On August 30, 2012, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco attended various swimming events at the Aquatics Centre during day one of the 2012 Paralympic Games.  The princely couple watched and cheered as Mr. Jonathan Fox of Team GB set a new world record in the Men’s 100m Backstroke.  Afterward, the prince and princess visited the Olympic Village where they mingled with various athletes.

In the early evening the princely couple attended a:

“… presentation of a bus presented by the Variety Children’s Charity Association in Leeds. The new bus will improve the lives of children, ages 3 to 11 years, enrolled in the Greenhill Primary School, by allowing them to participate in extra-curricular activities.

The princely couple supports the actions of Variety Children’s Charity. In September, they participated in the 50th anniversary of the Yorkshire Committee of the Variety Club charity event which had brought together more than 250,000 books for children with disabilities and difficulties.”

 Sources: ESPN and Palais Princier

Well, it is back to work for His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. Recently, the sovereign prince participated in an important meeting with his “… Cabinet advisors…” at Rocagel.  And, that’s it.   🙂

In other news, on September 2-3, 2012, the Palais Princier de Monaco host a special exhibition in commemoration of the 68th anniversary of the liberation of Monaco.

The exhibition — which showcases vehicles, weapons, clothes and other unique items — will be free of charge to visitors.  Also, on September 2, Prince Albert II will host a gala ball “… in honor of the liberation of Monaco…”

For more information about this latest news please click here.

Sources and photo courtesy of: Palais Princier de Monaco and Riviera Times

It was recently announced that His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco will attend the 2012 Blue Ocean Film Festival in Monterey, California.  During the six-day festival the sovereign prince will participate in “… two panels, including a keynote panel of global ocean leaders, as part of BLUE’s Conservation Summit.” 

Other attendees include Dr. Sylvia Earle, Ms. Celine Cousteau and Dr. Greg Stone to name a few.  On September 27, the sovereign prince will give the keynote address and will participate in the discussion regarding “… the summary of findings from the scientists of the Ocean in a High CO2 World Symposium…”

Meanwhile, the upcoming movie, Grace of Monaco, begins shooting in Monaco beginning in September.  The film, directed by Mr. Olivier Dahan, stars Ms. Nicole Kidman and Mr. Tim Roth.

And, finally, there is a new exhibition tribute to the late Princess Grace entitled, Grace: A Symbol of Change.  According to the official website for this unique three-day tribute it will be an “… opportunity to recognize Princess Grace’s inspiring legacy in the main three roles of her life, and [to] celebrate her exemplary contribution to positive change.”

For more information please visit the official website of Grace: A Symbol of Change here. 

Oh!  One more thing! Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco were at Lac de Paladru in France over the weekend just chilling and having a good time with friends.  And, well, that is just about it.

Yay.

On August 10, 2012, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco returned the Pinetown Swimming Pool in Durban, South Africa, a facility where she used to train when she was apart of the South African Olympic Swim Team.

The purpose of Princess Charlene’s visit was to make a “…donation to upgrade the public swimming pool… the funds, from the Princess Charlene Foundation, will allow the facility to upgrade their gym equipment, heating for the pool, pool covers…” and much more.

In an interview with the South African newspaper, The Times, the princess spoke about how proud she was of the South African Olympic Swim Team, in particular, Mr. Chad Le Clos who recently won the gold medal in the Men’s 200m Butterfly:

“I felt so much pride … there was just so much emotion. I couldn’t help but cry when I heard the anthem being played in that swimming arena and seeing Chad’s face. How proud we are of him and Cameron van der Burgh …”

Source and photo courtesy of The Times.

Here is the documentary entitled, Les Coulisses du Marriage du Prince de Monaco.  The program, in French, focuses on the run-up (if that is the right word to use) to last year’s princely wedding in Monaco.  Close friends of the prince and princess are interviewed in this program including Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two-Sicilies, Duchess of Castro. Click the links below to watch.  Enjoy!   🙂

Part One  Part Two  Part Three  Part Four Part Five  Part Six

Over the weekend Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco returned to her hometown of Benoni, South Africa for a special visit.

The purpose of the visit was to surprise her grandmother, Sylvia, on her 91st birthday on Sunday August 12.  According to journalist, Mr. Cylde Meela, Princess Charlene was “… accompanied by her parents, Mike and Lynette, as well as her two brothers Gareth and Sean…”  

Grandmother Sylvia, who lives in a retirement home in Benoni, was beyond thrilled to see her family,  “… This is the best day of my life…” she said in an interview with Mr. Meela.  “I am 91 years old and I feel great! ”  

To read more about Princess Charlene’s visit to South Africa as well as to view a personal photo please click here.