Prince Albert II attended the closing gala for the 5th Festival des Étoilés in the Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris on 29 November. The Sovereign was accompanied by Princess Stephanie’s children, Louis Ducruet and his wife Marie Chevallier, Pauline Ducruet, and Camille Gottlieb. The seven-Michelin-starred gala dinner was the festival’s grand finale. Several celebrities attended the gala, including model Baptiste Giabiconi and Italian singer Fedez.
Princely Family inaugurates Monaco’s Christmas Village
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella officially inaugurated this year’s Christmas Village at the Quai Albert Ier on 4 December. Melanie-Antoinette de Massy, Georges Marsan and other Principality personalities were also in attendance.
Teams worked throughout the year to design the village, titled “In Teddy Bear Land,” which boasts food stalls, chalets, rides, a Ferris wheel, and a festive atmosphere. Parades, concerts, family shows, and creative workshops for children are on the agenda in the dedicated activity chalet. After a three-year absence an “ice” rink is back, equipped with environmentally responsible improvements and a smart weather station.
Prince Albert II inaugurates “Beyond Limits” exhibition on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Prince Albert inaugurated the “Beyond Limits” exhibition by Romain de Sigalas for International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 4 December. Around thirty photographs portraying international para-sports competitions are on display along the Larvotto promenade until 4 January.
As this year’s World Capital of Sport, Monaco also observed International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a “Handipact” conference featuring Gaël Rivière, President of the French Handisport Federation, 2024 Paralympic blind football champion, and business lawyer. During the event, the Handipact 2025 Trophy was presented to the Grimaldi Forum for its “Colours” exhibition, which integrated inclusion from its conception. The summer 2025 exhibition was wheelchair accessible, included explanatory videos in sign language and braille descriptions of the works.
Prince Albert II celebrates Mareterra’s First Anniversary
The Sovereign celebrated Mareterra’s first birthday at the Petit Portier on 3 December. About a hundred people celebrated the six-hectare district, entirely reclaimed from the sea by sharing an aperitif before launching into anecdotes from the construction of the eco-district, surrounded by an exhibition by photographer Vanessa von Zitzewitz. A ten-minute film about the ambitious project was also screened, which depicted nine years of work, from the signing of the Concession Agreement in 2015 to the opening of the district on 4 December 2024.
Princess Stephanie visits Monte-Carlo Circus at Europa Park
Princess Stephanie visited Rust, Germany, for the launch of the amusement park’s winter season on 27 November. The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival is presenting acts by various artists at the park until 18 January, before heading to the Principality. The brand-new show is titled, “Monte Carlo Circus Festival meets Europa-Park”.
Roland Mack, the park’s founder, was a jury member at the 35th edition of the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival in 2011. In January 2025, he was named “Ambassador of the Circus 2025” by the World Circus Federation in the presence of Prince Albert II and Princess Stephanie.
While celebrating its 50th anniversary last March, the park announced the construction of a Monaco-themed section, scheduled to open in March 2026. Over 100,000 people are expected at Europa-Park during the Christmas holidays.
Princess Stephanie and Fight Aids Monaco Open weekly Testing Clinic
On World Aids Day, Princess Stephanie and her daughter, Camille Gottlieb, visited the Oceanographic Museum to attend a ceremony honouring those who have died from HIV-related illnesses. Eight quilts were unveiled during the event, created by people living with HIV, supported by Fight Aids Monaco and dedicated volunteers. The founder and president of Fight Aids Monaco also visited the association’s offices, which now offer HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis testing, in partnership with the Monaco Red Cross. The clinic will be open every Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. by appointment (Villa Pasteur, 15 Boulevard Charles III). Appointments can be booked online or by phone at 97 70 67 97.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene celebrate 75th anniversary of Monaco’s Senior Citizens Association
The Princely Couple attended the 75th anniversary luncheon for the Amicale des Aînés Monégasques at the Méridien Beach Plaza on 4 December. Under the honorary presidency of the Sovereign Prince, the association, founded in 1950, supports women aged 55 and over and men aged 60 and over with cultural outings, gourmet meals, and communal gatherings. With 360 members, including three centenarians, the association is led by Michelle Brigolle and promotes the well-being of seniors.
Prince Albert II attends Monaco Scientific Centre Evaluation
Prince Albert II attended the Monaco Scientific Centre’s evaluation event on 28 November at the Oceanographic Museum. The centre’s Improvement Committee, chaired by Professor Dominique Doumenc of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, reviewed four years of research and outlined the future directions of the institution. Teams from the marine, polar, and medical biology departments, as well as the molecular biology platform, presented their findings to a panel of experts from leading French research centres. As the three days of discussions closed, Prince Albert II met with the members of the Advisory Committee and commended the work of the centre’s management team. The committee, composed of eighteen specialists, will issue its strategic recommendations in the coming weeks.
Princess Stephanie visits Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening Centre at CHPG
Princess Stephanie visited the Monegasque Screening Centre, which tests for sexually transmitted infections everyday at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. The Princess was accompanied by Christophe Robino, Government Advisor-Minister of Social Affairs and Health.
Dr. Bruno Taillan, director of the centre, explained how the facility operates to Princess Stephanie. Professionals welcome, screen, and inform the public about STIs, guaranteeing anonymity and free testing. The Monaco Screening Centre offers HIV, hepatitis, and other sexually transmitted infection screening tests, respecting confidentiality and without requiring a medical prescription. Accessibility to tests enables early diagnosis and rapid treatment of infected individuals.
