On January 9, 2012, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco was at the Fairmont Hotel in Monte-Carlo to attend the presentation of athletes who will participate in the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

This event begins on January 13 – 22, 2012 in Innsbruck, Austria with athletes from around the world participating.  In a statement, Prince Albert II noted how incredibly proud he is that several athletes from Monaco will participate in the 2012 YOG’s:

In line with the first Summer Youth Olympic Games, I am pleased and proud that the Principality of Monaco can once again take part in this important event.

Beyond the sporting aspect with high-level competitions, the Winter Youth Olympics will teach young people the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, respect for others and social values such as the environment.

A rich cultural and educational program, innovative feature will allow these young people also addressed a number of important issues such as the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, the dangers of doping and their roles as ambassadors of sport in their respective communities.

This is one of the major strengths of this exciting project YOG, where it is mostly about learning and sharing.

I would hope that Bryan Pelassy, Alpine Skiing, Rudy Rinaldi and Jeremy Torre, Bobsleigh, can enjoy this unforgettable experience full and exciting. I wish them to build fully on what they learn in the YOG, to continue to develop this spirit of joy and self-transcendence, to continue their training and competition in the future.

On December 31, 2011, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco delivered his New Year speech from the Palais Princier de Monaco.  The Sovereign Prince spoke about tolerance, the world economic crisis, and Princess Charlene.  Here is what he had to say:

This past year has certainly been exceptional for Princess Charlene and myself. On the occasion of our marriage, we witnessed the strong union between the community and our family of Monaco.

Tonight I am here to express, on behalf of us both, our hope that each of you, I remember this shared joy.

While around us, several countries are or are marked by a financial crisis, severe economic and social, the dynamism of the Principality allows us to resist.In this delicate situation, particularly wise management of public finances is necessary to integrate the constraints on us, while preserving our social model and our growth prospects. That is why we must make balanced choices, reasonable and fair.

Do not lose sight of that in situations of economic crisis that the urgency of solidarity is strongest to protect against stress. The holiday season is a special time of reunion for families and between generations.

These periods also sensitizes us to the values of tolerance, respect for others and cultural diversity. It is my wish that Monaco remains a model of “living together” based on a common set of values.

Tonight, my thoughts especially go to our community experienced the death, illness or loneliness. I also want to provide my warm encouragement to our young people who embody the future. We believe in their imagination, their ideals, their will, their capacity for hard work and generosity.

Women and men who work, invest or choose to live among us, I hope that their contribution to our country brings them, in turn, an authentic personal development.

To one and all, in the Principality or who are away but remaining near in heart, I say again with confidence: “Happy New Year!”

To watch videos please click the links below:

• VIDEO  
• VIDEO 2

Photo courtesy of Monaco Matin

Recently, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco spoke with Rob and Pete from Riviera Radio regarding the events from this past year, and much more.  Click the link below and push play to listen to the interview.

An Interview with H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco

On Larvotto Beach this cold Sunday morning, December 18, 2011, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, along with 200 brave men and women, participated in the traditional Christmas Bath.  Before jumping into the freezing Mediterranean sea the  gutsy participates pumped themselves up by listening to traditional Tahitian Pahus (drums) and chanting.  Soon, the Sovereign Prince joined the excited participants on the beach where he mingled with them as well as posed for photos.  Then they were off… throwing themselves into the 14* water and had one hellva time!

Click the links below to watch a video as well as to view photos:

• Gallery One 
• Gallery Two
• VIDEO