Summer in Monaco has a way of bringing together moments that feel larger than life. This issue of Hello Monaco is a celebration of those moments — of history being made, traditions being honoured, and the unique spirit of the Principality shining brighter than ever.
Over the past few months, Monaco has once again found itself at the crossroads of global attention. From the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV and the profound significance it carries for the Principality, to the exhilarating atmosphere of the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, Formula E and Formula 1™, we have witnessed events that remind us why Monaco remains one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
This season has also been a powerful reminder that Monaco is far more than a glamorous backdrop. It is a place where innovation, philanthropy, culture and heritage coexist. We celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, reflect on fifteen years since the wedding of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène, and explore the deep historical ties connecting Monaco to the Vatican across centuries.
In these pages, you will meet remarkable personalities who shape the Principality and inspire far beyond its borders. From Louis and Marie Ducruet sharing their Words of Wisdom, to fascinating conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes and visionaries, each story reflects the values that continue to define Monaco: excellence, resilience, creativity and generosity.
Art, culture and lifestyle remain at the heart of our editorial journey. We invite you to discover Monaco’s thriving art market, exceptional exhibitions, fine dining experiences and destinations that inspire — from Bordeaux’s vineyards to the timeless beauty of Monaco’s own gardens and heritage sites. As always, we celebrate the people, places and ideas that make this corner of the Mediterranean so unique.
And, of course, no summer issue would be complete without a glimpse into the glamour of Cannes, the elegance of the superyacht world, and the unforgettable moments that unfold during the most prestigious events on the Riviera.
As Editor-in-Chief, I am constantly reminded that the true strength of Monaco lies not only in its prestige, but in its ability to bring together people from different cultures, generations and backgrounds in pursuit of something meaningful. That spirit is reflected throughout this issue.
Thank you for being part of the Hello Monaco family. We hope these pages inspire you, surprise you, and perhaps allow you to see Monaco from a new perspective.
Enjoy the summer and enjoy the read.
Warm regards,
Olga Taran Editor-in-Chief Hello Monaco Magazine
www.hellomonaco.com
Olga
Courtesy Chopard
Wedding century of the Monaco 12-19 april 1956
EXHIBITION • PRINCELY PALACE
JUNE 18 • SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
HelloMonaco № 27 • Summer–Autumn 2026
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The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation:
Where The Grimaldi of Monaco Originate
Princess Grace’s Love of Roses Turned Monaco into a Floral Paradise
The Principality undeniably has a lead on the Mediterranean coast regarding the variety of events and entertainment, its cultural and social life being very diverse. There have been several important happenings and news worth recalling over the last few months. We offer you this list which features a kaleidoscope of noteworthy events that made the headlines in the media.
The Art of Elegance Arrives in Monaco
On 12 March, Paris-based painter and fashion illustrator Yuliya Yg presented her work in the Club of Foreign Residents of Monaco (CREM), bringing her distinctive vision of feminine elegance and refined luxury to the Principality. Originally from Kazakhstan, Yuliya Yg has lived and worked across China, Singapore, and now France, building a cross-cultural artistic language that has led to collaborations with leading publications and brands such as Vogue Italy, Marie Claire, and Trussardi. Yuliya has a deep admiration for classical art, especially the Northern Renaissance, for its mystical and beautiful backgrounds, as well as its vibrant portraits. Modern artists like Amedeo Modigliani inspire her with the unique depth and emotion captured in their portraits. She also appreciates Marc Chagall and Marie Laurencin for their dreamy and charming imagery. Art Deco, exemplified by Tamara de Lempicka, along with vintage Vogue covers, has influenced her through its elegant presentation of women’s fashion, adding grace and sophistication to her vision.
Commonwealth and Prince Albert II Foundation launch major ocean protection alliance
The Commonwealth Secretariat and The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation on March 13 announced a new partnership to accelerate ocean conservation for Commonwealth countries in Asia and the Pacific. This collaboration directly advances the goals of the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration. The historic commitment was unanimously adopted at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in 2024 and was a clarion call for the restoration, protection and sustainable use of our ocean. Through grants of up to £50,000, the Incubator helps Commonwealth countries to develop bold, early-stage ocean conservation projects across five critical priority areas: reducing marine pollution, ecosystem restoration, the blue economy, sustainable fisheries, and the ocean-climate nexus — all in direct alignment with the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration. Ocean conservation projects throughout the Commonwealth will be financed by the Incubator, with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation specifically targeting its support to projects in Asia and the Pacific. A central pillar of the initiative is unlocking investment beyond the grant itself, while placing the voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs), youth, and gender-marginalised communities at the heart of ocean governance. Projects are expected to forge powerful on-the-ground partnerships between local communities, civil society organisations, and Commonwealth governments.
Real estate: Price per square metre reaches €70,000 in Larvotto
Monaco’s real estate price per square metre stands at €57,569, and exceeds €70,000 in the Larvotto district, according to the Real Estate Observatory published by the Monegasque Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (IMSEE). In 2025, out of the 64 transactions recorded, 35 exceeded €20 million, representing more than half of all sales (54.7%). Among these, five transactions exceeded €100 million. The mean sale price rose by nearly 12% in one year, setting a new record of €40.8 million. In 2025, the real estate market totalled 493 transactions, an increase of 5.8% compared with 2024. The total value of sales and resales stood at €5.9 billion, stable compared to a record-breaking 2024. In 2025, new sales amounted to €2.6 billion. This represents a decline of €1 billion compared to 2024, a year marked by particularly high levels. However, it remains twice as high as the previous records set in 2022 and 2023, which were “remarkable figures at the time,” according to the report.
Michelin Guide 2026: Monaco at the Centre of Gastronomy’s New Moment
For the first time in its 125-year history, the Michelin Guide brought its annual ceremony to the Principality. And for 48 hours, on March 15 and 16, Monaco became something quite rare even in its own vocabulary of superlatives: glamorous, exclusive and indispensable. As Prince Albert II noted, Monaco already featured in the very first Michelin Guide in 1900, with three establishments in the Principality, including the Hôtel de Paris, mentioned in that inaugural edition. The real electricity came the night before, at Le Louis XV, Alain Ducasse
in the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, where 110 two- and three-star chefs gathered alongside 250 guests in what can only be described as a summit of global gastronomy. The dinner, orchestrated by Alain Ducasse and executed by Emmanuel Pilon, showcased a cuisine of Mediterranean naturality, refined, restrained, and increasingly influential. It set the tone. More than 1,000 guests, ultimately closer to 1,200, filled the Grimaldi Forum in a setting described, not inaccurately, as Oscars-like. And a concentration of culinary names rarely seen in one room:
Yannick Alléno, Anne-Sophie Pic, Pierre Gagnaire, and Mauro Colagreco. 11 new stars were awarded in the wider region, including 8 across the Var, Alpes-Maritimes and Monaco. Numerically, Monaco gained two distinctions: a new star for Robuchon Monaco, and the Michelin Service Award for Marco Tognon at Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac (Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo). At the same time, all existing starred restaurants retained their status, maintaining the Principality’s remarkable total of 13 stars across its restaurants, now increased to 14 stars.
