Recently, Euronews journalist, Isabelle Kumar, sat down with H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his lovely fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, to discuss their upcoming nuptials.
Click here to watch.
Photo courtesy of: Madame Figaro
Category Archives: Monaco Princely Family
Princess Caroline of Hanover at the Galerie Adriano Ribolzi in Monaco
On June 14, 2011, H.R.H. Princess Caroline of Hanover attended an art exhibit opening at the Galerie Adriano Ribolzi in Monaco. The opening, attended by 300 guests, showcased the works of two well-known artists, George Kuruvilla and Tobia Ravà.
According to the French newspaper, Nice-Matin, “…This exhibition is also an opportunity to present the winner of the “GemlucArt” prize.”
To learn more about the artists, George Kuruvilla and Tobia Ravà, and to view their works please click the link here. To visit the official website for the Galerie Adriano Ribolzi please click the link here.
Sources: Nice-Matin and City Out Monaco
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco Makes a Surprise Visit to Monte Carlo’s Cardio-Thoracic Centre
On June 9, 2011, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco made a surprise visit to Monte Carlo’s Cardio-Thoracic Centre where he spent time with a five-year-old Iraqi refugee recovering from heart surgery in Monte Carlo.
According to a press release from the UNHCR: The UN Refugee Agency:
The Monaco leader called on Basim Omar Basim last Thursday at the Cardio-Thoracic Centre, where the infant underwent a life-saving operation earlier this year under an accord between UNHCR and the Mediterranean principality’s Office of International Cooperation. The boy had had a first operation in Monaco in 2009, but needed to return for more surgery this year.
Basim was chosen for surgery when two doctors from Monaco, François Bourlon, a cardio-thoracic pediatrician, and orthopaedic surgeon Tristan Lascar, were flown to Damascus by UNHCR and the Monaco government in 2009 to examine Iraqi refugee children in need of medical treatment not available in Syria.
The boy was flown free of charge to Monaco by the Aviation Sans Frontieres charity. Funds for the medical programme were raised in 2008 by various charity groups to mark Prince Albert’s 50th birthday. UNHCR has been handling administrative and logistical aspects of the programme as well as working with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to identify children in need of care.
Basim was born in Syria after his family fled Iraq in 2006 because his father had received several death threats and his shop was bombed. The boy was diagnosed with a genetic heart disease that required surgery in Syria when he was only one. He had a second operation in Monaco in July 2009.
“We are very pleased with this partnership,” said Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR’s representative for France and Monaco. “We hope that more medical evacuations will follow in the near future,” he added. A second refugee child is expected to arrive from Syria in September for treatment at the Cardio-Thoracic Centre.
To read the rest of the press release as well as to view a photo please click the link here.
Source: UNHCR.org
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco Opens the ‘Monacology Eco-Village’ in Monaco
When most people think of Monaco the last thing that would come to their minds is a place that is environmentally friendly or promotes the super amazing healthy lifestyle of being a Vegan. 🙂 Furthermore, most people are unaware that H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco is known as the “Green Prince” for his life-long dedication to environmental causes and educating others about sustainable living.
Anyway, this year the prince once again opened up the Monacology Eco-Village in Monaco yesterday afternoon. The purpose of this week-long event is to raise awareness about “…environmental issues and renewable energies” to the local youth “with fun and educational workshops.” In the village, the youth are able to learn about the practice of waste sorting, the advantages of going organic, and so forth.
According to the newspaper, Monaco-Matin, in the varying booths at the event presenters discussed:
…green chemistry or deforestation of the planet. In another corner, a workshop proposes to create objects with recycled toilet paper rolls. In the stand of exotic gardens, it demonstrated sensory tests with plants. While another taught how to encourage the youth to love their and consume more vegetables; moreover, to eat organic coupled with ‘eat green’. Jason Hartman, the South African singer, introduced his “garden” to the youth. He explained to them that he grew his vegetables and aromatic plants in clods of earth surrounded by tires.
If you happen to live in or around Monaco or will be visiting the tiny country this week, why not stop by this great educational event. It runs through June 17, 2011. 🙂
Source: Monaco Matin
Photo courtesy of: Monaco Matin by Eric Dulière
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco Attends ‘Liaisons au Louvre’ Charity Gala in Paris, France
On June 14, 2011, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco attended a charity gala entitled, Liaisons au Louvre, at the Musee du Louvre in Paris, France this evening.
