The international competition will bring together premium caviar producers and merchants from 20 countries, including Russia, Iran, France, Italy, China and the United States, to compete for top honours in a blind tasting judges by Michelin-starred chefs and gastronomy experts.

The event, founded by caviar specialist Laurent Morin and held under the high patronage of Princess Yasmine Murat, Princess of Pontecorvo, marks a significant step up from its inaugural edition at Saint-Émilion Grand Barrail in October 2024.

How the competition works

Each caviar entry will be evaluated under strictly controlled conditions, with identical temperatures, portions, and unmarked containers to ensure complete impartiality. Two sworn bailiffs will oversee the juggling process, where jury members will asses samples individually without consultation.

The competition features two distinct categories: producers who farm their own fish and create caviar, and merchants who source, refine and sell caviar from various farms. Separate juries will judge each category.

Judges will score entries on appearance, texture, balance and length of flavour on the palate, with results determining the year’s most outstanding caviars.

When it comes to the judging panel, among the notable names are Gérald Passedat from Marseille’s Le Petit Nice, Pascal Garrigues of Monte-Carlo Beach, and Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Yacht Club. The panel also includes multiple Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF) title holders, world freediving record holder Pierre Frolla, and Christian Garcia, chef to Monaco’s princely palace.

Beyond the competition

The blind tasting, scheduled from 10am to 2pm, represents just part of the day’s festivities. Some 220 guests will enjoy a premium cocktail reception followed by an exclusive ten-hands caviar dinner, where renowned chefs will collaborate on specially created dishes for the occasion.

“Caviar is no longer reserved for an elite few,” said Morin, who has worked in the caviar industry for over 15 years. “Thanks to the creativity of chefs, it’s now regarded in haute cuisine as a full-fledged ingredient, while retaining its aura of rarity.”

The event aims to celebrate caviar’s diversity while providing an international platform for producers, much like the already established competitions for wine and cheese

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: World Caviar Awards

The initiative, titled A Drop of Hope, uses film as a platform to foster empathy, reflection, and engagement around issues of peace, reconciliation and shared humanity. It was introduced in Matera – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former European Capital of Culture – chosen for its historical role as a cultural crossroads.

Castellani-Quinn said the initiative was inspired by the work of The Parents Circle, a grassroots organisation made up of bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families who advocate for peace. She hopes to encourage audiences, particularly young people, to look beyond the fast-paced content of social media and reengage with storytelling as a force for change.

“Cinema today is one of the most powerful platforms for conveying ideas,” she said at the launch. “Through imagery and dialogue, it transcends boundaries and speaks directly to the soul.”

Bridging cultures through cinema

The A Drop of Hope programme is intended to support cultural diplomacy and interfaith understanding through carefully selected films and conversations. Castellani-Quinn, who lives between Europe and the United States, brings to the role a background in both independent film production and international cultural outreach.

This year’s edition of MATIFF featured over 100 international films, including Eleonor the Great, the directorial debut from Scarlett Johansson, and I Bambini di Gaza (The Children of Gaza), a documentary by Loris Lai and produced by Tarak Ben Ammar, which premiered at the Santa Barbara Film Festival and was awarded Best Feature at MATIFF.

Also screened was a newly restored colour version of Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Il Vangelo secondo Matteo (The Gospel According to Matthew), shown in its international premiere.

Positioning film as a cultural force

With Castellani-Quinn at the helm, MATIFF is placing itself at the intersection of creativity and conscience, reflecting a growing trend among international festivals to take on social and humanitarian issues.

Her vision for the programme extends beyond this year’s festival, with plans to involve global partners, educators, and cultural organisations in future editions.

“Peace does not begin in politics,” she said, “it begins in the human heart—and often, it begins with a story.”

