Princess Charlene attends the Presentation of Monaco’s New Canine Brigade
Princess Charlene, accompanied by her brother, Gareth Wittstock, attended the presentation of the new Canine Brigade at the recently renovated premises of the Sûreté Publique. The project was launched and supported by Princess Charlene in 2024 and established under the City Police Department. During her visit, the Princess was briefed on the missions, equipment, and working conditions of the canine team before attending an outdoor demonstration showcasing the brigade’s operational skills. An official ceremony was then held in the Salon d’Honneur. The ceremony concluded with Princess Charlene presenting the police identification cards and insignia to the canine handlers.
Prince Albert II presents Jon M. Chu with Award at Princess Grace Gala in New York
The Sovereign travelled to New York to attend the Princess Grace Foundation USA gala where he presented the ‘Prince Rainier III Award’ to American director and producer, Jon M. Chu, on October 29. Prince Abert II attended the gala with his daughter, Jazmin Grace Grimaldi.
This year’s ceremony coincided with two significant anniversaries: the 70th anniversary of Grace Kelly’s Oscar and the 20th anniversary of the Prince Rainier III Award. The award was created in homage to the memory of Prince Albert II’s father and the values he shared with his wife.
During his speech, the Prince said that the legacy of both his parents lives on thanks to the award and the ongoing work of the Princess Grace Foundation. The Prince called Jon M. Chu one of the most talented screenwriters, producers and directors, who has brought to life extraordinary stories, from the groundbreaking “Crazy Rich Asians” to the acclaimed musicals “In the Heights” and “Wicked”. The Prince praised Jon Chu for his heart, humanity and imagination.
Prince Rainier III founded the foundation over 40 years ago to support young talent and celebrate excellence in the arts. Past recipients of the award include Michael Douglas, James Cameron, Pauletta and Denzel Washington, and George Lucas.
New Coin honours a Historic Grimaldi Site
As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Grimaldi Historic Sites network, a second coin will be sold by the Stamp and Coin Museum, at a price of 130 euros, dedicated to the Marquisate of Les Baux. Since the release of the Carladès County commemorative coin, this second set will be available for purchase starting 4 November at 10:00 a.m. from the museum’s website. As with the first coin (minted last July) 7,500 copies will be available for purchase.
The two-euro coin reflects the title of “Marquis of Baux,” held since birth by Hereditary Prince Jacques. The Marquisate of Les Baux is a fief granted in 1642 by King Louis XIII of France to Prince Honoré II of Monaco for his son Hercule. The coin depicts a view of the rock of Les Baux-de-Provence. Prince Albert II symbolically owns the remains of the Sainte-Catherine castle chapel located there.
Princess Charlene visits Georgia to support Monaco’s Rugby Players
Princess Charlene visited the Georgian Rugby Federation training centre in Martkopi to encourage Monaco’s U16 national team during their training camp on October 29. The Princess was accompanied by her brother, Gareth Wittstock. The young Monegasque players are competing in several friendly matches against top-level Georgian teams to prepare for the Dubai International Rugby Sevens Tournament at end of November.
Before attending the matches, Princess Charlene visited a first aid training workshop organized by the Georgian Red Cross in collaboration with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. Natia Loladze, Vice-President of the Georgian Red Cross, and Davit Kacharava, President of the Georgian Rugby Federation, accompanied her on this visit.
Prince Albert II and King Philippe attend Grand Egyptian Museum inauguration in Cairo
Prince Albert II, along with many other royals, attended the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) at the foot of the Giza pyramids on November 1. Also in attendance was King Philippe of Belgium, King Felipe VI of Spain, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, Queen Rania of Jordan, Prince Charles of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Queen Mary of Denmark, Crown Prince Salman of Bahrain and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeierand, among many others. The nearly 500,000-square-metre museum houses an 11-metre-high statue of Ramses II and over 5,400 artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Nearly one billion dollars was invested in the museum’s construction, which lasted eleven years.
Prince Albert II unveils Monegasque stages of La Vuelta 2026
Ten months before the grand departure, the first two routes of La Vuelta 2026 in the Principality were unveiled on 25 October in the presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco, who gave a speech welcoming this major sporting event.
After the Giro in 1966 and the Tour de France in 2009, Monaco will become the only city-state in the world to have hosted the start of all three Grand Tours. From 20 to 23 August 2026, the Principality will host three events. Firstly, a presentation of the teams on Thursday 20 August, followed by a 9.6 km individual time trial on Saturday 22 August through Monaco’s iconic locations and lastly, a stage start from the Place du Palais Princier on Sunday 23 August.
Princess Charlene honours the Founder of Special Olympics Monaco
Princess Charlene met with athletes and representatives of the Special Olympics during a renaming ceremony of the Louis II Stadium, now known as the Mireille Calmes Gymnasium, on 18 October. Princess Charlene, accompanied by Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, and Pierre Van Klaveren, current president of the Special Olympics Monaco, unveiled a commemorative plaque paying tribute to Mireille Calmes. In 1984, she founded the Monaco branch of Special Olympics and led the organization for 34 years. Special Olympics Monaco athletes also attended the ceremony. Princess Charlene has been the organization’s honorary president since 2012.
Prince Albert II entrusts his Porsche 911 to the Wheeler Dealers Team
Prince Albert II entrusted Aurélien and Gerry, the two star mechanics at Wheeler Dealers France, with his Porsche 911 Group 4 for a restoration before the Tour de Corse. The 280-horsepower model is part of the Prince of Monaco’s Car Collection. The car was in good condition but required specific adjustments to tackle the Corsican roads. The two mechanics worked on the brakes, suspension, engine, and gearbox. The gear lever was completely modified to suit the rally’s numerous tight corners. Aurélien and Gerry presented their work to the Sovereign in front of the Palace after working on the car for fifteen days. Prince Albert II himself starting the engine to test their handiwork before the Tour.
Prince Albert II attends sold-out Red Cross Rummage Sale
The 21st Monaco Red Cross rummage sale took place in the presence of Prince Albert II, under the Fontvieille marquee on October 25. From 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., hundred of shoppers hunted for bargains as two hundred volunteers managed the various stands of luxury clothing, leather goods, fashion accessories, toys, furniture, jewelry and more, at low prices. Fun workshops, children’s activities and a raffle all raised money for Monaco’s Red Cross and its various projects.