All the extremely wealthy and well-heeled people from around the world were there including minor European royals and nobility, famous actors and artists. The one person who was missing from this event: Prince Albert’s fiancée, Charlene Wittstock.
There is an article in the Washington Post newspaper about tonight’s gala charity dinner, so please click the link here to read. To view photos please click the links here and here.
Source: Washington Post
Charlene Wittstock and H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco Attend the Final Day of the Mere Nostrum Swimming Competition in Monaco
On June 12, 2011, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, attended the final day of the Mere Nostrum International Swimming Competition in Monaco.
The couple were present during yesterday’s meet, and this afternoon they were there not only to watch, but to also hand out medals to the winners.
Finally, there is a nice article from the French newspaper, Journal du Dimanche, where the couple discuss their hopes to have a family “… soon…” Here is more of what they had to say:
How do you feel? There are only three weeks until your marriage?
Albert II: We cannot wait to get married, but we have so many things to do before. My work continues despite our upcoming marriage. I don’t feel any particular stress upon the approach to our marriage. We are very relaxed.
Charlene Wittstock: I’m in the same state of mind that any woman feels upon her marriage. We’re committed to life, it is not something to take lightly. Some brides stress. Others, do not. I feel calm…
But you are not marrying just anyone, you will soon become a princess …
Charlene: Yes, but I won’t let that pressure take a hold of me.
What will be your role [as the future princess?]
Charlene: My role will be defined once I am married. Although I have learned, during five years in Monaco, the proper palace protocol, the habits as well as the customs of the principality. Today, I feel ready.
Albert: I let Charlene find herself and find identity here in the principality. [Before coming/living here in the principality of Monaco] She was already very involved in humanitarian causes for the youth. Moreover, she already has an established role in the sports world. Recently, she was appointed the Ambassador for Special Olympics, a foundation dedicated athletes with disabilities worldwide.
You are both great athletes, are you talking about sport together?
Charlene: All the time! This is one of the many things we have in common. It is sports that has truly united us.
Miss Wittstock do you feel apart of Monaco?
Charlene: I’m starting to get to know people from the principality. Now, I truly feel that I have found my where I have bearings here. Much more than in the early years. Today, I feel apart of the family here in the principality.
You are from South Africa. Do you miss your native country?
Charlene: South Africa is a part of me and will always be. In my heart I’ll always be South African, although today, Monaco is my new country and home.
This marriage is a way for you to give another image of Monaco?
Albert: Although this is not its primary purpose, this marriage will help correct the image of Monaco, a country that has always suffered from stereotypes. To better know the identity of Monaco and its values, its economic, social, cultural, humanitarian, sports, environmental. The power of attraction of Monaco will be strengthened.
Your Serene Highness, you’re close to your sisters. What is the relationship between Caroline, Stephanie and your future wife, Charlene?
Albert: We’re really lucky. I not only get along very well with the Charlene’s family, but Charlene works perfectly with mine. In the end, it all came naturally.
In my family we have a great team spirit. Charlene is apart of this team has all the support from my sisters.
Charlene: I’m very comfortable with the prince’s sisters, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie. We get along well and they are strong women, great mothers.
A happy event promises to be there?
Albert: Well when you say children and you look at me, I’m not the one carrying them.
Charlene: I love children. We definitely want children and we hope to have a children soon.
If you would like to read the article in French you may do so here. Or, if you want the Cliff Notes version from the Washington Post newspaper via the Associated Press simply click here.
To view photos from the Mere Nostrum International Swimming competition please click the link here.
Source and photo courtesy of: Daylife Reuters/Eric Gaillard
Charlene Wittstock and H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco Attend the Mare Nostrum Swimming Competition in Monaco. And, Other News
This afternoon, June 11, 2010, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, attended the Mare Norstrum International Swimming Competition in Monaco. The event lasts until June 12, 2011 at the Stade Louis II (Prince Louis Stadium.)
To view photos from today’s event please click the links here and here (for the last link type in the words “Charlene Wittstock” and voila!)
In other news, on June 10, 2011, the future princess of Monaco attended the GYN2011 conference at the Hotel Fairmont in Monaco. To view photos please click the link here.
Sources: City Out Monaco and Royal Monaco
Photo courtesy of: Palais Princier de Monaco
The Royal Correspondent 