As geopolitical tensions remain high in many parts of the world, A Drop of Hope aims to remind audiences of the unifying power of film, and the importance of platforms that prioritise listening, shared experience, and human connection.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

]]> https://monacolife.net/monaco-inaugurates-new-honorary-consulate-in-warsaw-to-strengthen-ties-with-poland/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:59:48 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=115028 On 21st October, the Principality of Monaco formally opened its new honorary consulate in Warsaw, broadening diplomatic and economic engagement with Poland. The ceremony marked a milestone in the relationship between the two nations, as Monaco’s Ambassador to Poland and Germany, Lorenzo Ravano, presided over the inauguration and paid tribute to long‑standing bilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano of Monaco, accompanied by First Secretary Andrea Colombo‑Pastorelli, represented the Principality at the event, declaring that the consulate will have jurisdiction across the entirety of Poland. The occasion was celebrated with a dinner cocktail organised by the Monaco embassy and the incoming Honorary Consul, Mr Mikołaj Pietrzak, at Warsaw’s prestigious Belvédère restaurant, located within the Orangerie of Łazienki Park.

Around 60 distinguished guests were present, among them former Justice Minister Adam Bodnar, Polish senators, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Polish Chamber of Commerce, key players from the tech sector, and members of diplomatic and consular circles based in Warsaw.

In his address, Ambassador Ravano highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between Monaco and Poland, while underlining recent economic activity conducted in collaboration with the Monaco Economic Board and the Polish Chamber of Commerce, pointing to emerging synergies between the two countries. He also paid tribute to Tomasz Wardynski, who served as Honorary Consul of Monaco in Warsaw from 2008 until 2025, and whose dedication laid the groundwork for the new chapter in relations.

The new consulate reflects Monaco’s aspiration to deepen its presence in Central Europe, both diplomatically and economically. With Poland increasingly recognised for its dynamic economy and technological innovation, Monaco appears poised to build on this momentum through its Warsaw representation. The evening’s mix of diplomatic formality and informal networking mirrors that dual focus — bridging state‑level protocol with business opportunities and cultural exchange.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Government Communications Department 

]]> https://monacolife.net/chanel-wins-top-honours-as-monaco-hosts-first-ever-grand-prix-de-la-haute-joaillerie/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:29:16 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=115115 The Principality of Monaco added a new glittering date to its luxury calendar with the inaugural Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie, held on Saturday 25th October at the legendary Salle des Étoiles. The event brought together the world’s most prestigious jewellery houses, independent designers, master artisans and collectors in a celebration of creativity, heritage and craftsmanship.

Co-founded by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) and Jean‑Philippe Braud, the Grand Prix aims to establish a landmark cultural event dedicated to the high jewellery industry. The 2025 edition welcomed major names including Chanel, Chopard, Tiffany & Co., Dior, Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton, Dolce&Gabbana, and Messika, among others — each represented by their artistic directors, CEOs or muses.

“A celebration worthy of this art form”

Stéphane Valéri, Deputy Chairman of SBM and co-founder of the event, opened the evening alongside Jean-Philippe Braud, expressing emotion and gratitude at seeing “for the first time in a single venue, the foremost figures of High Jewelry gathered together”. Both underlined the event’s mission to honour the industry not just as a luxury sector, but as a cultural and economic force.

The audience included industry leaders and international guests such as Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Mines and Energy of Botswana; Caroline Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard; and Frédéric Grangié, CEO of Chanel. Also present were figures from fashion and the arts, including Eva Herzigová, Isabelle Huppert, Natalia Vodianova, Cindy Bruna, and Lady Kitty Spencer.

Throughout the dinner — crafted as an artistic experience by Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin — 33 exquisite jewels were presented in a roaming showcase between tables. The pieces had been on public display in the days leading up to the event, both in boutiques and at Café de la Rotonde, drawing large crowds.

Over 20,000 public votes cast

A key feature of the event was its public element. For the first time in Monaco, residents and visitors had the chance to view and vote on high jewellery pieces usually reserved for private collectors. More than 20,000 votes were cast online and via a dedicated app, demonstrating the enduring fascination and emotional resonance of fine jewellery.

A jury of experts chaired by high jewellery specialist Fabienne Reybaud and including curators, editors, designers and gemologists, announced the winners in eight prize categories, culminating in the award of the Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie 2025.

2025 Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie – Winners

• Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie: Chanel, “Sweater” Necklace, Haute Joaillerie Sport, 2024

• Jury’s Special Prize: Tiffany & Co., for the sophistication and creativity of its latest collections

• Visionary of the Year: Caroline Scheufele, Chopard

• Design Prize: Messika, “Zebra Luhlaza” necklace

• Savoir-Faire Prize: Dior, “Diorexquis Forêt Nacrée” necklace

• Gemstone Prize: Louis Vuitton, “Apogée” necklace

• Heritage Prize: Tiffany & Co., Butterflies Choker, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., 1956

• New Talent Prize: Sahag Arslanian, “Lunar Eclipse” necklace

• Public Prize: Dolce & Gabbana, necklace from the Sardegna collection

The evening concluded with a celebratory after-party at Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo.

