Africa’s Olympic Moment: Prince Albert II Joins History in Dakar
For Africa, it was a first. For the young athletes gathering in Senegal, it was a beginning. And for Monaco’s Valentine Platini, the opening weekend of Dakar 2026 brought the encouragement of her Sovereign before she entered the arena.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II visited Senegal on 31 October and 1 November as the continent welcomed its first Olympic sporting event. Across two busy days, his programme moved from discussions about sport’s lasting contribution to development to the places where that ambition becomes personal: beside a swimming pool, around a competition ground and among young athletes preparing to represent their countries.
The Youth Olympic Games, running until 13 November, have given Senegal a place in Olympic history. For the Principality, they also offer a stage for a new generation to carry Monaco’s colours.
National Council Votes on Amending Budget: Securing Housing and “Progress for Monegasque Nationals”
During a public session on 15 October, members of the National Council adopted the 2026 Amending Budget (with 13 votes in favour, 5 abstentions, and 2 votes against). The Amending budget secures “significant progress from the Government on two key priorities for Monegasque nationals: National Priority (priority in hiring and career advancement for Monegasques) and housing,” says a recent press release by the National Council.
A week after the suspension of budget debates, the Minister of State has taken a “significant step toward the National Council” including President Thomas Brezzo and the elected members, by shifting its stance on the two major issues.
From Shanghai to Basel: Vacherot Gives Monaco Another Title to Celebrate
The first set belonged to Jiří Lehečka. But the trophy would belong to Valentin Vacherot. Monaco’s tennis standard-bearer produced a stirring comeback in the Swiss Indoors Basel final on Sunday 1 November, defeating the Czech eighth seed 2–6, 6–3, 6–3. After one hour and 54 minutes, the unseeded Monegasque had secured his second ATP Tour title and become the first player from the Principality to lift the Basel singles trophy.
A week that demanded nerve, endurance and repeated escapes has ended with another landmark for Monaco.
Leclerc’s Mexican Gamble: Fourth for Monaco’s Ace as Hamilton Narrowly Misses Victory
Charles Leclerc had early on seized the lead. And Lewis Hamilton on pole eventually finished less than a second from victory. Yet Ferrari left Mexico without the winner’s trophy, after an afternoon that turned scarlet promise into frustration.
For Monaco’s ace, fourth place told only part of the story. Leclerc had been at the centre of the action from the opening corners, challenging his team-mate, taking a costly penalty and eventually defending his position against Lando Norris. Ahead, Max Verstappen held off Hamilton to win the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix, while third place delivered Kimi Antonelli his first world title.
Mexico had produced a race winner and a new world champion. Ferrari, meanwhile, had plenty to ponder.
