Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and their twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella officially kicked off the beginning of the holiday season by lighting up the Christmas tree at the Place du Marché de la Condamine on 27 November at 5 p.m.
After a speech by mayor Georges Marsan, the Princely family illuminated the tree, and all of the lights across Monaco, while a band performed traditional Christmas carols. This year’s installation exclusively uses LEDs to reduce energy consumption. Most of Monaco’s holiday lights will remain illuminated until 4 January (the lights in Fontvieille will shine until 25 January as part of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival).
Princess Charlene helps 300 Children in Monaco learn Life-Saving Skills
Princess Charlene led a water safety awareness laboratory for 316 first-grade students on 28 November at the Grimaldi Forum.The Princess Charlene Foundation led the event alongside several Monegasque organizations, including the Red Cross, Maritime Police, the Fire Brigade and the Academy of the Sea. The children learned about the dangers of water, handled rescue equipment and were introduced to life-saving techniques, skills that the Princess considers a “fundamental right, just like learning to read”. The morning also featured story time, with The Magic of Water by Mélinda Guery, a book that raises awareness about swimming and respecting bodies of water.
Princess Charlene applauds “Dance with Frankie” at Rainier III Auditorium
Princess Charlene attended the 28th edition of Frankie’s Christmas, a charity event dedicated to sick and disabled children, on 26 November. This year, the “Dance with Frankie” show featured young artists affected by health challenges. After the performance, the Princess went onstage to personally congratulate the children on their performance. The annual event, held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, benefits Les Enfants de Frankie association, founded in 1997 by Francien Giraudi.
Prince Albert II and Princess Stephanie attend BeKing Cycling Competition
The Sovereign and his sister attended the BeKing professional cycling race at Port Hercule on 23 November. Princess Stephanie officially launched the new, 27-kilometre women’s race. Lorena Wiebes dominated the women’s race, finishing ahead of Poland’s Kasia Niewiadoma and Italy’s Anna Trevisi. In the men’s race, Jonathan Milan claimed victory ahead of world champion Tadej Pogačar and Monaco’s Victor Langellotti. Prince Albert II attended the grand finale and chatted with cycling legend Mark Cavendish. BeKing is a charitable race in support of Fight Aids Monaco.
Princely Family to Give Gifts to Children at the Palace for Christmas
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and the Princely Palace have announced that their festive tradition of giving gifts out to children will be happening on 17 December. The event is exclusively for Monegasque children aged 5 to 12. The invitation also extends to children whose mother has retained or regained Monegasque nationality, even if they do not themselves possess this nationality.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcome President of Portugal to Princely Palace
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcomed Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for a historic official visit to the Principality on Friday 21 November. The president’s official welcome ceremony on the Cour d’Honneur included military honours and the national anthems of both countries.
Both leaders then had a meeting in the Salon de Famille where they discussed the importance of the Portuguese community living and working in Monaco. Prince Albert II then presented the President of Portugal with the dignity of Grand Cross in the Order of Saint-Charles. The President presented the Sovereign with the Grand Collar of the Order of Christ, and Princess Charlene was presented with the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ.
An in-depth discussion about the Princess Charlene Foundation was then held with the Portuguese President and Princess Charlene, in the presence of the Sovereign and Gareth Wittstock. A bust in tribute to King Carlos I of Portugal was then unveiled, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony before the statue of Prince Albert I, in memory of the friendship between the two sovereigns.
Prince’s Carabiniers present €15,000 to Princess Stephanie for Fight Aids Monaco
Princess Stephanie was presented with a hefty check from the Prince’s Carabiniers on 14 November. The money was raised for Fight Aids Monaco during the Carabiniers’ cycling challenge in the Pyrenees.
The Prince’s Carabiniers mobilized last June for the association chaired by Princess Stephanie. During the event, the team’s new jersey was also unveiled. “Les Carabiniers du Prince – Fight Aids Monaco – Le Quai des Artistes” jersey was created for the Carabiniers participation in the No Finish Line event. The jersey was generously donated by Bertrand Letartre. During No Finish Line, the Carabiniers Fight Aids Monaco team won first-place in the relay event with 14,189 km, raising €14,189 for Children & Future and their projects for sick and disadvantaged children