Prince’s Palace Frescoes Reveal their Secrets Restored
From 30 March till 15 October 2026, during the tours of the State Apartments, the public is able to witness the newest set of restored frescoes, which were hidden under layers of paint for centuries. The Bellerophon Room, formerly known as the Marble Alcove Room, is the latest area to be restored. Hidden under layers of paint for centuries, the Palace’s secret frescoes were first discovered by sheer luck in 2015. Placed under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, the conservation and restoration projects have strengthened the Palace of Monaco’s place in the history of global art. The discoveries and restoration work carried out over the past ten years were the focus of “Images of Renaissance Sovereignty — Ten Years of Discoveries and Restoration of Frescoes in the Prince’s Palace of Monaco,” a symposium that took place from 19 to 21 March at the Oceanographic Museum. Through the mythological figures of Hercules, Ulysses, and Pegasus, a whole symbolic language has been revealed, with stories that still underpin Monegasque identity today.
Princely Family attends Rose Ball
The 70th Rose Ball charity event was attended by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène on 21 March in the Salle des Étoiles, under the presidency of Princess Caroline, who was also in attendance. Designed by Christian Louboutin, this year’s theme was “Galaxy Rose Ball”. Pierre Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo, Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Ben-Sylvester Strautmann, as well as Princess Akiko of Mikasa of Japan, also attended the Ball. The muchanticipated event raised funds for the Princess Grace Foundation. For its 70th edition,
the Rose Ball invited its guests on a journey through space. For the occasion, the Sporting Monte-Carlo was transformed into a true monochrome spacecraft, while the Salle des Étoiles was adorned with portholes that changed colour depending on the planets explored throughout the evening. The galactic décor was enhanced by immersive sound and lighting effects, along with laser displays worthy of the greatest space adventures. For this Galaxy Rose Ball, no fewer than seven artists took to the stage of the Salle des Étoiles. The group Rondò Vene -
ziano opened the Ball with a performance where Venetian baroque elegance met contemporary music. This was followed by the famed Parisian cabaret Crazy Horse, whose stunning dancers performed amid kaleidoscopic lighting effects and graphic projections. For this milestone edition, the Rose Ball once again transported its guests into the cosmos. Leee John and his iconic 1980s band Imagination paid tribute to British soul, jazz, and funk, before DJ Josh Quinton set the dance floor alight, keeping the celebration going until the early hours.
From left to right: Ben Sylvester Strautmann, Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Charlène of Monaco, Princess Akiko of Mikasa, Princess Caroline of Hanover, Christian Louboutin, Beatrice Borromeo, Pierre Casiraghi
A White Card for the World: Monaco’s Gesture, Carried by a Prince and a Purpose
On March 25, 2026, beneath the quiet authority of the Principality, Peace and Sport launched the digital global #WhiteCard campaign in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, whose participation and message gave the moment a particular resonance. As the birthplace of the #WhiteCard initiative, Monaco does more than host, it anchors the campaign. And Prince Albert II’s presence is a reaffirmation. A reaffirmation that access to sport, especially for young people, is inseparable from broader questions of inclusion, education, and stability. In a world where millions of children grow up without structure or opportunity, Monaco’s stance is clear: sport can fill that void with something constructive, even transformative. Athletes, institutions, and individuals across continents take part in the #WhiteCard campaign, raising a white card, sharing it, and turning a gesture into a signal.
When Monaco Became the Setting for a Singular Moment in History: The Visit of Pope Leo XIV
On March 28, the Principality stepped into a moment unlike any in its recent history. From the Place du Palais to Stade Louis II, Pope Leo XIV moved through Monaco to a continuous wave of applause, an apostolic visit marked by emotion. Pope Leo XIV arrived in the Principality by helicopter and was welcomed at the heliport by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène. It was a historic day, as it was the first papal visit to Monaco since 1538. Pope Leo XIV then visited the Prince’s Palace and was welcomed by several members of the Princely Family and Monsignor DominiqueMarie David. The Princely Couple, Prince Jacques, Princess Gabriella, Princess Caroline, Princess Stephanie, Charlotte Casiraghi, Pierre Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo, Louis Ducruet, Marie Chevallier and Melanie-Antoinette de Massy attended the welcoming ceremony. The Pope’s visit included a private meeting with Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène, a meeting with Monaco’s Catholic community in the cathedral, and a public Mass in the sports stadium.
HSH Prince Albert II, Joël Bouzou, the President of Peace and Sport, and Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State of Monaco
Monaco United Officially Crowned District 06 Champions: A Historic First Title
It is now official: Monaco United are champions of District 06 for the 2025–2026 season. Thanks to their emphatic 14-0 victory over AS Fontonne Antibes on 29 March, in the penultimate league match of the season, the Monaco-based club is now mathematically guaranteed to finish top of the table. This is a major milestone for the club, which is competing in its very first season in existence and has already secured the first title in its history. With first place now officially secured, Monaco United have not only written the first chap -
Exotic Garden: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène attend Reopening Ceremony
After nearly six years of closure and renovations, the Exotic Garden of Monaco was reopened to the public on 30 March 2026. A free preview opening, reserved for Monegasque citizens and residents took place the day before, with performances, workshops, games, and guided visits. The program included Street Art workshops with Monegasque artist Mr. OneTeas, workshops about the plant world, a treasure hunt for children aged 7 and up, and an aerial show by the Eklabul company. In 2020, the Garden first announced its closure for renovations. Five walkways had to be reconstructed and extensive safety work had to be carried out on the garden’s rock faces. The renovations are now complete and a reopening ceremony took place in the presence of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène. The Princess of Hanover, Mayor Georges Marsan, and several members of the Municipal Council were also present. The ceremony included a blessing by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David.
ter of their honours list, but have also confirmed their place in the promotion play-offs, scheduled for the end of May. Monaco United have therefore earned the right to compete in this decisive stage for promotion, where they will face other teams that have also finished first in their respective district leagues (draw to be confirmed), with one clear objective: to reach the regional level next season. This title therefore represents a crucial first step and offers a clear glimpse of the ambitions the club set out from the moment it was founded.
Superyacht Chef Competition: Aaron Thomas wins 7th edition
The Superyacht Chef Competition concluded in style with Chef Aaron Thomas – M/Y Canvas (33m) the big winner out of nine contestants. This seventh edition on April 2 once again highlighted the demanding nature of the onboard chef’s profession, said the two Michelin star Chef Philippe Etchebest, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, who chaired the Jury. Nine chefs battled it out throughout the day, in a format mirroring the constraints chefs on board face, after several perfectly timed and executed qualifying rounds. After finding out what they had to work with in the basket of mystery ingredients, contestants had just five minutes to dream up a recipe and then 40 minutes to prepare and plate it. For the finalists they had 80 minutes to prepare a main course and a dessert under the watchful eyes of the Jury. As every year, criteria like the last minute addition of a surprise ingredient chosen by the public, and a strict obligation to avoid any wastage, forced chefs to use their ingenuity and keep cool heads. Beatrice Cordy – M/Y Nectar (65m), Gaia Botturi – M/Y Madame Kate (60m), Tony Triest – M/Y Barbara (88.5m), David Kempsey –S/Y Sagitta (46m), Baptiste Liquito – M/Y Infinity Nine (35m), Milan Popovic – M/Y Smiley (35m), Aaron Thomas – M/Y Canvas (33m), Alex Saimbene – M/Y Moka (50m) and Ilija Gojkovic – M/Y Emocean (38m) all impressed the Jury with their elegant dishes.
The Sovereign meets with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
Prince Albert II met with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, at the Princely Palace on 8 April 2026. The exchanges focused on major European issues “in particular the
promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, which form the basis of the Council of Europe’s work,” states a recent press release by the Princely Government. The meeting also highlighted
the priorities of the Principality on the subjects of human rights and democracy, in the context of its upcoming Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
Monte-Carlo Masters 2026: When a Final Became a Coronation
For once, Monte-Carlo was not just hosting greatness, it was part of it. There are finals that crown a champion. And
there are finals that define an era. On a Monaco afternoon shaped by tension, elegance, and unmistakable theatre, the 2026 Monte-
History, Not Just Champagne on Clay: Monaco Celebrates Their Local Tennis Hero the Hard Way
There are victories that belong to rankings. And then there are those that belong to history. On a Monaco evening Valentin Vacherot did something the Principality has never seen before. Not in the long history of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. Not in the era of champions who pass through. From the opening games, it was clear: Vacherot had brought weapons. A serve that repeatedly disrupted rhythm. A refusal to yield. And something less measurable, conviction. No Monégasque had ever reached the quarter-finals here. And he had previously beaten World ranked #5, Lorenzo Musetti, yet another formidable feat. This is a tournament that has seen the elegance of Rafael Nadal, the precision of Novak Djokovic, and the new-generation electricity of Carlos Alcaraz. Prince Albert II attended the semi-final match between Valentin Vacherot and Carlos Alcaraz on 11 April. The Sovereign warmly congratulated the Monegasque player after his defeat (6-4, 6-4), exclaiming, “What a tournament!” He expressed his pride in Vacherot’s rise, having entered the main draw this year based solely on his ranking, without a wild card, recalling that a year ago, no one imagined him facing the world number one. The Prince described his ascent from 250th in the world rankings to #17 in the world as “simply extraordinary”. Valentin Vacherot did not climb the rankings. He crashed through them. Ranked No. 204, he arrived in 2025 at the Shanghai Masters as a qualifier, and left as champion, dismantling the draw: Bublik, Machac, Griekspoor, Rune, then Novak Djokovic, before defeating Arthur Rinderknech in the final. Monte-Carlo 2026 confirmed it was no anomaly. On home clay, he swept past Musetti, Hurkacz and De Minaur to become the first Monégasque semi-finalist in the tournament’s history.
Carlo Masters delivered both. The court transformed into a tableau of red and white. Flags rose in perfect symmetry, the Monegasque anthem played, and the crowd stood, not roaring, but attentive. For a moment, the tournament paused and became something else entirely: a ceremony of identity. Jannik Sinner entered, and the silence broke. Italian flags followed him onto court, and with them came the noise, sharp, immediate, overwhelming. Moments later, Carlos Alcaraz followed. The applause was warm, respectful, but measured. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène attended the final Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters match on 12 April, on the Rainier III Court. Both the Monegasque trophy and the world number one ranking were at stake during the match, which lasted over two hours. The title was won by Jannik Sinner against Carlos Alcaraz (7-6, 6-3). Charlotte Casiraghi, Princess Alexandra, Ben-Sylvester Strautmann, Louis Ducruet and Marie Ducruet, as well as Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, President of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, also attended the match. The Princely Couple presented the prizes to the two finalists before the Italian anthem was played. With this victory, Jannik Sinner becomes the third player in history to win four consecutive Masters 1000 titles, after Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the finalists of the 2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters
Monte-Carlo Beach unveils New Transformations for Spring and Summer Seasons
Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2026: Racing Heritage Roars Back to Life
The Monaco Historic Grand Prix 2026 delivered the weekend of 25–26 April where the past was not simply remembered, it was driven at full speed. The Monaco Historic Grand Prix began in style when HSH Prince Albert II drove the first lap of the circuit in a Bugatti Type 41, also known as the “Bugatti Royale,” on Saturday. The lap also celebrated the Bugatti Royale’s centenary (1926–2026). The Sovereign drove the inaugural lap accompanied by Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, and Michel Ferry, Vice-President of the Automobile Club of Monaco. Competition remained as intense as ever across the eight series of the 2026 Monaco Historic Grand Prix, with Mark Shaw taking victory in Series A2, Patrick Blakeney-Edwards triumphing in Series A1 after late-race drama, Joseph Colasacco securing P1 in a closely fought Series B battle, Richard Wilson claiming victory in Series C, Michael Lyons winning Series D, Stuart Hall prevailing in challenging condi -
The Monte-Carlo Beach reopened its doors on 13 April after its winter break, ready to unveil new changes. Hailed as a “true institution on the Riviera’s hotel scene for almost a century” the establishment began transforming in 2024 with the arrival of René Blino as General Manager. The major new addition for the 2026 season is La Vigie Zanoni Monte-Carlo, located at the tip of the Monte-Carlo Beach peninsula. Italian chef Simone Zanoni set up shop in the kitchen from 12 June, offering “vibrant and flavourful Italian cuisine prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients,” said SBM. Throughout 2025, the Beach Club underwent several other transformations. Le Deck was given new décor by Dorothée Delaye, Maona from Mykonos was added, designer Jacquemus joined the establishment’s teams, padel courts were opened, and a Michelin star was awarded to the Elsa restaurant. Now, the establishment’s padel tournament or its annual swimming competition, which has seen generations of Monegasques and international guests compete in a friendly atmosphere, is on the agenda for sports enthusiasts. For children, the Monte-Carlo Kids Club by Petit VIP has a lineup of activities, both on land and at sea.
tions in Series E, Michael Lyons completing a remarkable double with another win in Series F, and Stuart Hall securing his second victory of the weekend in Series G. The standout performances came from
Lyons and Hall, each achieving two victories — a rare feat that highlighted their exceptional mastery of historic racing machinery on Monaco’s famously demanding street circuit.
Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
Monaco Basketball’s Third Trophy: Grit Carries the Roca Team to Coupe de France Glory
On April 25 on a night inside the vast bowl of Accor Arena, AS Monaco Basket did not so much win the Coupe de France as endure it into submission. Final score: 87-83 against Le Mans Sarthe Basket. Less than 24 hours earlier, Monaco had been somewhere else entirely, emotionally, physically, geographically. A EuroLeague night. A heavyweight victory over FC Barcelona Bàsquet. A quarterfinal qualification secured. Legs drained. Minds still racing. Then Paris. Barely twenty four hours to reset, recover, and somehow perform again at the highest level. No time for narrative arcs, no time for tactical reinvention. Just adrenaline, and whatever reserves elite teams keep hidden from themselves. This final was never going to be elegant. The Coupe de France is not an isolated triumph, it is the third title of the season for the Principality’s club, following the SuperCup and the Leaders Cup. Three finals. Three victories. Each time against resistance that refused to fade, including repeated victories over Le Mans in finals this season.
Top Marques: Monaco’s Festival of Speed and Spectacle Returns with 16 World Premieres
This year’s edition of Top Marques Monaco, held on May 6–10, became much more than a luxury motor show. The numbers alone were extraordinary: more than 225 vehicles, more than 15 world premieres, and a brand-new 1,500-square-metre Luxury Tuners Hall entirely dedicated to bespoke automotive personalisation. The exhibition no longer resembles traditional motor shows, Top Marques is about mythology. The cars here are not simply vehicles. They are identity statements sculpted in carbon fibre. Among the most fascinating creations was the Porsche 911 Type 964 Speedster reimagined by Hedonic Machines. Nearby sat another remarkable premiere: the Légende Automobiles Sixten, inspired by the endurance racers of the 1960s but engineered for the present. Butterfly doors. Carbon-fibre bodywork. Tailor-made interiors. Ferrari-inspired rear lights. A supercharged V6 producing around 400 horsepower in a body weighing barely one tonne. And then, the exhibition went to the Mansory Carbonado X Edition Damask, built from carbon fibre and is based on the Lamborghini Revuelto. The Mansory creation produced 1,120 horsepower, reached 354 km/h and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.3 seconds. Its director, Emeric Garcia, proudly described the event as unmatched anywhere in the world for world premieres this year.
Rare Falcon Returns to the Wild with Princess Charlène’s Support
On May 11, Princess Charlène, accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, took part in the release of a Red-footed Falcon at the Calern Plateau Astronomical Observatory in the commune of Caussols, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department. The rare bird of prey had suffered severe injuries, a fractured wing and electrocution. Such cases often lead to euthanasia, yet the falcon was saved thanks to the remarkable work of the wildlife care centre Association Instinct Animal-SOS Faune Sauvage, led by Lucie Contet and Laura Bailo. After more than eight months of intensive treatment and rehabilitation, combined with innovative medical techniques, the migratory bird, which travels between Asia and South Africa, regained its freedom and was able to rejoin its species during the migration period. Deeply committed to animal welfare, notably through the SPA Refuge de Monaco, of which she is president, Princess Charlène also chose to become patron of the association. In her speech, the Princess praised the essential work carried out every day by the carers and volunteers dedicated to protecting wildlife.
Festival des Étoilés Monte-Carlo 2026: A Season of Michelin-Starred Dining
The Festival des Étoilés Monte-Carlo returned for its sixth edition from 13 May 2026, bringing together some of the most celebrated names in international gastronomy. Organised by MonteCarlo Société des Bains de Mer, the festival highlights the resort’s status as the most Michelin-starred destination in the world, with six restaurants holding a total of ten Michelin stars. Running throughout the spring and summer season, and extending into early autumn, the programme features a series of six “four-hands” dinners: collaborations between resident chefs and leading international guests, before concluding with a gala evening on 14 November 2026. The 2026 edition brings together some of the group’s flagship chefs, including Alain Ducasse, Yannick Alléno, Marcel Ravin and Dominique Lory. Each dinner pairs one of these names with a distinguished guest chef, creating a series of high-level culinary collaborations across the resort’s main venues.
Monte-Carlo Star Festival 2025 –5th anniversary – Chef Marcel Ravin surrounded by his team
Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
Full Charge in Monte-Carlo: Formula E Delivers a Spectacular Monaco Weekend
Over the weekend of 16–17 May
ing two races, two winners and a remarkable 382 overtakes across the weekend, transforming the legendary Monaco Circuit into a showcase for the speed, strategy and unpredictability of Formula E. The grandstands were packed, with around 40,000 spectators over the two days, while the event once again drew the aura of Monaco’s great sporting occasions. The weekend’s strength was not only in the winners, but in the variety. Six different drivers from five teams appeared across the two podiums, underlining Formula E’s greatest selling point: in Monaco, even on streets famous for being almost impossible to pass on electric racing found a way to keep the order shifting, thrilling and uncertain. The Princely Couple attended the second race of the Monaco E-Prix on 17 May 2026. The Sovereign presented the first-place trophy to winner Oliver Rowland, while Princess Charlène awarded the prize to runner-up Felipe Drugovich.
