Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene Lay First Stone for Monaco Animal Shelter

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene took part in the laying the first stone ceremony for the Society for the Protection of Animals of Monaco shelter in Peille, accompanied by Pierre Dartout, Minister of State, Stéphane Valeri, President of the National Council, Cyril Piazza, Mayor of the Commune of Peille and many other government representatives.

The ceremony was also an opportunity to announce the Presidency of HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco as the head of the SPA of Monaco. Committed to the well-being of animals, Princess Charlene has been working for several years through Her Foundation, in particular, for the protection of the rhinoceroses and supporting the South African SPA.

The buildings currently housing the Monaco SPA shelter, named ‘l’Abri’ in Serriers, have become too cramped and dilapidated. The Monaco SPA and the Prince’s Government have worked to find the ideal place to build a set of new buildings, equipped with modern and environmentally responsible technology in a comfortable space. The new location should be completed by 2023.

Prince Albert II inaugurates Beausoleil Escalators

Prince Albert II and Mayor Gerard Spinelli tested out the brand new network of escalators located in downtown Beausoleil on 12 September. Two escalators were installed in 2018, two in January 2022 and six more were inaugurated by Prince Albert II on Monday. A total of twelve escalators, costing 11 million euros (including 5 million from the Principality) will soon be transporting pedestrians throughout Beausoleil.

The escalators were inspired by the Beausoleil mayor’s trip to Hong Kong. According to Mayor Spinelli, between the price of fuel and the desire for less traffic, more people are walking. The new escalators are free, quiet, energy efficient and operate day and night. The escalators will surely be a welcome relief for pedestrians: Beausoleil has 66 staircases and 458 steps between the Gustave Eiffel market and the Riviera Palace alone.

Prince Albert II addresses King Charles III

Prince Albert II recently sent a dispatch to King Charles III: “Your Majesty, it is a real pleasure to extend to you our warmest congratulations on your accession to the throne. The Princess and I wish you success in leading the people of the United Kingdom and many great Commonwealth nations. I am convinced that under your rule, peace and stability will continue to flourish. I look forward to seeing the important work you have done throughout your life blossom even more in the years to come. In particular, the importance you place on sustainable development, the fight against climate change and ocean conservation issues which, I know, seem to us both to be essential for the future of our planet. On behalf of the citizens of the Principality of Monaco, I have the honour to send you our best wishes for health and prosperity.”

Prince Albert II inaugurates Art-Bre 2022 dedicated to Josephine Baker

Prince Albert II attended this year’s opening of the exhibition “Les Journées de l’Art-Bre” in the Parc des Oliviers in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. This 11th edition was dedicated to Josephine Baker. Welcomed by Mayor Patrick Cesari, Prince Albert II unveiled a bust of the singer, dancer, actress and resistance fighter who recently entered the Pantheon, but whose grave remains in the cemetery of Monaco. The sculpture was created Marcos Marin, who was delighted with the presence of Josephine Baker’s family at the unveiling.

The Sovereign then personally participated in the completion of another portrait of Josephine Baker designed by Nice Street Art artist Cesar Malfi. The evening ended in a warm atmosphere with the show ‘Josephine Baker, Paris mon amour’ featuring the artist’s repertoire.

Monaco wins Riviera Electric Challenge

After 48 hours of racing against 41 cars, the paired crew from the town halls of Monaco and Dolceacqua, made up of Jacques Pastor and Fulvio Gazzola, won the 8th edition of the Riviera Electric Challenge!

Leaving Cagnes-sur-Mer on Wednesday, the zero-emissions vehicle covered 250 km across three countries: France, Italy and Monaco. Prince Albert II waited at the finish line on the Place du Palais to present the Prince’s cup to Jacques Pastor, Deputy Mayor of Monaco, and his teammate, Fulvio Gazzola, Mayor of Dolceacqua. Monaco also won the Ladies Cup, which went to Karine Salopek-Ardisson and Melanie Flachaire in a Renault Zoe.

Prince Albert II sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to Richard Lord

During the official presentation of his autobiographical book, Richard Lord received an unforgettable birthday surprise when he stepped into the Salle Garnier, where 400 people were waiting. Prince Albert II took to the stage for a special rendition of ‘happy birthday’.

Photos and music videos were projected on the big screen in the theatre, followed by a performance by Richard Lord who interpreted a piece composed to celebrate the birth of the princely twins, accompanied on the piano by maestro Giovanni Mirabassi and singer Roberta Francomano.

MonaBike comes to Beausoleil

After Prince Albert II inaugurated the new escalators in Beausoleil with Mayor Gerard Spinelli, he also inaugurated the new electric bike stations: MonaBike has officially come to Beausoleil. Twelve spaces for electric bikes have been created on boulevard de la République and twelve more will be created by the end of the year on place du commandant Raynal and 15 avenue Paul Doumer in the Victor Hugo car park. The service will be carried out by CAM, the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco. In total, both Monaco and Beausoleil will have a network of 46 stations and 390 bicycles.

Princess Caroline attends 3rd International Day to Protect Education From Attack

At the invitation of HRH Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser of Qatar, the Princess of Hanover, in Her capacity as Goodwill Ambassador for Education of Girls and Women, participated in the 3rd International Day to Protect Education From Attack, held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Friday 9 September. This day aims to affirm the importance of acting to protect the right to education in the face of conflict, violence and destruction.

The high-level panel met to discuss the issue of education being increasingly under threat. It brought together HRH Maria Teresa, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, Audrey Azoulay, President of Ghana, HE Nana-Akufo-Addo, and the Special Representative for the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba.