This evening, January 19, 2012, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene along with Princess Stephanie (who is president of Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo) and family — hence Pauline Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb — attended the 36th Annual Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival held at the Espace Fontvieille.  This famous event, created by the late Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1974, has become:

…the largest and most prestigious circus event in the world. It awards the most respected prize in the world of the circus, namely the Clown d’Or Award. Organized and presided over by Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco a selection of the best international acts is presented each year at the Festival which is broadcasted around the globe.

Click here to view photos.

Gallery Two

Source: Montecarlofestival.mc

Photo courtesy of Zimbio/PLS Pool

On January 18, 2012, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco was in Gentbrugge, Belgium where he had a private visit with Belgian artist, Wim Delvoye, at the restaurant, Nieuw Stadion. Click here to watch a video news clip.

In other news, Their Serene Highness Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco along with Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco and family will attend opening the 36th Annual Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival on January 19, 2012.  Click here for more information.

On Tuesday, January 17, 2012, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco will attend a series of lectures at the Scott Polar Institute as well as attend a gala dinner at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, to commemorate the late South Pole explorer, Robert Falcon Scott.

Whilst at the Scott Polar Institute Prince Albert will also view the exhibition, These Rough Notes: Captain Scott’s Last Expedition,  which “…tells the full story of the fateful Terra Nova expedition…” through the letters and journals of Scott and his crew who “…who perished on their way back from the Pole..”  

During a series of lectures the prince will meet with meet Sir Ranulph Fiennes, polar explorer and writer, who will speak on the topic of challenges to the polar regions. The Prince will also attend a presentation by Mr. David Crane, writer, and Max Jones, a professor at the University of Manchester.

At the gala dinner Prince Albert, along with the Duke of Edinburgh — making his first appearance since being released from the hospital — will meet with the Robert Falcon Scott’s descendants to discuss the late explorers life and much more.

To learn more about the exhibition, These Rough Notes: Captain Scott’s Last Expedition, please click here.

Source Palais Princier de Monaco

On January 13, 2012, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco arrived in Innsbruck, Austria to attend the opening ceremony of the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games. As President of the Monégasque Olympic Committee, member of the International Olympic Committee, and now patron of the World Olympians Association it was a pleasure for the sovereign to attend these games.

Later in the evening, Prince Albert II attended the inauguration ceremony of the 75th Congress of the International Sports Press Association held at the Innsbruck Conference Center. During the ceremony the sovereign prince received an award for his outstanding dedication and commitment to sports “…at the service of peace and social progress worldwide.”  

On Saturday, January 14, 2012, Prince Albert II will attend the downhill skiing competition to support Monégasque skier, Brian Pelassy.

To learn more about the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games please visit their official website here. 

Source Palais Princier de Monaco

On January 12, 2012, it was announced that His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco has been named patron of the World Olympians Association (WOA).  The sovereign prince replaces former IOC President, Juan  Samaranch, who passed away.

In a press release, WOA President, Joël Bouzou, stated that he was honored to have Prince Albert as patron of the WOA, “He is an Olympian and a true humanist who has always believed that the values of sport can change lives and can change society for the better. I can’t thank him enough for his support.”

The five-time Olympian and IOC member, Prince Albert II was unanimously approved by the WOA board members and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge.

Sources: Sports Features and Sports Pro Media

If you haven’t heard by now there is a new movie set to be released in 2014 about the late Princess Grace entitled, Grace of Monaco.

Recently, it was announced that French screenwriter and director, Olivier Dahan, has signed on to direct the film.  At this time, casting directors are still searching for the right actress to play the late princess of Monaco.

To read more about Mr. Dahan and the film, Grace of Monaco, please click here.

Honestly, I feel bad for posting this, but since many are interested in the princely couple of Monaco, well, what the hell.   🙂

Any way… over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were in Antigua enjoying the sun as well as other water activities.

According to the newspaper, Caribarena News, Prince Albert II thoroughly enjoyed his stay on the island of Antigua stating, “The environment, the service, and the accommodations at the resort all lend to a remarkable stay…”  Princess Charlene agreed whereupon she noted, “I enjoyed the remarkable music that was produced by the steel band that entertained us at the resort, and I look forward to welcoming to Monaco in the near future a steel band from Antigua & Barbuda for one of our festivals.”  

In a private meeting with Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Winston Baldwin, the prince and princess of Monaco, “…discussed possible ways of Antigua & Barbuda and Monaco collaborating in tourism and sports.”  

Click here to view photos of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco on holiday in Antigua.

Sources Vanity Fair Italy and Caribarena News

Photo courtesy of Caribarena News