Tag Archives: Princess Charlene of 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

Princess Akiko of Mikasa Opens Journée du Japon à Monaco: Celebrating 20 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between Japan and Monaco

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

In the quartier of Larvotto, Monaco, Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Mr. Louis Ducruet, presided over the opening ceremony of Journée du Japon à Monaco, held along the esplanade of the Grimaldi Forum.

The event forms part of commemorations marking the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Principality of Monaco. Formal ties between the two countries were established on December 14th, 2006, and have since developed through sustained cultural exchange and official visits between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Princely Family of Monaco.

The main program, staged along the esplanade of the Grimaldi Forum, featured a Japanese handicrafts exhibition alongside cultural presentations highlighting both traditional and contemporary Japanese arts, including musical and dance performances. The program also included demonstrations and workshops introducing traditional techniques, including washi paper crafting. 

Additional activities are taking place at the Jardin Japonais in Larvotto, extending the program across multiple sites and underscoring the cultural dimension of the bilateral anniversary.

The initiative reflects the continued emphasis placed by both Japan and the Principality of Monaco on cultural diplomacy as a means of strengthening bilateral relations.

This evening,  the Princess will attend the 70th edition of the Bal de la Rose to be held inside the Salle des Étoiles at the Sporting Monte-Carlo.

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.

Monaco Princely Family

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco Attend the Provale Solidarité Charity Gala in Paris

Photo courtesy of the Palais Princier de Monaco/Sarah Steck ©

On Friday evening in Paris, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, accompanied by Mr. Gareth Wittstock, attended the second edition of the Provale Solidarité charity gala held at the Four Seasons Hotel George V.

The event was organized by Provale, the national union representing professional rugby players in France. The organization works to defend the rights and interests of rugby players and provides assistance to athletes throughout their professional careers and during their transition to life after sport.

The gala brought together more than 300 guests, including former professional players, prominent figures within the rugby community, and representatives from the wider sporting world.

The evening featured a charity auction, including a selection of exceptional items such as match-worn and autographed jerseys, as well as original works of art. The gala raised more than €120,000 for the Provale Solidarité Fund.

According to the Palais Princier de Monaco, the Sovereign Prince Couple “generously donated tickets to the 2027 Rugby World Cup Final in Australia, together with VIP invitations to the next Monaco Formula One Grand Prix.”

Funds raised during the evening will support Provale’s programs assisting current and former players who face significant personal and professional challenges following their sporting careers.

Many former athletes encounter lasting difficulties after retirement, including long-term physical injuries, challenges related to professional reintegration, and the broader physical and psychological consequences associated with high-level competition.

Events such as the Provale Solidarité gala contribute to sustaining the organization’s mission of providing support and solidarity to players during the most difficult periods of their professional and personal transition after sport. 

Princess Charlene is the President of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby.

Monaco Princely Family, Vatican

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s Official Visit to the Principality of Monaco: Official Program Released

  • Photo courtesy of Vatican Media/Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Press image courtesy of le Diocèse de la Principauté de Monaco
  • Communiqué de presse Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Communiqué de presse Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Communiqué de presse Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Communiqué de presse Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Communiqué de presse Palais Princier de Monaco

Following the announcement of the one-day official visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the Principality of Monaco, on February 25th, the Diocese of Monaco released the official program for the apostolic and pastoral engagements that will take place during the Holy Father’s stay in the Principality.

According to the program, His Holiness will arrive at the Monaco Heliport at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28th, where he will be welcomed by Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

At 9:25 a.m., an official welcoming ceremony will take place on the Place du Palais in Monaco-Ville, where Monégasques and residents of the Principality are invited to attend.

Following the ceremony, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco will hold a meeting with His Holiness inside the Palais Princier de Monaco.

After the meeting, the Sovereign Prince couple and His Holiness will greet the public from the balcony of the Palais Princier de Monaco overlooking the Place du Palais

His Holiness will then travel to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée de Monaco in Monaco-Ville, where he will lead the Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours.

Later in the morning, His Holiness will meet with young people and catechumens at the Église Sainte-Dévote in La Condamine.

His Holiness will conclude his official visit to the Principality by celebrating the Saturday Mass of the Fifth Week of Lent at the Stade Louis II in Fontvieille at 3:30 p.m. Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, along with Hereditary Prince Jacques of Monaco and Princess Gabriella of Monaco, members of the Princely Family, and representatives of the Sovereign Prince’s Government, are confirmed to attend the Mass.

The upcoming visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will mark a historic moment for the Principality of Monaco. While Pope Paul III was received in the Lordship of Monaco in 1538, the March 28th official visit will be the first apostolic visit by a reigning pope to Monaco in the modern era, underscoring the longstanding historical ties between the Holy See and the Grimaldi dynasty.

Monaco Princely Family, Vatican

Pope Leo XIV to Make Historic Official Visit to Monaco on March 28, Hosted by Prince Albert II

  • H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, January 17, 2026. Vatican Media.
  • T.S.H.s Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco/ Michaël Alesi/Palais Princier de Monaco
  • H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, January 17, 2026. Vatican Media.

In Monaco-Ville, the Palais Princier de Monaco announced that Their Serene Highnesses Albert II and Charlene of Monaco will host a one-day Apostolic Visit from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on Saturday, March 28.

According to the Palais Princier, the visit reflects “the enduring bonds linking the Grimaldi dynasty to the Roman Pontiffs” and the historic diplomatic relationship between the Principality of Monaco and the Holy See.

The invitation was extended by the Sovereign Prince during his meeting with the Holy Father at the Vatican on January 17, 2026, and separately by the Archbishop of Monaco, Monsignor Dominique-Marie David, underscoring both the institutional and pastoral dimensions of the visit.

The Palais Princier further noted that, as a sovereign state in which the Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman religion is enshrined in the Constitution, Monaco regards this spiritual heritage as a foundational element of its national identity and institutional continuity.

The visit is described as a historic moment for the Principality and a sign of hope in a spirit of dialogue and peace.