A new chapter for high jewellery in Monaco

Positioned at the intersection of luxury, culture and artistic heritage, the Grand Prix de la Haute Joaillerie sets out to become a key international event, addressing themes of creative transmission, responsibility, and global influence.

“High jewellery is more than adornment — it’s art, history, and craftsmanship,” said organisers. Judging by the turnout and enthusiasm of this first edition, Monaco may have found its newest crown jewel of cultural celebration.

See more in the photo gallery below…

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

All photos courtesy of MCSBM

]]> https://monacolife.net/first-arrests-made-in-e88-million-louvre-jewel-heist/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:15:19 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=115086 French police have made their first arrests in connection with the audacious daylight robbery of 19th-century crown jewels from the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon, nearly a week after the incident that shocked the nation and exposed security failings at one of the world’s most iconic museums.

Two men have been taken into custody by France’s elite anti-gang unit in relation to the 20th October heist. According to French media, one of the suspects was apprehended while preparing to board a flight, raising the possibility that the gang may have planned to move the stolen items out of the country. Both individuals are reportedly from Seine-Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris, and are known to authorities for previous involvement in robberies.

The suspects can now be held and questioned for up to 96 hours. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed the arrests and criticised a media leak that revealed details of the investigation prematurely, warning it could undermine the coordinated efforts of more than 100 officers currently involved in recovering the jewels and identifying all those responsible.

Robbery in broad daylight

The robbery, described by lawmakers as a “national humiliation”, took place in daylight hours at the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon, where the French crown jewels were on display. The thieves used a construction-style basket lift to reach a first-floor balcony, forced open a window and smashed through display cases. The entire operation took no longer than seven minutes, after which the culprits escaped on motorbikes.

Among the eight stolen pieces are irreplaceable historical jewels once belonging to the French royal family, with the collection estimated to be worth around €88 million. Their disappearance has sent shockwaves through France’s cultural sector and prompted widespread criticism over security protocols at the museum.

Security concerns under scrutiny

Initial findings from the police investigation suggest serious lapses in Louvre security. Reports indicate that as many as a third of the rooms surrounding the Galerie d’Apollon were not equipped with CCTV surveillance. This revelation comes amid long-standing concerns from museum staff regarding underinvestment in security infrastructure.

The Louvre, home to thousands of priceless artefacts, including the Mona Lisa, is considered one of the most visited and guarded museums in the world. However, the scale and sophistication of this theft has raised urgent questions about whether it remains adequately protected.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti

]]> https://monacolife.net/british-association-of-monaco-celebrates-90-years-of-community-continuity-and-care/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:55:41 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=115095 The British Association of Monaco (BAM), one of the oldest expat associations in the Principality, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this month, marking nearly a century of dedication to supporting the English-speaking community in Monaco and surrounding areas.

Founded on 30th October 1935, the British Association of Monaco began its journey under the leadership of Rear Admiral J.D. Nares, with Admiral Sir Ernest Gaunt as Vice Chairman and a committed group of committee members. What started as a modest initiative to serve British residents in Monaco has grown into a dynamic and respected organisation with a core mission rooted in community and care.

Even during the difficult years of the Second World War, when records from 1941 to 1945 are notably absent, the Association continued to represent British nationals, quietly assisting those in need and maintaining ties with the Consular corps and Princely Government. That commitment to welfare — discreet and deeply human — has remained the beating heart of BAM for nine decades.

A vital part of Monaco’s Anglophone community

Today, BAM has a thriving membership of 250 people and plays a central role in Monaco’s international community. Through its Community Support Team, the Association upholds strict confidentiality standards and assesses each welfare case with compassion and diligence, continuing its founding mission to provide help where it’s most needed.

“The British Association of Monaco was founded to bring together English-speaking people in Monaco and the surrounding areas,” said Yvonne Bernhardt, current President of BAM. “Our focus on welfare has continued through to the present day, and our Community Support Team maintains the same high standards as ever.”

