Tag Archives: Council of Europe

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Princess Charlene of Monaco Addresses Women@APCE Meeting at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France

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  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Frédéric Nebinger
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Frédéric Nebinger
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Frédéric Nebinger
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Frédéric Nebinger

In Strasbourg, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco participated in a working breakfast hosted by the Women@APCE group of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, where discussions centered on sport, equality, and public engagement.

Princess Charlene attended the gathering as the guest of honour and delivered an address emphasizing the Principality of Monaco’s shared commitment to the values of the Council of Europe, including human dignity, solidarity, and the protection of vulnerable populations.

The Princess also described sport as a universal instrument for equality and emancipation across national, social, and cultural boundaries. Speaking about her personal experiences, Princess Charlene referenced the legacy of the late President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, stating that he “understood something very powerful: sometimes, a jersey, a team, or a playing field can bring together people whom everything seemed to divide.”

The Princess also referred to the work of the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, particularly its initiatives dedicated to water safety, drowning prevention, and rescue training programs for children and communities.

“Concretely, My Foundation teaches children to swim, raises awareness of water safety, and trains individuals in lifesaving techniques,” the Princess stated during the discussions. “Water must remain a place of joy, not of pain.”

According to the Palais Princier de Monaco, more than 30 participants subsequently took part in exchanges concerning their professional and personal experiences, with several attendees posing questions during the course of the working session.

Established within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Women@APCE initiative brings together parliamentarians and institutional representatives engaged in questions relating to equality, representation, and the role of women in public life.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Welcome Members of the Permanent Commission of the Council of Europe

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  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi

On Thursday in Monaco-Ville, Their Serene Highnesses  Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco welcomed members of the Permanent Commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais Princier de Monaco.

The visit took place as the Principality of Monaco assumes the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which Monaco will hold from May 15th through November 10th, 2026.

The Committee of Ministers serves as the Council of Europe’s main decision-making body, coordinating cooperation among member states on matters including human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

According to the Palais Princier, Monaco’s presidency will focus on several major priorities, including the protection of vulnerable persons, the rights of women and children, combating disinformation, and promoting ethics in sport.

The meeting was held days after the official transfer of the presidency to the Principality of Monaco, which is being conducted under the theme: Protection for all, through an effective organization capable of responding to contemporary challenges.

Headlines, Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II of Monaco Meets Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset Ahead of the Principality of Monaco’s Presidency

  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Michaël Alesi

In Monaco-Ville, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Alain Berset, in the Salon de Famille at the Palais Princier de Monaco.

The meeting was held in the presence of the Directeur de Cabinet, Mr. Olivier Wenden, the Conseiller de Gouvernement-Ministre des Relations Extérieures et de la Coopération, Ms. Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, and the Ambassadeur représentant permanent de Monaco auprès du Conseil de l’Europe, His Excellency Mr. Gabriel Revel.

Secretary General Berset was accompanied by the Directrice adjointe de Cabinet du Secrétariat général, Ms. Natacha de Roeck, and the Conseiller au sein du Cabinet du Secrétariat général, Mr. Thibault Curmi.

Discussions focused on major European issues, with particular emphasis on the promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, which constitute the core mandate of the Council of Europe. The meeting also addressed the Principality of Monaco’s priorities in advance of its presidency of the Committee of Ministers.

The Principality of Monaco will assume the presidency from May 15th to November 10th, 2026, marking the first time the Principality has held the role since it acceded to the Council of Europe on October 5th, 2004.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Sovereign Prince elevated Secretary General Alain Berset to the rank of Commandeur de l’Ordre de Saint-Charles.

Founded on March 15th, 1858, by Charles III of Monaco, the Ordre de Saint-Charles is one of the Principality of Monaco’s principal orders of merit. It is conferred in recognition of eminent services rendered to the State and to the Sovereign Prince. The order is awarded across several ranks, Chevalier, Officier, Commandeur, Grand Officier, and Grand-Croix, and remains a central element of the Principality of Monaco’s system of honors, reflecting the Principality’s longstanding traditions of state distinction and service.

Today’s visit forms part of preparations for the Principality of Monaco’s forthcoming presidency, during which the Principality is expected to advance its engagement in multilateral cooperation and the institutional work of the Council of Europe.