Mortality Rates are Up: Monegasque Demographics Study by IMSEE
As of 31 December 2025, the Principality’s population is 9,959 Monegasques. The population has increased by 79 people, or 0.8%, over the past year, a rise similar to the average seen over the last ten years. Women remain in the majority (54.1%) with a ratio of 84.8 men per 100 women. The small size of the Monegasque population means that some indicators vary widely from one year to the next. Since 1951, three legislative changes have had a significant impact on the number of Monegasques: 1952, 1992 and 2011. Apart from these years, the population has grown steadily. The age pyramid of Monegasques has an unusual structure, mainly due to a significant number of individuals who join the population after the age of 40. The Monegasque population is 45.3 years old on average, and half of the population is over 47 years old. The average age is significantly higher for women than for men. More than a quarter of Monegasques are under 25, and over 15% are aged 75 or over. About 94% of Monegasques live in the Principality and 4.9% in France. These figures have changed very little since the data first became available (in 2012). Over the past ten years, the proportion of Monegasques reporting that they live outside the Principality has increased by just 0.4 percent. Nearly 9,000 Monegasques were born
in Monaco (6,260) or France (2,648), which is around nine out of ten. 222 were born in Italy. Nearly 80% of Monegasques are aged 18 and over. Out of these, almost half are married and a quarter are single. Just under a quarter of Monegasques aged 50 to 59 are divorced. The proportion of single people decreases with age but stabilizes at around 5% from the age of 60 onwards. The proportion of widowed individuals rises from 4.1% among those aged 60 to 69 to 55.9% among those aged 90 and over. 84 Monegasque births took place in 2025 (45 boys and 39 girls), down from 2024 (102). The birth rate is
8.4 ‰, below the ten-year average (11.5 ‰). In 2025, 93 Monegasques died (37 men and 56 women), compared to 86 the previous year. The mortality rate is 9.3‰, above the average observed over the last five years (9.0 ‰). Life expectancy at birth for Monegasques reached an all-time high in 2023–25: 88.5 years old for the population as a whole. It rose by 0.4 years compared with 2022–24, driven by a marked increase among men (+1.1 years), while falling slightly for women (-0.3 years). Since 2000–02, life expectancy has increased by 8.0 years for men and by 5.0 years for women.
2026, the Principality proved that electric racing can produce its own
kind of drama, spectacle and prestige. The weekend contained the 10th and 11th editions with the 2026 Monaco E-Prix deliver-
Princess Charlène appointed Vice President of Monaco’s Olympic Committee
The Monegasque Olympic Committee officially appointed HSH Princess Charlène as Vice President during their recent General Assembly meeting. A former Olympic swimmer who represented South Africa at the highest levels, and the current President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, Princess Charlène has a long-standing commitment to sport, youth, and Olympic values. “Sport has taught me discipline, respect, and pushing my limits. Today, I wish to put this experience at the service of athletes. It is therefore with a profound sense of commitment that I approach this role. Sport embodies an imperative of excellence, but also a responsibility: that of uniting, inspiring, and passing on knowledge,” said Princess Charlène.
Monte-Carlo Cricket Club Revived After Years Dormant
The Monte-Carlo Cricket Club has officially been revived, marking an exciting new chapter for cricket in the Principality and the wider Riviera community. Originally incorporated in 1992, the club had lain dormant for several years. However, with a growing international community in Monaco and an influx of new players eager to return to the sport, the Monte-Carlo Cricket Club (MCCC) has now returned with renewed ambition and momentum. The club recently played its first official fixture since its revival, travelling to the picturesque Provençal village of Entrecasteaux to face the local cricket club in a friendly match. Eleven players represented the MCCC on a sun-filled day of cricket, camaraderie, and sporting spirit, an important milestone in re-establishing the club’s presence in the region. The club is now actively recruiting new members and encouraging anyone with an interest in cricket to get involved — whether they are experienced players or individuals who have not picked up a bat in years. Annual membership is set at €50 per year. Members will receive their own cricket whites, while training facilities and shared cricket equipment will also be made available to all players.
Princess Charlène Foundation and Prince Albert II Foundation Join Forces for Sport and Ocean Protection
Princess Charlène and Prince Albert II attended the official signing of a partnership agreement between their respective foundations on 27 May during the 17th Monaco Blue Initiative. The new agreement aims use of the universal language of sport to inspire, unite, and mobilize people around ocean protection. The partnership was signed by Anne Boggio, Director General of the Princess Charlène of Monaco Foundation, and Romain Ciarlet, Vice-President and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Princess Charlène then revealed more details about the first collaboration between the two foundations: the Together Crossing for the Pelagos Challenge. “By combining sport with ocean conservation, my Foundation intends, through The Crossing, which will take place in June, to inspire commitment, promote the protection of the Mediterranean, and demonstrate that human achievement and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand… It will be an invitation to take a fresh look at the fragility and richness of an exceptional marine ecosystem,” said Princess Charlène. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has consistently focused on the ocean since its creation in 2006. The Princess Charlène of Monaco Foundation focusses on sport, education, and water safety.
Monaco Hosts European Challenger Championships for the First Time
Monaco hosted the European Challenger Championships (ECC) track and field competition for the first time ever at the Stade Louis-II on 30 May. The new European competition brought together 250 athletes from 17 nations. Cyprus finished top of the team standings, while Monaco had some of the best performances in its history. Prince Albert II, who is President of the Monegasque Athletics Federation, presented some of the medals to the winners. The Monegasque team won a grand total of four medals, including two gold. The two first-place finishes were won by Jean Woloch, who was victorious in the pole vault competition, and Lai Yiu Lui, who was crowned champion in the 100-metre hurdles. Monaco also won two bronze medals. François Ducourant won third place in the 800 metres, and Marie-Charlotte Gastaud distinguished herself in the 400-metre hurdles by securing the Monegasque delegation’s first medal of the day.
Monaco Takes the Helm of the Council of Europe in Historic Diplomatic First
Strasbourg is known for its picturesque canals, half-timbered houses and its role as one of Europe’s political capitals. But recently the city also became the stage for a historic moment in Monaco’s diplomatic journey. Just days after officially assuming the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the Principality launched its six-month mandate in Strasbourg, outlining an ambitious programme focused on human rights, democracy, international cooperation and the protection of vulnerable members of society. The presidency marks a major milestone for Monaco. Since joining the Council of Europe in 2004, the Principality has steadily expanded its engagement within European institutions. Now, for the first time, Monaco is chairing the organisation’s principal decision-making body, a responsibility it will hold until 10 November 2026. Monaco’s presidency is guided by a clear objective: “Protecting everyone, through an effective Organisation, in response to contemporary challenges.” During the first meeting of the Committee of Ministers chaired by Monaco in Strasbourg, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of
Monaco, presented the thematic priorities that will shape the Principality’s programme over the coming months. These include the protection of women, particularly the fight against violence against women, the rights of children and young people, support for
the European human rights protection system, the fight against organized crime, sport and its role in promoting shared values and strengthened international cooperation aimed at finding practical solutions to modern challenges.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène received by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia during Official Visit to Spain
The Princely Couple were welcomed to Spain by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia on 1 June 2026. The official visit celebrated the 150th anniversary of Monaco’s diplomatic mission in Spain and the 10th anniversary of the Spanish branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. It was the first time that Princess Charlène was received by the Spanish royal family. The two royal couples visited the Botanical Garden, where the 8th Monaco Artists Forum was being held until 13 June. The Forum features 50 Monegasque and resident artists at the historic Villanueva Pavilion. The two-day visit also included a meeting with President Pedro Sánchez. The Princely Couple continued their visit to Spain with a trip to IE University on 2 June 2026. The visit celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Spanish branch of the Prince Albert II Foundation. Princess Charlène toured the campus accompanied by Mar Hurtado de Mendoza, Global Vice President for Recruitment and Marketing, and Barry Cooper, Principal of the Global College.
