Princely digest: Princess Charlene’s Trip to India, Nico Rosberg receives a gift from Prince Albert II and more…

H.S.H. Princess Charlene’s Trip to India

H.S.H. Princess Charlene made a trip to India for the first time, from the 8th to the 10th of December 2016.

On Thursday the 8th, the Princess visited the south of India, Dindigul, to attend a presentation from the non-governmental organization ‘Mass Trust’ at the St Joseph Polytechnic College.

This Indian NGO supports children and families suffering from HIV/AIDS and helps them gain access to treatments, education and professional training.  The Monegasque association “Monaco Aide et Présence”(MAP), whose Honorary President is H.S.H. Prince Albert II, represented by His wife, donated an all-terrain vehicle which will allow Mass Trust to transport children needing serious treatments.  MAP has been supporting the NGO for several years now in a number of ways (treatments for children, financing training programs etc. for 95 families).

The Princess was eager to meet a family excluded from their village because of their HIV-positivity. It was a moment filled with emotion.

The Princess then flew to the nation’s capital, New Delhi, to take part in the “Laureates & Leaders for Children, Summit 2016”.  This first edition, convened by the 2014 Nobel Peace Price winner, Kailash Satyarthi, gathered many international laureates and leaders such as the Dalai Lama, to speak about children’s rights around the World.

In Her speech, Her Highness reminded guests about the Principality’s commitment to children’s rights, adding that “this summit will capture the World’s imagination and determination to help children who do not have the freedoms they deserve.”

Princess Charlene took part in round table discussions on various topics which are dear to her such as the violation of children’s dignity and the eradication of poverty throughout the world. She also spoke about Her Foundation’s actions, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which will celebrate its fourth birthday on the 14th of December.

Gala for the Ambassadors of Monaco: 13th of December, 2016

An unmissable event for the tourism industry, the Gala des Ambassadeurs is an exceptional evening celebrating business tourism. Organised at the Golden Hall of the Fairmont, the atmosphere was warm and a dinner made by chef of the hotel, Philippe Joannès, was accompanied by a musical performance and a fashion show.

Princess Stephanie meets with the Elderly at Cap Fleuri

Accompanied by her younger daughter Camille, Princess Stephanie spent some time with the elderly of the Principality.  The mother and daughter, along with Red Cross workers, accompanied residences of Cap Fleuri in Cap-d’Ail for a snack and then a show before enjoying acrobatics by Femina Sport. Christmas celebrations continued at the retirement residence of Qietüdine, for more festive moments of care with the elderly residents.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene celebrate Christmas with children at the Red Cross day Care

 Tradition was respected yesterday morning at the Red Cross day care, where Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene came to celebrate Christmas with the children. Welcomed by the Red Cross team, the Princely couple enjoyed a show by the children of the daycare centre about the five senses.  A performance rewarded with gifts distributed to the children by the Prince and the Princess. The couple then went to the Monegasque Red Cross headquarters to distribute, like every year, Christmas parcels. This holiday season, the CRM prepared nearly 300 gourmet parcels and gift vouchers for people in need.

 Nico Rosberg receives a gift from Prince Albert II and the President of the Automobile Club of Monaco, Michel Boéri

“The Grand Prix of Monaco 2015 is a wonderful memory, like the two previous editions which I am also very proud to have won. Lewis in the back, Vettel behind and me in the front: this painting makes me happy! I hope that Vivian will give me the green light to hang it in our room.”

On Wednesday evening, Nico Rosberg received a gift from the Automobile Club of Monaco, presented by Prince Albert II and President Michel Boéri, to mark his most recent F1 World championship title. He was the guest of honour at the awards ceremony which celebrated the three Monegasque champions who were crowned this season on the international stage: Charles Leclerc (GP3 Series), Stéphane Richelmi (WEC, LM P2 category) and Frédéric Lajoux (F3 Classic Europe). The star of the Mercedes was presented with a watercolor signed by Michael Turner. A gift that went straight to his heart since the English painter immortalized the turn during the race which sealed his third consecutive triumph in the Principality last year.

Mad Max and the Grandmother…

Faced with an admiring audience, the retired youth said some kind words to the Abu Dhabi GP about the decisive final which made his ultimate dream come true. “There was a lot of pressure. Once, twice, three times, I thought I’d lose the title. At first when I had to lose the Verstappen menace. He isn’t nicknamed Mad Max for nothing! Then when my dear teammate started rolling like a grandmother in front of me, allowing others to move forward in my wake. He did this very intelligently. Could not be doubled. Fortunately, it all ended well. The thrust of the finish line will remain one of the strongest moments of my career as a driver.” Inducted Life member of the ACM at the reception in the salon des Princes, the child of the country, before leaving, spoke of loyalty to his adopted home. “Monaco has a special place in my heart: I have lived here forever and I will stay here all the time. Simply because it’s the perfect place for my family, and for me.”

AIAP Celebrates the “Bizarre”

 The sovereign inaugurated an exhibition which brings together works from different members of the Monegasque committee.

It has a promising theme: the bizarre.  The theme was chosen for the 2016 edition of the AIAP Fair, which was recently inaugurated by the sovereign. In all, 44 works by artists from the Monegasque committee were selected by a jury and exhibited. Eight young German artists were invited to the occasion, a response to the recent invitations for artists from the AIAP Monegasque committee to participate in exhibitions in Germany. The exhibition is open every day, from 1 pm to 7 pm, at the AIAP on Antoine-1st.  Entry is free.

The Sovereign Celebrates Rampoldi’s 70th Year

An institution for Monegasque cuisine, Rampoldi, celebrated its 70th birthday. Prince Albert II was among the guests present to celebrate the restaurant, which opened in 1946. “All Monegasques have memories at Rampoldi,” said Eric Gorjux, who has been running the establishment since August. After a period of closure and renovation, a new team has taken over the reins of the restaurant on the outskirts of the Place du Casino to continue offering Mediterranean cuisine.