In the November sunshine, under the white arches of the Chapiteau de Fontvieille, Monaco’s compassionate side came to life once again.
At the centre of it all, serene, radiant, and dressed simply in understated elegance, was Princess Charlène, walking hand in paw with her little Chihuahua, Harley, eight years old.
This was the second edition of Rokethon, Monaco’s solidarity walk devoted to animal welfare. More than just a promenade, the event is a collective stride towards ending neglect and abandonment of animals.
A Royal Step with a Purpose
Princess Charlène has long embodied strength without spectacle, compassion over ceremony. As President of the Société Protectrice des Animaux de Monaco (SPA), her presence at Rokethon was purposeful.
With Harley trotting proudly by her side, the Princess mingled with families, volunteers, and animal-lovers of all ages. The atmosphere was one of joyful purpose, dogs wagging their tails in every direction, children painting paws on banners, and a symphony of barks and laughter echoing across Fontvieille.
Between laps, Charlène visited the stands dedicated to adoption and education, greeting local rescuers and international guests alike. The event’s spirit, echoing the idea of “giving a voice to the voiceless,” seemed to resonate deeply with her as she stopped to cuddle a few adoptable dogs awaiting new homes.
The Heart of the Event
Each kilometre completed during Rokethon represented a €2 donation toward shelters and awareness campaigns. The route was light-hearted, but the message profoundly serious.
Organisers reminded participants that thousands of pets are abandoned each year, often after holiday seasons, a reality this Monaco initiative hopes to change.
The day also included a charming dog-adoption parade, where rescue animals proudly trotted in front of cheering crowds. For several dogs, it wasn’t just a show, they found their families that very afternoon.
Funds raised supported SPA Monaco along with partner associations such as Brin de Chance (Nice) and Nos Amis pour la Vie (Marrakech).
A Modern Princess, A Timeless Cause
It is no secret that Princess Charlène’s devotion to animals goes beyond public duty. Her public appearances and interviews quietly celebrate her four-legged companions, and her actions continue to reflect a heartfelt empathy for creatures without a voice.
At Rokethon, she met with international welfare advocates, including a representative from Last Chance for Animals (South Korea), discussing new legislation banning the dog-meat trade, proof that Monaco’s compassion extends far beyond its borders.
Her commitment, though, remains rooted in something simpler: a genuine affection for the smallest and most vulnerable lives.
One could feel it in her smile when Harley nestled into her arms, the simple bond that speaks louder than any royal proclamation.
Monaco Walks Forward
By sunset, the Big Top was full of dogs happily panting after the day’s adventure and volunteers still brimming with energy. Rokethon may be a young tradition, but it already feels like a fixture in Monaco’s compassionate calendar.
For Princess Charlène, it’s another step, not only for the cause of animals but for a Monaco that cares. In her quiet yet powerful way, she reminds us that empathy, too, can be regal.
Rokethon 2025 — Chapiteau de Fontvieille, Monaco
Organised by the association Rokethon, in partnership with SPA Monaco
For information or to support local shelters: www.spamonaco.mc
