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.