Prince Albert II opens New Princess Grace Hospital’s First Phase
The Sovereign presided over a ceremony celebrating the handing over of the keys to the first phase of the new Princess Grace Hospital (CHPG) on 13 July. The completion of phase 1 will allow the gradual transfer of nearly 75% of hospital activities.
The Sovereign spoke about the highly-anticipated new hospital being modern and adaptable and designed to anticipate the evolution of medicine. Prince Albert II also highlighted the hospital’s environmental features: France’s HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale) Excellent certification, connection to the Principality’s seawater heating and cooling loop, energy-recovery elevators, and over 2,000 square metres of green spaces.
Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, then ceremoniously handed over the keys to CHPG Director, Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges. Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed by 2033.
Princess Charlene Foundation’s “Prevention Village” on World Drowning Day at Rainier III Swimming Pool
The Princess Charlene Foundation will mark World Drowning Prevention Day with a public prevention village set up at the entrance of the Stade Nautique Rainier III, from 10am to 5pm on 25 July. The Foundation is also offering free entry to the pool to the first 100 children under the age of 18.
The event will bring the Princess Charlene Foundation, the Monaco Red Cross, the Maritime Police and Monaco’s fire brigade together to teach life-saving techniques and water-safety practices. At 11am, the Maritime Police will stage a rescue demonstration with the lifeguards of the Stade Nautique Rainier III, followed by further demonstrations and activities through the day.
Alongside the event, the Foundation has planned a summer campaign built around a series of videos intended to remind the public that drowning can happen quickly and in familiar surroundings.The films depict realistic scenes and simple preventive actions, and will run throughout the summer across the Principality, France, and online. The United Nations first designated 25 July as World Drowning Prevention Day in 2021, and it has been observed worldwide ever since.
Prince’s Carabiniers launch New Recruitment Campaign
Applications are now open for French and Monegasque nationals seeking to join the military unit responsible for protecting the Sovereign, the Princely Family and the Prince’s Palace. The Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince recently launched its 2027 recruitment campaign.
Class 2 soldiers and musicians for the Carabinier military orchestra are welcome to apply. Recruitment takes place over two stages. Candidates first complete eligibility tests covering general knowledge, mathematics, dictation, oral expression and physical fitness, including swimming and endurance running. Medical and psychological assessments and a formal recruitment interview make up the second stage. Submissions can be made via the Prince’s Carabiniers website until 22 July 2026.
Princess Stephanie attends Queen Tribute during Fight Aids Gala
Princess Stephanie, accompanied by Louis and Marie Ducruet, and Camille Gottlieb attended the Fight Aids Monaco Gala at the Salle des Etoiles on 11 July. The evening paid tribute to Queen’s greatest hits. Nearly 600 guests attended the dinner show, with tickets priced at €260. The raffle had twelve prizes, including a Fiat Topolino, a Cartier bracelet and ring, a two-night stay at the Hôtel de Paris with dinner at the Grill, a pass to the Thermes Marins, and artwork by Jordane Saget and Mr OneTeas.
Since its creation in 2004, Fight Aids Monaco has been working to support people living with HIV by providing respites, organising prevention initiatives, including free and anonymous HIV testing for the general public, and supporting projects providing care, prevention and education abroad.
Princely Couple to attend 77th Monaco Red Cross Gala
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, the President and Vice President of the Monaco Red Cross, will be attending this year’s Red Cross Gala at the Sporting Monte-Carlo on 18 July, along with other special guests. Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Caroline Cross, President of the French Red Cross, will also be attending.
The gala will begin with a dinner by three-Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin and prepared by Thierry Saez Manzanares, Chef of the Sporting Monte-Carlo. Dessert will be created by pastry chef Cedric Grolet. This year’s raffle will be hosted by actress and model Estelle Lefébure and radio and television presenter Marc Toesca.
Belgian sculptor Johan Creten will be donating his work “Eloge de l’Espoir” (In Praise of Hope) during the Gala. The traditional fireworks display, launched from the sea, will take place just before the show: the premiere of SOUL! Where legends come back, produced by the Société des Bains de Mer. The live performance retraces the journey of African-American music through the ages. Ticket prices for the formal event are €1,900 and include dinner and a half-bottle of Grand Cru champagne.
