Prince Albert II talks about the Legality of Abortion in Monaco
In an exclusive interview with Monaco Matin, Prince Albert II spoke about the legality of abortion in the Principality. The government has not acted on the proposed law to legalize abortion in the Principality. The Sovereign commented that although he understands the sensitivity of this issue, keeping abortion illegal is “respectful” for the “Catholic religion”.
Voted through unanimously in June 2019, Bill 234 on the decriminalization of abortion amended section 248 of Monaco’s Penal Code, which once punished abortion. Since then, there have been no criminal sanctions against women who have an abortion.
During the interview, Prince Albert II also unveiled his ambitions for the La Rousse development project in the Annonciade district. The sovereign hopes to recreate the Condamine spirit elsewhere in the Principality, with local shops and a genuine community vibe.
Prince Albert II makes Surprise Visit to No Finish Line
Prince Albert II walked the No Finish Line track, accompanied by Ariane Favaloro, president of Children and Future, under the Fontvieille marquee on 17 November. During the surprise visit, the Sovereign took the time to speak with the teams organizing the fundraising event. Prince Albert II has supported the event since its very first edition 26 years ago, in 1999.
Princess Charlene officially kicked off the event last week, on November 15. Held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, the charity race was open to everyone until November 23.
Since its inception, the event has raised over €5.45 million for projects supporting sick and disadvantaged children around the world. This year’s edition had the ambitious goal of covering 325,000 km and raising €325,000.
Princess Stephanie elevated to Commander at Princely Palace
Princess Stephanie was elevated to the rank of Commander, during an annual ceremony that recognized key figures in Monegasque cultural life at the Prince’s Palace on November 18. Princess Stephanie received her Commander’s medal from her sister, the Princess of Hanover, in the presence of her children, Camille Gottlieb and Louis Ducruet. The presentation of the award recognizes the princess’s unwavering involvement in Monaco’s cultural fabric over the past several decades, with a particular emphasis on circus arts.
During her address, the Princess of Hanover paid tribute to Josephine Baker and composer Pierre Boulez. Alongside Princess Stephanie, six others were decorated. The ceremony was part of Monaco’s National Day celebrations.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene honour Monaco’s Athletes for National Day
The Princely Couple presented the Medals of Physical Education and Sports to 53 recipients at the Louis-II stadium ahead of National Day. Princess Stephanie, Camille Gottlieb and Marie Ducruet were also in attendance. Among the medal recipients, Louis Ducruet was awarded the bronze medal. This distinction recognizes his dedication as President of the Barbagiuans de Monaco. Athletes, coaches, administrators, and volunteers were honoured during the event.
Prince Albert II reflects on his 20-year Reign
The year 2025 marks the twentieth anniversary of Prince Albert II’s reign, an anniversary made all the more poignant on National Day.
In July, the Sovereign also celebrated the 20th anniversary of his accession with a large public gathering in the Palace Square. When asked by local press if the Principality equipped to face the future, the Prince said that Monaco has always managed to find a way out of difficult times. He went on to say that he believes the Principality is well-equipped and that in a world of conflicts and tensions, Monaco remains an island of stability, harmony, and above all, security.
Princess Stephanie receives Donation from Prince’s Carabiniers Cycling Challenge for Fight Aids Monaco
Princess Stephanie attended a check presentation alongside the Prince’s Carabiniers, organized by Le Quai des Artistes on 14 November, following the Carabiniers’ cycling challenge in the Pyrenees.
The Prince’s Carabiniers mobilized last June for a cycling challenge to raise funds for Fight Aids Monaco, 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 No Finish Line event. The jersey was generously donated by Bertrand Letartre.
President of Portugal makes First-Ever Visit to Monaco
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. An official welcome ceremony took place at 10:15 a.m. in the Cour d’Honneur of the Prince’s Palace. It included military honours, the national anthems of both countries, and an inspection of the troops. A bilateral meeting between the two Heads of State then took place in the Salon de Famille.
Both leaders underlined the importance of the Portuguese community living in Monaco numbering in the hundreds, with Portuguese workers numbering in the thousands. The visit continued with an exchange of gifts and the presentation of decorations. Prince Albert II 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 official luncheon was then offered in the Grand Dining Room, accompanied by a musical performance by a harpist.
Afterwards, the Princely Couple, President Rebelo de Sousa, Inês Domingos, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs, and Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco, proceeded to the Salon des Glaces for the signing of a Framework Cooperation Agreement. The agreement represents a key step in deepening cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, science, the oceans, and the environment.
Following the signing, an in-depth discussion about the Princess Charlene Foundation was held with the President and Princess Charlene, in the presence of the Sovereign and Gareth Wittstock. The program continued in the Saint-Martin Gardens with the presentation of outdoor photography exhibition “Sovereign Oceanographer”. This was followed by the unveiling of a bust in tribute to King Carlos I of Portugal and a wreath-laying ceremony before the statue of Prince Albert I, in memory of the friendship between the two sovereigns.
The visit concluded at the Oceanographic Museum, where the Sovereign Prince and the Portuguese President viewed the spaces “Monaco and the Ocean” and “Mediterranean 2050” before attending the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Monaco Sea Academy and the Atlantic Centre.
Princely Family celebrates Monaco’s National Day
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and their children, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, celebrated National Day on November 19. For the occasion, Princess Gabriella wore a red dress and Princess Charlene wore a white Armani suit, in memory of the Italian designer who passed away in September and who had designed her wedding dress. Prince Albert II and Hereditary Prince Jacques wore traditional ensembles.
Princess Stephanie and Camille Gottlieb celebrate National Day with Senior Citizens
Princess Stephanie and her daughter Camille Gottlieb made a traditional visit to Monegasque seniors at the Rainier III Home on November 18. The duo presented over 900 gifts to the Principality’s elderly residents. This visit took place after Princess Stephanie was elevated to the rank of Commander of the Order of Cultural Merit at the Prince’s Palace.
