s deepening commitment to the region through the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s new outpost in São Paulo. At the centre of that work is the ‘Forests and Communities’ initiative, which supports Indigenous populations in safeguarding fragile ecosystems across the tropics.

According to the Palace, Prince Albert II and Minister Guajajara found clear alignment in their environmental visions, reinforcing the role of Indigenous knowledge and leadership in global conservation strategies.

Prince Albert II Welcomes Dialogue with Global Youth Compassion Leader

Later that afternoon, the Prince met with Asmita Satyarthi, Executive Director of the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, during a private visit to Monaco’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Representing Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, she presented the movement’s core mission: to train the next generation of youth leaders through the lens of compassion.

Their ‘Compassion Leadership Academy’ focuses on building what the organisation calls a “compassion quotient” among young people — an emotional intelligence-based approach to tackling global injustices, from child labour to climate inequality.

Satyarthi praised Prince Albert II’s leadership in environmental advocacy and child protection, and expressed interest in forming a future partnership with Monaco to scale the programme’s impact.

Compassion meets policy

Described as a form of “compassionate diplomacy”, the meeting reflected a shared belief in education and empathy as driving forces for global change. With Monaco’s strong track record in youth engagement and sustainability, a collaboration between the Principality and the Satyarthi Movement could mark a new chapter in socially-driven international policy.

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Main photo credit: Michaël Alesi, Prince’s Palace