In the presence of the Princely Couple, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary with a star-studded gala at the Salle Garnier of the Opera Monte-Carlo on Friday 18 September 2026.
Monica Bellucci and Richard Gere, guests of honour at the event, walked the green carpet alongside Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. Isabelle Huppert, Eva Herzigova, Catrinel Marlon, and Aurélien Muller also walked the gala’s green carpet. The evening celebrated two decades of environmental action around the world.
“Twenty years ago, I had come to a simple conclusion. A Head of State is given a position, a voice that is listened to, and a great many doors that open when he knocks; and it seemed to me that these were worth a good deal more if they were put to work for something that would outlast any reign. So I set out to build a foundation that could act where a State cannot always act: quickly, across borders, and for the longterm,” said Prince Albert II during the gala’s opening address.
Performance by Christina Aguilera
After the evening’s cocktail reception, a dinner created by Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alléno was served to the guests. Next, international stars Christina Aguilera, Plácido Domingo and Sister Sledge took to the stage.
“I have great respect for HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco’s long-standing commitment to protecting our planet. His Foundation combines environmental action with genuine concern for people and future generations. I am very honoured to be here this evening and to support these shared values,” said guest of honour, Monica Bellucci.
The event also featured a special auction led by Simon de Pury with unique experiences, collectable pieces and a curated selection of fine art. Works by Georges Condo, Urs Fisher and Secondino Hernández, exclusive jewellery by Chopard, unforgettable experiences alongside Richard Gere, and a journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express all fell under the hammer.
New Partnership with Richard Gere Foundation
One day after the gala, Prince Albert II and Richard Gere met for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between their two foundations, before a private screening of a documentary at the Princess Grace Theatre.
The Memorandum’s aim is for both foundations to explore future opportunities for environmental action. The agreement was signed by Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II Foundation, and Ana Buitrago, President and CEO of the Gere Foundation.
“Our two foundations share the conviction that compassion and responsibility must translate into concrete actions. I am very pleased to see our organizations opening this new chapter together and exploring how our experience, networks, and shared concerns can contribute to protecting the planet and building a more sustainable future,” said Richard Gere.
Afterwards, the Wisdom of Happiness film, produced by Richard Gere, offered a cinematic encounter with the Dalai Lama to the private audience by exploring his reflections on compassion, inner peace, and happiness.
About the Prince Albert II Foundation
Created in 2006, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation focuses on three main fields: climate change, biodiversity and water resources, with particular attention to the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar Regions and low-income countries. To date, the Foundation has supported over 830 projects worldwide.
