Princess Stephanie attends Rehearsals for 48th Monte-Carlo Circus Festival
Princess Stephanie, President of the Festival, attended rehearsals, press meetings and the official photo call for two days before the opening of the 48th Monte-Carlo Circus Festival and 13th New Generation. Princess Stephanie “is very involved in the design and organization of the shows,” says the Circus Festival.
Wearing a “staff” sweater, Princess Stephanie answered questions from the press, including “What kind of circus performer would you be?” Princess Stephanie answered that being a clown would be the most difficult role in a circus because it’s very hard to make people laugh, so she would probably do an act with her dogs.
Princess Stephanie is also the Honorary President of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque which represents circuses and circus schools from around the world. The 48th Monte-Carlo Circus Festival began on 16 January and will close of 25 January.
Prince Albert II is treated for a “Benign Condition”
The Prince’s Palace released a statement regarding the Sovereign’s health and that he has been treating for “a benign condition” on 16 January 2026.
“As part of a routine dermatological check-up, HSH Prince Albert II underwent a short, scheduled medical procedure on his scalp and face to treat a minor condition.”
The procedure required stitches and may leave a small scar. The Prince’s Palace reassured the public that the Sovereign’s program of activities will “continue as normal”. Prince Albert II visited Venturi Space at the Gildo Pastor Centre on 16 January at 3 p.m. before inaugurating the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival at 8 p.m.
Prince Albert II is Inducted into the Bobsleigh Hall of Fame
Just a few short weeks before the start of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Prince Albert II was inducted into the Bobsleigh Hall of Fame on 9 January, in Saint-Moritz, Switzerland. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) organized an intimate ceremony for the Sovereign and four other bobsleigh athletes at the starting house in St. Moritz-Celerina. The area is legendary for bobsledders, as it is the longest and oldest active bobsleigh and skeleton track on the world calendar. Prince Albert II competed in five Winter Olympics and is currently a prominent member of the International Olympic Committee.
Prince Albert II and Princess Stephanie Inaugurate 48th Monte-Carlo Circus Festival
Prince Albert II, Princess Stephanie, Camille Gottlieb, and Louis Ducruet attended the opening ceremony of the 48th International Circus Festival at the Big Top in Espace Fontvieille on 16 January 2026. The festival’s opening night featured performances by 15 international acts, including tight-rope walkers, dancing horses, jugglers and four performers braving the “wheel of death”.