Beyond welfare, BAM fosters connection and cultural exchange through a lively programme of regular monthly events, special celebrations — such as the annual tribute to the King’s Official Birthday — and a monthly newsletter that keeps members informed and engaged. The Association also works closely with Monaco’s administrative bodies, strengthening the bridge between the Anglophone community and local institutions.

Looking ahead with pride and purpose

As BAM enters its tenth decade, the Association continues to grow, powered by a voluntary committee and an enthusiastic team. The group is elected annually by members and works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the organisation active, inclusive and forward-looking.

“The Association continues to go from strength to strength,” said Bernhardt. “We are proud of our history, but just as proud of what we continue to offer today — friendship, support and a sense of belonging to a truly international community.”

From its beginnings in 1935 to its milestone 90th anniversary, the British Association of Monaco stands as a testament to enduring values of solidarity, service and community spirit in the heart of the Principality.

A special event will be held on Thursday 30th October at the offices of the International Hydrographic Organisation, where the first official meeting was held. Past presidents and former committee members will re-enact a “celebratory committee meeting” to mark the 90th anniversary of the British Association of Monaco.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

All photos provided by the British Association of Monaco 

]]> https://monacolife.net/the-artist-behind-the-imperial-mosaic/ Sat, 25 Oct 2025 10:04:42 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=114957 On a spring evening in 1997, Antonio Natale picked up an old Italian lira note. Scrawled across it was a phone number and a message; evidence of a life lived, a story passed from hand to hand. In that moment, the artist had an epiphany: if a simple message could travel the world on currency, why not art?

Twenty-eight years later, that question has led to something extraordinary: a watch adorned with 1,182 hand-set gemstones, sold alongside the original painting that inspired it. This is the Imperial Mosaic, where three masters of their crafts have created something truly unique.

The Imperial Mosaic Watch represents an unprecedented collaboration between Antonio Natale, known since 1997 for painting on banknotes, Backes & Strauss, the world’s oldest diamond house (founded in 1789), and the Swiss watchmakers at Franck Muller Watchland. It’s the first time an artist, jeweller, and horologist have combined their talents into a single piece.

“I’m not interested in challenge,” Natale tells Monaco Life. “I’m interested in curiosity. Curiosity is what drives every artist forward. It’s what stops us from standing still.”

That curiosity has taken him far from his roots in southern Italy, where he began drawing before he could write. At 18, he left for Rome’s Academy of Fine Arts, then travelled Europe, absorbing influences from Greek mythology to Nordic expressionism.

The Man Made of Cents

The watch’s design stems from Natale’s 2020 painting, Homo Decent N.7, a provocative work created from 408 original euro cents. The title is a clever play on words: we evolved from Homo sapiens, Natale argues, but we’ve become “Homo of Cents”: humans defined by our obsession with money.

“Every single person wakes up each day thinking about money,” he explains. “We can’t escape this whirlwind. We were once great conquerors, architects, cultural giants. Now? We sacrifice authenticity, quality, and creativity for wealth.”

The painting, inspired by Byzantine mosaics, features a haunting three-dimensional face. As you move past it, the nose appears to extend from the canvas. From a distance, the mouth looks open, revealing teeth…but step closer and you’ll see it’s actually closed. Even the artwork is full of illusions.

A Trilogy of Art

Translating this vision onto a 44×52mm watch dial required painstaking precision. Working with Backes & Strauss CEO Vartkess Knadjian, Natale selected 584 stones for the dial alone: 95 rubies, 108 orange sapphires, blue and yellow sapphires, and black and white diamonds, each just 1.1 or 1.2 millimetres in size. The 18-karat rose gold case holds another 508 diamonds.

“When Vartkess and I met to discuss the concept, the synergy was transformative,” Natale recalls. “It felt truly magical.”

But what makes this truly unique is that the buyer doesn’t just get a watch. They receive the original Homo Decent N.7 painting, plus a custom art-watch box hand-painted by Natale himself, topped with another of his coin artworks. Three interconnected pieces of art, all stemming from the same vision.

“When you wear the watch, the original artwork waits for you at home,” Natale says, his enthusiasm transferable. “Like a parent waiting for you to return. It’s your guardian angel that follows you.”

