Tag Archives: Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Attend the 14th Edition of the Sainte-Dévote Rugby Final as Singapore Wins the Tournament

  • 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

This afternoon in Fontvieille, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, and Mr. Gareth Wittstock attended the final of the 14th edition of the Sainte-Dévote Rugby Tournament at the Stade Louis-II.

Organized by the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, with the support of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby, the annual tournament brings together youth teams from around the world, promoting the values of discipline, teamwork, and inclusion through sport.

A total of 24 teams representing 23 nations participated in this year’s two-day competition, including delegations from South Africa, Argentina, Japan, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The 2026 edition marked the first participation of a team from Japan, reflecting the tournament’s continued international reach.

The final saw Singapore defeat England by four tries to one, securing victory in the 14th edition of the tournament.

At the conclusion of the tournament, awards were presented to teams and individual participants. Singapore received the Tournament trophy, presented by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II. The Most Valuable Player award was presented to Usha Hemalatha Munda of India by Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, while Japan received the Fair Play Award, presented by Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene.

Imperial Family of Japan, Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Open the 14th Edition of the Sainte-Dévote Rugby Tournament

  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck
  • Photos courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck

In Fontvieille, Their Serene Highnesses Albert II of Monaco and Charlene of Monaco, accompanied by Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella of Monaco, Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, and Mr. Gareth Wittstock, attended the opening ceremony of the 14th edition of the Sainte-Dévote Rugby Tournament at Stade Louis-II.

Organized by the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, with the support of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby, the annual tournament brings together youth teams from around the world, promoting the values of discipline, teamwork, and inclusion through sport.

A total of 24 teams representing 23 nations are participating in this year’s two-day competition, including delegations from South Africa, Argentina, Japan, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. The 2026 edition marks the first participation of a team from Japan, reflecting the tournament’s expanding international reach.

Princess Akiko of Mikasa, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union and an official guest of the Princely Couple, attended the opening events alongside the princely family. Princess Charlene, who serves as President of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby, emphasized the broader significance of the tournament.

“Rugby is a remarkable school of life, and the Sainte-Dévote Tournament is a vehicle for peace,” she said. “On the field, young players from diverse cultures discover solidarity, humility, and trust in others. These are values that extend far beyond sport.”

The opening ceremony featured a parade of nations followed by the Monégasque national anthem, after which the first matches were held on the Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco pitches.

Earlier in the day, the initiative Rugby for All introduced schoolchildren from across the Principality, as well as young adults with disabilities, to the sport, underscoring the tournament’s commitment to accessibility and social inclusion.

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Family of Monaco

Princess Charlene of Monaco Leads Water Safety Workshops Ahead of 14th Edition of the Tournoi Sainte Dévote

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

In Fontvieille, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco participated in the annual Water Safety Day workshops at the Centre Nautique du Stade Louis II.

Organized several times each year by the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, the workshops were conducted under the supervision of the Ambassador of the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco and Monégasque freediver, Mr. Pierre Frolla, together with his team from the Académie Monégasque de la Mer, with the participation of the Croix-Rouge Monégasque, the Comité Monégasque Antidopage, and the Association Monégasque des Athlètes Olympiques.

The workshops brought together 108 children representing nine international under-12 rugby teams competing in the 14th edition of the Tournoi Sainte Dévote.

Participants took part in a structured programme focused on water safety and emergency response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), rescue techniques, and basic first aid, alongside supervised aquatic activities.

According to the Palais Princier de Monaco, for many of the children participating in the workshop, it was their “first introduction to water rescue, in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.” The Palace added that the initiative reflects the Foundation’s international work to prevent drowning and promote the values of solidarity, education, and sport.

The 14th edition of the Tournoi Sainte Dévote begins on Friday, March 20th to Saturday, March 21st, at the Stade Louis II.