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Princely digest: Innovations and Sports awards

Prince Albert II Speaks at Documentary Screening about the Adventures of Solar Flight

Prince Albert spoke at a documentary screening about an unbelievable trip around the world in a Solar Impulse, an experimental solar-powered aircraft.  In 2016, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, Solar’s two pilots and founders, completed the first circumnavigation of the globe with no fuel.  They flew from Abu Dhabi to Hawaii, achieving the longest solo solar flight ever achieved in aviation history.

“It was an obstacle course. We tried to find the balance between not going too far and being daring,” said Andre Borschberg. During the documentary, the audience heard about the numerous questions the mission control team had to answer during their flights and missions. And about the incredible fragility of the plane, even slight winds would disturb it. But both pilots demonstrated their tenacity to carry out this project in order to testify to the possibility of using alternative energies on a daily basis.

“Exploration must aim to improve life on Earth,” said Bertrand Piccard.

At the end of the documentary, the two adventurers received a standing ovation from the thousand people who came to the screening.

Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg
Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg Source: monacowealthmanagement.com

Throughout this adventure, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the whole of the Principality of Monaco actively supported the project, in particular by housing the mission’s strategic center.

Also after the screening of the film both pilots visited in the company of Prince Albert II the exhibition in Auditorium Rainier III dedicated to the Solar Impulse adventure.

A Powerful Dream

The solar-powered adventure resonated with Prince Albert II, who introduced the two pilots on the microphone. “The great adventure of Solar Impulse is just beginning. This dream of a new way of conceiving harmony between Man and Nature.” Fervent supporter of Solar Impulse, the sovereign Prince reminded everyone: “Some thought this dream was a little crazy and not very useful. But it was a great adventure to which Monaco and my foundation are proud to have contributed to. This dream, you have made it a reality and you embody it. Sustainable mobility is the only equitable solution. We will continue to fight skeptics and encourage dreamers.”

Prince Albert II with Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg
Prince Albert II with Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg Source: fpa2.org

 The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Oxford Martin School Join Forces

The Oxford Martin School houses a research center dedicated to climate change, ocean sustainability and biodiversity.  On the 13th of February 2017, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Oxford Martin School decided to join their expertise to create future research, conferences and discussions about environmental protection.

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Oxford Martin School will cooperate in regard to biodiversity, the protection of endangered species, the sustainable management of water and the oceans, as well as climate change.

Prince Albert II at Oxford Martin School
Prince Albert II at Oxford Martin School. Source: fpa2.org

The agreement was signed by Mr Achim Steiner, Director of the Oxford Martin School, H.E. Mr Bernard Fautrier, CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Mrs Evelyne Genta, President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s UK brunch.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene attend the 2017 Laureus Awards

The very first Laureus World Sports Awards was held in the glamorous Principality of Monaco where golf legend Tiger Woods was named Sportsman of the Year, and cyclist Lance Armstrong was given the Comeback award that was later revoked by the relevant sport governing body, but that is now water under the bridge.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene at the 2017 Laureus Awards. Source: www.facebook.com/palaismonaco/

Seventeen years later this philanthropic sportive event returned to Monte-Carlo, on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 to coincide with Saint Valentine’s. It was a dazzling evening where the greatest sportsmen and women of 2016 were recognized.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene at the 2017 Laureus Awards. Source: www.facebook.com/palaismonaco/

The premier global sports awards took place in the presence of HSH Prince Albert and HSH Princess Charlene who gave it the royal touch.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene at the 2017 Laureus Awards. Source: www.facebook.com/palaismonaco/

The Master of Ceremonies was no other than heartthrob English actor Hugh Grant. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his Charlene, Princess of Monaco are greeted at the red carpet by Laureus Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick the 2017 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte Carlo on February 14, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene at the 2017 Laureus Awards. Source: www.facebook.com/palaismonaco/

During the awards ceremony, both Prince Albert and Princess Charlène presented awards to the world’s best sportspeople. At the conclusion, the winners and the Prince and Princess gathered on the stage for a group photo in which they all did Jamaican runner Usain Bolt’s signature ‘Lighting Bolt’ move.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene at the 2017 Laureus Awards. Source: www.facebook.com/palaismonaco/

Prince Albert II inaugurates SIAM, Monaco’s first International Motor Show, showcasing Ecology, Innovation and Prestige

 A show that has chosen to establish itself in the Principality, because it is “a jewel for ecological and innovative vehicles, developed by prestigious brands.” That mission was respected at the entrance, where an electric Mini Moke is on display.