For Natale, his work isn’t just mere decoration. In 2019, he collaborated with the European Parliament and UNESCO on an exhibition titled ‘Stories of Roses, Butterflies and Silence’, giving voice to victims of violence against women.

“I don’t create decoration,” he insists. “There’s always something important behind the work. I try to show people what we’ve really become. To make them reflect.”

This philosophy extends to his artistic evolution, which he summarises as “the four Ms”: Mythology (his early academic studies), Metropolis (confronting his fears in 1980s Rome), Maps (drawing on geographical charts instead of keeping diaries), and finally Money—the medium that has defined his career since that pivotal lira note in 1997.

When asked what happens when cash disappears in our increasingly digital age, he’s adamant: “I don’t believe we’ll go completely digital. We were born with cash. It can never die.” But if it does? “I’ll paint on credit cards. Visa, American Express, whatever exists. Everything that represents money is now part of my philosophy.”

The Artist as Witness

Natale grows reflective about what it means to create art in turbulent times. He recalls artists in Zürich during the First World War, and the expressionists during the Second, all creative voices bearing witness when the world burned.

“Being an artist in certain periods of history has never been easy,” he says. “Right now, I feel responsible for the moment we’re living through. The artist becomes the witness to our existence. History can lie, but a true artist always tells the truth…even if it means going against themselves.”

Beyond the gemstones and craftsmanship, the Imperial Mosaic carries something more valuable: a message about what we’ve become, and what we’ve lost in our relentless pursuit of wealth. Natale has already painted on banknotes, cars, and bonds. Major exhibitions are also planned for 2026 in Guangzhou, China, and Santa Cruz, Bolivia. There may be eyewear collaborations, more watches, other brands seeking his distinctive vision.

But at its heart, his art poses a simple question: if we’re all Homo Decents now – humans made of cents – what would it take to become human again

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo provided by Antonio Natale 

In 2021, she received a Princess Grace Award for Film, joining a legacy of artists supported by the Foundation founded by Prince Rainier III in memory of Princess Grace of Monaco. Monaco Life caught up with Danielle for an intimate conversation about purpose, beauty, future projects, and what an ideal day in Monaco might look like.

Monaco Life: Congratulations on receiving a Princess Grace Award! Can you share what that moment meant to you?

Danielle Deadwyler: It was a critical moment to define myself as an artist—where I had been and where I was going. These types of recognitions help refine your practice, intellectually and spiritually. It was a big affirmation: a call to continue with rigor and love, and to know that the community you come from is valid and capable of expanding. Being welcomed into this network of extraordinary creators—it was a big “yes, and.”

Princess Grace bridged Hollywood and royalty, glamour and purpose. How does her legacy resonate with your own artistic philosophy?

I think a lot about purpose. Glamour, perhaps, can be redefined as clarified beauty—and beauty, in the words of scholars I admire, is about creating something meaningful out of what is given. That’s what artists do. Every Princess Grace Award winner is working to expand the meaning of vulnerability and humanity. That’s what I strive for in my own work.

You move effortlessly between film, television, and performance art. What draws you to a role regardless of medium?

Intelligence, beauty, and purpose. Complexity of character is essential, and so is the team. My work is always collaborative. Whether it’s an experimental film or a big production, I look for grace and kindness in the creative process. I want to dig into what it means to be human—whether it’s a couple of scenes on The Bear, or a full-blown apocalyptic horror.

You’ve played roles that are deeply layered and emotionally intense. What’s your process for embodying those characters?

It begins with the words. I’m devoted to writers. If I can feel the emotional integrity in the writing, I can find it in myself. I read it and ask: do I feel this in my bones? If I do, then I begin to embody it.

Are there particular roles that have changed you as a person—or ones you still dream of playing?

Definitely. The Bear was a lighter role, but it was such a gift. People often assume I live in dramatic territory, but I come from a jokester spirit. I’m the biggest fool in new ways. That playfulness is necessary—it brings balance and justice to the body after more intense roles. You have to be able to shift.

There are still so many genres I want to explore. I talk a lot about romantic drama and romantic comedy—but it all has to be smart and intentional. I can be soft. I can be a light partner. We just manifested it, so it’s coming.

Your performance in Till was transformative. What did that project teach you?