Barbagiuans de Monaco Win the Second Racing Stars Football Cup and Kick Off Grand PrixTM Week in Style
Just days before the start of the prestigious Monaco Grand PrixTM , Stade Louis II once again came alive with football, entertainment, and solidarity during the second edition of the Racing Stars Football Cup. Facing the Nazionale Piloti, the drivers’ team led by captain Pierre Gasly, the Barbagiu -
ans delivered a true footballing spectacle in front of a packed crowd gathered to witness this unique event combining sport, celebrity, and charitable commitment. Alongside Louis Ducruet, President of the Barbagiuans and organizer of the event, a host of international personalities answered the call.
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho headlined the star-studded lineup, joined by Nikos Aliagas, Paul de Saint Sernin, Paul Mirabel, Ludovic Giuly, Tibo InShape, and Ricky Whittle. All proudly wore the Barbagiuans de Monaco colours for this exceptional match. On the opposite side, the Nazionale Piloti could rely on several prominent figures from the world of motorsport, including Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, Isack Hadjar, and Felipe Massa. Young prodigy Kimi Antonelli was also present to take part in the festivities and support the event. More clinical and better organized, the Barbagiuans rapidly built a commanding lead and went into halftime with a comfortable 4–1 advantage. Adding to the success of the evening, Louis Ducruet also found the back of the net, much to the delight of the Stade Louis-II crowd. The Nazionale Piloti showed great spirit by reducing the deficit to 4–2, but the Barbagiuans soon regained control and eventually secured a convincing 6–2 victory to claim the second Racing Stars Football Cup title. Beyond the sporting spectacle, the Racing Stars Football Cup once again fulfilled its charitable mission. Funds raised during the event will support Mercy Ships and Les Soins de l’Espoir, the two charities selected this year by the Barbagiuans de Monaco to help further their work assisting those most in need.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène attend Corpus Christi Celebrations
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène attended Monaco’s Corpus Christi celebrations from the window of the Prince’s Palace on 3 June, the evening before the holiday. One of the most important religious celebrations in the Principality, Corpus Christi is a public holiday in Monaco that has been observed for centuries. In countries where the date is not a public holiday (such as in France), the celebration is postponed until the following Sunday. The observance began with a Pontifical Mass, celebrated by His Excellency Archbishop Dominique-Marie David in Monaco’s Cathedral. Next was the procession of the Blessed Sacrament, which made its way through the streets of Monaco-Ville. During the procession, the priest carried the Eucharist on display in a special receptacle called a “monstrance”. When the procession reached the Palace Square, the Prince’s Carabiniers band played the bugle call “Aux Honneurs.” The procession then stopped at Monaco’s Town Hall. After a moment of adoration (the act of worshiping and gazing upon the consecrated host) the Archbishop sang “Tantum ergo,” and then offered a blessing and a moment of prayer.
Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo Wins prestigious Triple Crown Award from Condé Nast Magazine
The Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo has won the Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s “Triple Crown” award, a major distinction announced in June 2026 that recognizes the “best hotels in the world”. The Triple Crown recognizes a rare selection of establishments that have received all three of the magazine’s major awards: the Hot List (for best new hotels), the Gold List (editors’ favourite hotels), and the Readers’ Choice Awards. The award, which combines recognition from both publishers and millions of discerning readers, makes the Triple Crown one of the most influential distinctions in the global hotel industry. This announcement comes after the Hôtel Métropole recently renovated all rooms and suites, which were redesigned by Jacques Garcia at the end of 2025. The hotel also inaugurated a new Spa by Guerlain last summer.
Grand PrixTM: Monaco’s Dream Turns Into Heartbreak
Much of the attention throughout the build-up focused, inevitably, on Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari driver arrived in Monte-Carlo carrying the expectations of an entire nation and memories of his historic home victory two years ago. From the opening practice sessions, Ferrari looked genuinely competitive, with Leclerc among the fastest drivers on track and appearing capable of challenging for pole position. After showing strong pace throughout the weekend, the Ferrari driver clipped the barriers during his final qualifying effort at Tabac. The impact damaged the car and ended his challenge for pole. Instead of starting from the front row, Monaco’s favourite son found himself beginning Sunday’s race from fourth position while Mercedes sensation Kimi Antonelli claimed pole ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc crashed out of his home Grand PrixTM , bringing an abrupt end to another Monte-Carlo challenge. Reports indicated braking problems before the accident, while the incident contributed to a race stoppage after damage to the circuit surface required repairs. Ferrari’s challenge in Monaco though was carried by not just one but two of the sport’s biggest names: local favourite Charles, of course, but also seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. The young Mercedes driver converted his pole position into a memorable victory. Lewis Hamilton followed him home in second place, while the final podium was completed by Red Bull after a race filled with strategic twists and penalties.
An expectant and adoring crowd in the Palace Square awaiting first glimpses of Pope Leo XIV
On March 28, 2026, the Principality stepped into a moment unlike any in its recent history. From the Place du Palais to Stade Louis II, Pope Leo XIV moved through Monaco to a continuous wave of applause, an apostolic visit marked by emotion. By eight o’clock, the Place du Palais was already at capacity. Families stood shoulder to shoulder with school groups, children lifted high for a better view. Flags, Monegasque and Papal, shifted above the crowd, phones raised in quiet anticipation. The air carried that particular stillness that precedes something important, even before it begins.
Then, just after nine, the first cannon shot broke across the Rock from Fort Antoine. A second followed, then a third, twenty-one in total. It was the signal: the Pope had arrived. Welcomed by Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlène of Monaco, he crossed from the heliport toward the Palace. In the Cour d’Honneur, the choreography was exact, Carabiniers, firefighters, orchestra, each element in place. The Papal March rose against the ochre façades, followed by the Monegasque anthem, as the crowd, watching on screens and in silence, absorbed the moment.