Many car manufacturers displayed their “clean” models as developers of innovative and ecological solutions for the car industry.

The Prince had the honor of revealing one of the stars of the show, the new Tecno, designed by Monte-Carlo Automobiles.

Trezor
Trezor

But if there is indeed a desirable car on the quays of the Hercules Port, it is without a doubt the Trezor, a concept car by Renault, which can reach speeds of 300 km/h.

The French brand created this futuristic car, which was presented at the Paris Motor Show last October. A chic mixture of grey and red on its embossed carbon body. This four-wheeled jewel is set up in a VIP tent with an old Packard Six from 1926, an F1 driven by Lewis Hamilton and the now historic Lexus with a glass body, borrowed by the Princely couple for their wedding in 2011.

Organizers have used the François Blanc Alley for a stand by Porsche, which is exhibiting a mythical model of Panamera, version 4 e-hybrid. Proof that historic auto manufacturers of high-end automobiles can take a green turn and catch up with the new leaders of the field. Like the American Tesla, housed at Place du Palais. The Model X, a sort of Batmobile for a large family, is astonishing. “I was watching you last night,” the prince jokes, arriving at the California manufacturer’s booth, explaining that he had followed the assembly of the stand from his window. The SUV, developed since 2015, with the falcon-wing back doors and enough room for a large family (7 people on board) is cool and clean mobility (100% electric). But with a price starting at 80,000 euros, one still has to be able to afford it!

Albert II with Tesla S
Albert II with Tesla S. Source: theshopmag.com

A Satisfied Prince

Prince Albert II boarded an electric bus for a SIAM tour of the vehicles exposed at Hercules harbor, the Place du Palais and the Place du Casino. “This show has the particularity of being innovative in terms of clean mobility. It is a very nice idea to occupy several sites to show that the Principality can host this kind of show,” the Prince said before cameras filming for C8 and Caradisiac, which were able to capture his first impressions at the end of the tour.

Interview with Prince Albert II at SIAM
Interview with Prince Albert II at SIAM. Source: www.facebook.com/palaismonaco/

“Persuade the public to switch to hybrid”

The prince expressed the wish that visitors coming to Monaco to test the vehicles on display, will be impressed by those running on clean energy. “This is an added attraction for visitors,” said the Prince. “When one sees the work of Tesla, for example, it demonstrates an evolution in the field which must be a goal for us all.” He added: “We have to persuade the public to switch to hybrid or electric vehicles, which are beautiful cars, which perform excellently. And which one can find a pleasure in driving. It is a message that must be passed on to consumers.”

Princess Charlene wishes good luck

Later on the last week Princess Charlene shared in her Instagram account a new photo and message to wish participants of the Midmar Mile well. Princess wrote in her message ‘Wishing all those competing in this weekend’s Midmar Mile to raise funds for the Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa all the very best. Thank you for giving your time to help enable us to teach children to swim and learn essential water safety skills in a nation where drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death after road accidents’.

Princess Charlene
Princess Charlene. Source: www.newmyroayls.com

Princess Caroline at the Spring Arts Festival

The Princess from Hanover was present at the launching of the Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival 2017. She was greeted by Michèle Dittlot, President of the ‘Friends of Spring Arts’ Association, and Marc Monnet, artistic advisor for the festival. This was an opportunity for Michèle Dittlot and Georges Gaède, treasurer, to introduce the Friends of the Spring Arts to one-another.

Princess Caroline
Princess Caroline during a visit to the Congo in 2013. Source: www.monacohebdo.mc

Created in 2009, the association supports the Spring Arts Festival and its promotion. In 2017, the association proposed participatory funding for the venue to support the Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra of Kinshasa from the Democratic Republic of Congo on the 1st of April.

The amount collected will be used for travel and to contribute to the purchase of equipment and instruments.

Sources: monacoreporter.com, en.gouv.mc and newmyroyals.com

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