That was a watershed moment. It merged everything I’d done before into one powerful act of purpose. To embody Mamie Till’s strength and discipline taught me about the rigor of beauty—and how deeply transformative it can be. That performance is a legacy I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

What upcoming projects are you excited about?

There’s a lot in the works. I’m doing an HBO comedy series with Steve Carell, so I’m living in the light now—there’s a shift! I also have projects in post-production like The Saviors with Adam Scott, and a film adaptation of Ann Petry’s The Street. Everything is different, but all of it ties back to community and exploring how we challenge and support one another.

What do you hope your legacy will be, not just as an actor, but as a creative force?

I want to be intentional about what I leave behind and who I reach toward. It’s not just about the work I do—it’s about enabling others to do the same. I taught for years, and I believe in the power of intimate, one-on-one conversations. Art doesn’t have to live on a grand stage. Sometimes the most powerful work happens in small spaces, on the street, or in conversation. That’s part of my legacy: the shadowy spaces matter too.

What advice would you offer to young actors dreaming of a career like yours?

Study the lives of the artists you admire—not just the glamorous parts, but the intimate ones too. And know that you are crafting your own path. You’re not cosplaying as an artist. You’re chiseling your own steps.

If you could imagine a perfect day in Monaco, what would it include?

Just living in the garden. I love nature. To be surrounded by it—especially in Grace’s rose garden—would be a dream.

Follow Danielle Deadwyler on Instagram.

Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation. Sign up for the Monaco Life newsletter, and follow us on Facebook,  Twitter,  Instagram, and LinkedIn.  

Each year, the bright red flower appears on lapels around the world, honouring members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in conflict, and showing solidarity with veterans, active service personnel, and their families. For the French and Monaco branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), the message is simple: wearing a poppy is not about obligation, but about remembrance and hope.

“The poppy is a well-known and well-established symbol, one that carries a wealth of history and meaning with it,” the RBL explains. “Wearing a poppy is a personal choice, reflecting individual experiences and personal memories. It is never compulsory, but it is always appreciated by those it supports.”

The History Behind the Flower

The story of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance begins on the battle-scarred fields of World War I. Much of the fighting on the Western Front took place in Belgium and northern France, where heavy shelling and trench warfare destroyed once-lush landscapes, leaving behind mud, craters, and devastation.

Yet amidst the ruin, one flower not only survived but thrived: the common red field poppy (Papaver rhoeas). Its seeds, long dormant in the earth, were stirred by the disruption of the soil and blossomed into brilliant carpets of colour in the most unexpected places — between trenches, along roadsides, and across no man’s land.

This visual contrast left a profound impression on those who witnessed it, including Canadian military doctor Lt. Col. John McCrae. After the death of a friend in Ypres, McCrae penned his famous poem In Flanders Fields, which opened with the line:
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row…”

His words resonated deeply with soldiers and civilians alike and eventually inspired the poppy’s adoption as the enduring symbol of remembrance by the Royal British Legion and similar organisations around the world.

Monaco’s Ongoing Support

In Monaco and surrounding regions, the poppy continues to be a vital part of commemorative efforts each year. The local RBL branch runs a dedicated Poppy Appeal, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to support the Armed Forces community while paying tribute to those who served.

Poppies and donation boxes will be available at multiple locations during the lead-up to Remembrance Day:

• Eric Blair, Blair SAM – 11 avenue Saint Michel

• St Paul’s Anglican Church – 22 avenue de Grande Bretagne, during regular services

Those who would like to contribute or request a poppy can also do so by calling 06 78 63 33 57 or emailing bam@monaco.mc for more information on local distribution points.

Join the Community

With active Royal British Legion branches across France and Monaco, those who wish to support the cause year-round or get involved more directly are encouraged to join the French/Monaco branch. For membership enquiries, contact 06 22 35 16 01 or email gdfassoc@gmail.com.

More Than a Symbol

The red poppy may be small, but its significance is vast. It represents the memory of lives lost, the courage of those who serve, and the hope that peace will one day prevail. In Monaco, as elsewhere, wearing the poppy is an act of quiet solidarity — a sign that even in a fast-moving world, we remember.

For more on the Royal British Legion’s work in France and Monaco, visit rblfrance.org.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Travis Leery, Unsplash

]]> 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.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

]]>