21 gun honorary salute for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV to Monaco
Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Heliport to a warm welcome from Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène
Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella join Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène and Pope Leo XIV in the Cour d’Honneur du Palais.
THE BALCONY: HISTORY AND SCALE
During a private meeting there was an exchange of carefully chosen gifts, including a gilded 18thcentury monstrance and a work unveiling a striking genealogical link connecting Pope Leo XIV to Monaco through his maternal lineage. At the centre of this discovery is MarieThérèse Cravesana, identified in an early 18th-century marriage record dated 1713, preserved as part of the historical documentation presented to the Pope. This lineage unfolds within the Monaco of Prince Antoine I, placing the connection firmly within the Principality’s dynastic and social fabric of the time.
Then the three figures appeared on the balcony. The response was immediate. Prince Albert II spoke first, placing the moment within Monaco’s longer arc. “It was out of fidelity to the Pope that the first Grimaldi lords left Genoa to settle on this Rock,” he recalled, drawing a direct line from the 13th century to the present, before pointing toward shared commitments, peace, responsibility, and the protection of the planet.
Then the Pope stepped forward. Speaking in French, he chose simplicity over
Pope Leo XIV gives his speech in French from the balcony.
All eyes on Pope Leo XIV as he walks in the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate.
The Liturgy of the Hours was celebrated in the presence of Archbishop Dominique-Marie David.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène attend mass with Pope Leo XIV at the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate.
Pope Leo XIV blesses a child on his visit.
IN PICTURES
grandeur, offering a line that travelled instantly through the crowd: “In the Bible, as you know, it is the small who make history.” It was both a remark and a positioning, of Monaco, and perhaps of the day itself.
THE CATHEDRAL: A MOMENT OF STILLNESS
At the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, the tone shifted from visibility to reflection. The Liturgy of the Hours was celebrated in a setting of deliberate stillness, in the presence of Archbishop Dominique-Marie David. After the movement of the morning, this was a moment that re-centred the visit, quiet, structured, and unmistakably spiritual.
THE PRINCELY PRESENCE
The role of the Princely Family was not confined to protocol. It anchored the visit. Prince Albert II’s remarks extended beyond history into direction. He described a Principality shaped by faith yet conscious of the demands of the present, where balance must be actively maintained, not assumed. “Our faith is our strength,” he noted, not as a declaration of identity alone, but as a framework for decision-making in an uncertain world. It was a positioning that aligned closely with the message being delivered alongside him.
Pope Leo XIV seated in front of Sainte Dévote Chapelle named after the patron saint of Monaco.
An adoring crowd presses to get near to Pope Leo XIV as he passes in the “Popemobile”.
Pope Leo XIV shakes hands with well-wishers and devotees packed along the route from Sainte Devote Chapelle.
A MESSAGE THAT WENT BEYOND CEREMONY
Beyond the symbolism, Pope Leo XIV delivered something far more pointed: a diagnosis. Speaking with unusual directness for a first European visit, he challenged the moral architecture of the modern world, questioning whether prosperity without responsibility can ever be justified.
In that context, the message became more specific. Monaco, he suggested, is not defined by its size, but by its choices. He described the Principality as capable of becoming a place where influence is translated into responsibility, a setting in which economic success, social awareness and moral clarity converge.It was a subtle but meaningful shift: Monaco not only as a place of privilege, but as a platform.
YOUTH AT SAINTE-DÉVOTE: A DIFFERENT ENERGY
At the Church of Sainte-Dévote, the tone shifted. Pope Leo XIV spoke directly to a young generation navigating distraction and pressure, warning against the illu -
A huge expectant crowd awaits Pope Leo XIV at Stade Louis II.
sion of belonging measured in “likes” and fleeting identities.
His challenge was clear: in a world that moves too fast to reflect, depth must be chosen.
Monaco, he suggested, could become “a laboratory of solidarity”, a place where belief is not abstract, but lived, and where even a small state can project meaning beyond its borders.
THE CROWD: PRESENCE OVER SPECTACLE
What gave the day its real meaning was also its participants. From the earliest hours, people had arrived from across the region, families, volunteers, young couples, some carrying children, others simply waiting.
Along the route, moments unfolded, a child lifted for a blessing, a pause, a glance, a gesture returned. Small details, but ones that defined the day.
Pope Leo XIV arrives in Stade Louis II.
Pope Leo XIV in blessed conversation with the Monegasque Royal Family
A STADIUM TRANSFORMED
At Stade Louis-II, the scale expanded. More than 15,000 participants gathered, yet the atmosphere remained composed. Under the baton of Kazuki Yamada, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied the ceremony. The presence of the Princely Family, including the twins, alongside Princess Caroline and Princess Stéphanie, reinforced continuity. As incense drifted across the stadium and the liturgy unfolded, a venue more accustomed to noise shifted into stillness, collective, attentive, unified.
A DAY THAT WILL ENDURE
The Princely Couple accompanied Pope Leo back to the heliport. And by the time the helicopter rose above the Principality, the day had already settled into something more lasting than spectacle. What remained was a sense of alignment, between tradition and purpose, visibility and responsibility.
Monaco had not simply hosted a visit; it had, for a moment, been asked to define what it stands for and its answer was decidedly not lacking.
Screens are installed throughout Monaco projecting live scenes of the Pope’s visit.
Finally Pope Leo XIV is whisked away by helicopter after a triumphant historic visit to the Principality of Monaco.
By Justin Brisk
In Monaco, history does not fade. It returns, loud, visceral, and unapologetically alive.
The 2026 edition of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique did not simply revisit the past. It re-animated it. Engines once thought consigned to museums surged once more through the Principality’s streets. And even as the engines cooled, the echoes lingered.
FROM COLLECTOR’S SECRET TO GLOBAL SPECTACLE
When the Historic Grand Prix was first staged in 1997, it was a refined gathering, a specialist’s celebration of racing heritage. Today, it has outgrown that description. It has transformed into a major international event, not merely a nostalgic one. The paddock is now as much a destination as the race itself, attracting collectors, celebrities, and a new generation of fans discovering, sometimes for the first time, what racing used to look like.
What has changed is not the concept, but the scale, with larger grids and broader eras, now stretching deep into turbo-era Formula 1™. Broadcasts are global and now reach, crucially, a younger, visually-driven audience drawn by authenticity.
The Historic Grand Prix has become something rare: an event that grows without losing its soul.
2026 RACING
If there is one phrase that defined reaction to the weekend, it is this: “Driven fast.” Because unlike static concours events, Monaco demands competition.
