Tag Archives: Monaco news

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

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.

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

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.

Prince Albert II of Monaco Presents the Fédération des Sites Historiques Grimaldi de Monaco Label to Normandy Community

In Monaco-Ville, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, on Tuesday, presented the label of the Fédération des Sites Historiques Grimaldi de Monaco to the MFR of Percy-en-Normandie in recognition of its local brewing expertise and regional craftsmanship.

The label is intended to recognize communities that maintain historical links to the Grimaldi dynasty while promoting local traditions, initiatives, and cultural savoir-faire associated with those territories.

The Fédération des Sites historiques Grimaldi de Monaco brings together municipalities and historic sites connected to the centuries-long history of the Grimaldi dynasty beyond the Principality of Monaco’s borders, particularly in regions of France and Italy historically associated with the family.

The distinction awarded to Percy-en-Normandie acknowledged the community’s work surrounding locally produced beer and regional artisanal traditions.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Attend the Formula E Monte-Carlo Tee Prix Award Ceremony Ahead of Historic Visit to Spain

In La Turbie, France, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, accompanied by Mr. Gareth Wittstock, attended the award ceremony for the inaugural Formula E Monte-Carlo Tee Prix held at the Monte-Carlo Golf Club.

The charitable golf tournament, organized in support of the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, brought together Formula E drivers, sponsors, professional golfers, and invited personalities on the historic course overlooking the Principality.

Conducted in the “Scramble” format, the tournament featured a series of skill-based challenges, including “Nearest the Pin” and “Longest Drive,” combining sporting competition with philanthropic engagement in an atmosphere described in a statement issued by the Palais Princier de Monaco as both “convivial and competitive.”

Princess Charlene presented the first prize to the “Influencers” team, composed of Mr. Seb Delanney, Miss Emma Houlmiere, Miss Mathilde Ostrowski, and Formula E driver Mr. Maximilian Günther. The second prize was presented by Prince Albert II to Team “Aurora,” composed of Mr. Lee Flay, Mr. Matt Beal, Mr. Lee Attreed, and Mr. Westbury Gillett. The third prize was presented by Mr. Gareth Wittstock.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco will visit Madrid, Spain, on June 1st through 2nd for a series of engagements marking the 150th anniversary of modern diplomatic relations between the Principality of Monaco and the Kingdom of Spain.

According to the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco in Spain, the Sovereign Prince will preside over the inauguration of the exhibition, Monaco y España: cinco siglos de historia compartida (Monaco et l’Espagne: cinq siècles d’histoire partagée), which will be presented at the Pabellón Villanueva within the Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid.

Organized by the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco, the exhibition explores five centuries of historical, cultural, and diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

Relations between the Principality of Monaco and the Kingdom of Spain date back to the early 16th century. In 1524, the Treaty of Burgos, signed by Honoré I of Monaco and Emperor Charles V of Spain, placed the Principality under Spanish protection and established a period of close political and dynastic relations between the Grimaldi dynasty and the Crown of Spain that endured for centuries through diplomatic, cultural, and royal exchanges.

Vanitatis journalist Ms. Nuria Tiburcio reported this afternoon that Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco will accompany the Sovereign Prince during the visit. If confirmed by the Palais Princier de Monaco, in the coming days, the visit would mark the Princess’s first official visit to the Kingdom of Spain since her marriage to the Sovereign Prince in 2011.

Prince Albert II has visited Spain on several occasions in recent years, including cultural and environmental engagements in Cantabria, Burgos, and Madrid.

Poster courtesy of the Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid

Princess Charlene of Monaco Releases Rehabilitated Red-Footed Falcon in France and Announces a New Wildlife Patronage

This afternoon, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco participated in the release of a rehabilitated Red-footed Falcon at the Observatoire Astronomique du plateau de Calern in Caussols, France.

The Princess was accompanied by her brother, Mr. Gareth Wittstock, during the event organized in cooperation with the wildlife rescue association Instinct Animal SOS Faune Sauvage.

According to the Palais Princier de Monaco, the bird of prey had previously suffered severe injuries, including electrocution and a fractured wing, before undergoing several months of veterinary treatment and rehabilitation. The species, known for its long migratory routes between Asia and southern Africa, was later released back into the wild during the event.

Princess Charlene, who has supported several animal welfare and wildlife protection initiatives in Monaco and neighboring regions, also announced her patronage of the association. The Princess currently serves as President of the SPA Refuge de Monaco.

Following the release, the Princess visited the organization’s wildlife treatment center in Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne in southeastern France. Opened in 2025, the facility specializes in the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of injured wild animals from across the Alpes-Maritimes region and neighboring departments.

According to the association, the center has already treated nearly animals since beginning operations and functions through a combination of public support, private donations, and corporate sponsorship.

Princess Caroline of Hanover and Prince Albert II of Monaco Attend 57th Concours International de Bouquets in Port Hercule

On Saturday in Port Hercule, Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline of Hanover, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Miss Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, and the Minister of the State of the Principality of Monaco, Mr. Christophe Mirmand, attended the 57th edition of the Concours International de Bouquets at the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Established in 1968 by the late Princess Grace of Monaco, the annual floral competition is organized by the Garden Club of Monaco, of which Princess Caroline serves as President.

The theme of this year’s competition was Celeste, with floral artists drawing inspiration from celestial imagery, light, and atmospheric phenomena through a series of elaborate botanical compositions.

According to organizers, participants from multiple countries, including professional floral designers, amateur exhibitors, and young competitors, presented works across seven themed categories inspired by storms, eclipses, lunar illumination, and the northern lights.

During the event, Princess Caroline, Prince Albert II, Miss de Massy, and Minister Mirmand toured the exhibition stands and met with participants alongside members of Monaco’s cultural and civic community.

The competition concluded with the presentation of several distinctions, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze Insignia awards, the Grand Prix Général, and the Princess Grace of Monaco Prize.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Attend the Prestigious CISM Gala in Monte-Carlo

On Thursday evening, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco attended the closing gala of the 81st General Assembly of the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) at the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Also in attendance were Mr. Louis Ducruet and Mrs. Marie Ducruet, as well as Miss Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy.

The gala marked the conclusion of a week of international meetings, discussions, and sporting diplomacy, bringing together military delegations from around the world under the banner of cooperation and unity through sport.

During the evening, the Sovereign Prince and Princess Charlene were presented with distinctions in recognition of their support for the assembly and their engagement with the values promoted by CISM.

Founded in 1948, the Conseil International du Sport Militaire is one of the world’s largest multidisciplinary sports organizations, promoting peace, solidarity, and international understanding through military athletics and sporting exchange.

The 81st General Assembly served as a platform for dialogue among participating nations while reinforcing the organization’s long-standing mission of fostering friendship through sport amid growing international tensions.