Princess Alexandra and Ben-Sylvester are Engaged!
Princess Alexandra of Hanover announced her engagement to her long-term boyfriend, Ben-Sylvester Strautmann, on 11 September 2026. The 27-year-old announced the news with a series of photos on Instagram with the caption “the marriage plot”. The photos show off her 4.8-carat yellow diamond ring. Princess Alexandra and Ben-Sylvester had been dating for 10 years before the proposal. Originally from Germany, Ben-Sylvester moved to Monaco with his family as a child and later played competitive basketball for Monaco.
Prince Albert II receives Astronaut Thomas Pesquet at the Palace
The Sovereign invited Thomas Pesquet to the Prince’s Palace to discuss the major challenges of space exploration on 11 September. Pesquet will be travelling to the United States later this month to begin intensive training with teams at Vast, SpaceX, and NASA, in preparation for his third mission to the International Space Station in 2027.
The meeting was an opportunity for Prince Albert II to “reaffirm Monaco’s interest in technological advancements that serve knowledge and environmental protection,” said the Sovereign.
Pesquet will lead the VAST-PAM-1 mission, which will train three European astronauts as they board the International Space Station for the first time. In 2021, when Pesquet travelled to space for the second time, he became the first person from France to command a mission on the station.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attend Funeral of King Harald V of Norway
The Princely Couple attended the funeral of King Harald V of Norway on 9 September 2026 in Oslo. King Harald V passed away at the age of 89 on 28 August 2026, after spending one day in the hospital.
Every European monarch was in attendance, except King Charles III and Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, who both sent their eldest sons to represent them. The ten hereditary monarchs of Europe are all related, to varying degrees. Prince Albert II is related to the other nine monarchs through Prince Jean-Guillaume-Friso of Nassau (1687-1711).
“He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, marked by his humanity, commitment, and sense of duty, as well as the respect and affection of all who had the privilege of knowing him. We will remember with great esteem his commitment to environmental protection, as well as his dedication to the Olympic values of sport, inclusion, cultural diversity, and respect for human rights….I fondly recall the wonderful moments we all shared together,” wrote Prince Albert II in a letter of condolence for the Norwegian royal family.
Prince Albert II unveils Unique F.P.Journe Watch at Yacht Club de Monaco
Prince Albert II and watchmaker François-Paul Journe unveiled a one-of-a-kind watch at the Yacht Club de Monaco on 7 September. The unique timepiece will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in support of the Prince Albert II Foundation during the ‘Voyage Extraordinaire’ gala dinner on 25 November in Singapore.
“We would like to express our most sincere gratitude to François-Paul Journe for this exceptional creation, designed in support of the Foundation,” said Romain Ciarlet, CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Prince Albert II tours Modernized Lycée Albert 1er
The Sovereign toured the newly renovated Lycée Albert 1er on 4 September. Renovations to the historic building began in July 2025 and focussed on an environmental upgrade with the complete elimination of gas across the entire building, including the kitchens.
Gas boilers were replaced by ten high-efficiency heat pumps, slashing annual carbon emissions by an estimated 61 tonnes. The student refectory, overseen by architect Jérôme Hein, now features a modernized layout with new flooring, furniture, and a dedicated cafeteria space. Outside, the courtyards were renovated with fresh asphalt and updated seating.