Across the eight series, the results told a story of both dominance and drama:
• Mark Shaw delivered precision in Series A2
• Patrick Blakeney-Edwards seized victory in A1 after last-lap tension
• Joseph Colasacco fought through a tightly contested Series B
• Richard Wilson took victory in Series C
• Michael Lyons asserted himself with two victories (Series D and F)
• Stuart Hall matched him with a double (Series E and G).
The double victories by Lyons and Hall became one of the defining talking points of the weekend, a reminder that even in historic machinery, elite drivers still impose themselves decisively.
This was competition, pure and unscripted. And the results told a story not only of drivers, but of machines: a Lotus 21 and Cooper T45 evoking the sport’s early purity; a Ferrari 1512 and Brabham BT36 reflecting Formula 1™ technical adolescence; and later icons such as the McLaren M26, Williams FW07 and Tyrrell 011 reminding spectators how rapidly performance — and risk — evolved across the decades.
THE BRADLEY COOPER EFFECT
One unexpected thread in 2026 coverage came from outside motorsport itself. Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper was reportedly spotted trackside, not as a guest, but as a photographer.
It signals something important: The Historic Grand Prix has crossed into cultural territory beyond motorsport. It is now Part sporting event, Part lifestyle spectacle, Part Riviera theatre. And that evolution mirrors Monaco itself.
THE BUGATTI ROYALE: A MOMENT THAT DEFINED THE WEEKEND
Yet for all the racing, the most powerful image of the weekend was not competitive. It was ceremonial, and deeply symbolic.
On April 25, Prince Albert completed a lap of the circuit aboard the legendary Bugatti Type 41 “Royale”, marking its centenary. The car, conceived by Ettore Bugatti, was designed to be “the most prestigious and
powerful car in the world”. Its 13-litre engine remains one of the most extraordinary ever built. Only six examples exist. The famed “Coupé Napoléon”, once owned by Bugatti himself, is considered the “Mona Lisa of automobiles”.
The Prince was joined by Christophe Piochon (Bugatti Automobiles) and Michel Ferry (Automobile Club de Monaco), while the vehicle was entrusted to specialists from the Schlumpf Collection, guardians of its legacy. This was Monaco asserting its role both as a stage for racing and as a custodian of its history.
WHY THE EVENT KEEPS GROWING
Modern Formula 1™ is faster. More precise. More technological. But the Historic Grand Prix offers
something different, and, increasingly, more compelling and authentic. No filters. No reinterpretation. The cars behave as they did, unpredictably.
Fans are closer. The paddock is open. The experience is human. Every car carries a story, and in Monaco, those stories unfold on the same streets that made them famous.
A PRINCIPALITY IN FULL EXPRESSION
What makes the Historic Grand Prix unique is that it does not sit alongside Monaco. It becomes Monaco. From Port Hercule to Casino Square, from the tunnel to the harbour chicane, the entire Principality transforms into a stage where: Engineer-
ing meets elegance, Competition meets heritage, and history meets spectacle.
The Bugatti exhibition that followed, first at the Prince’s Car Collection, then at Top Marques, extended that narrative beyond the race weekend itself.
CONCLUSION: NOT A MEMORY, RATHER A MARVEL OF CONTINUATION
The 2026 Historic Grand Prix confirmed something important. This event is no longer just about remembering. It is about continuing. The drivers still compete. The machines still fight. The circuit still punishes mistakes. And Monaco, as ever, remains the ultimate test. Because here, history is not protected. It is unleashed.
RACE WINNERS & THEIR MACHINES — 2026
At Monaco, the drivers may take the chequered flag, but the cars share the spotlight. Mark Shaw’s Scarab F1, Patrick Blakeney-Edwards’ Frazer-Nash Monoplace and Joseph Colasacco’s Ferrari 1512 evoked the sport’s early elegance and technical daring; while later winners such as Michael Lyons’ Surtees TS9 and Hesketh 308E, Stuart Hall’s McLaren M23 and March 821, and Richard Wilson’s Maserati 250S reminded spectators how many different eras of racing history Monaco brings back to life in a single weekend.
• Series A1: Patrick Blakeney-Edwards — Frazer-Nash Monoplace n°42
• Series A2: Mark Shaw — Scarab F1 n°48
• Series B: Joseph Colasacco — Ferrari 1512 n°4
• Series C: Richard Wilson — Maserati 250S n°56
• Series D: Michael Lyons — Surtees TS9 n°27
• Series E: Stuart Hall — McLaren M23 n°33
• Series F: Michael Lyons — Hesketh 308E n°24
• Series G: Stuart Hall — March 821 n°18
FULL CHARGE IN MONTE-CARLO: FORMULA E DELIVERS A SPECTACULAR MONACO WEEKEND
By Justin Brisk
Monaco has always understood that Grand Prix Racing is part theatre, even if undeniably thrilling sport. But over the weekend of 16–17 May 2026, the Principality proved that electric racing can produce its own kind of drama, spectacle and prestige.
The weekend contained the 10th and 11th editions with the 2026 Monaco E-Prix delivering two races, two winners and a remarkable 382 overtakes across the weekend, transforming the leg -
endary Monaco Circuit into a showcase for the speed, strategy and unpredictability of Formula E. The grandstands were packed, with around 40,000 spectators over the two days, while the event once again drew the aura of Monaco’s great sporting occasions.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène were present, appearing on the grid and podium for Sunday’s 11th Monaco E-Prix. As the electric cars swept out of the tunnel beneath the cliffs of Monte-Carlo, Monaco’s royal presence reminded spectators that this was no ordinary street race. H.S.H. Prince Albert II
Photo: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier
and H.S.H. Princess Charlène greeted drivers on the grid before later presenting trophies during the glamorous podium ceremony
overlooking the harbour. In many cities Formula E feels futuristic. In Monaco, it feels both futuristic and unmistakably royal.
On Saturday, Nyck de Vries gave Mahindra Racing a landmark victory in Round 9. Starting from the front row, he timed his Pit
Nyck de Vries (in the centre)
Boost and Attack Mode phases with precision, overtaking António Félix da Costa on Lap 20 and pulling clear to win by around three seconds. It was de Vries’ fifth Formula E victory, his first since Berlin 2022, and Mahindra’s first win of the GEN3 era.
Behind him, Mitch Evans finished second for Jaguar TCS Racing, strengthening his title credentials with yet another Monaco podium. Rookie Josep María “Pepe” Martí completed the podium for Cupra Kiro after Dan Ticktum’s penalty, becoming the first Spaniard to take Formula E silverware.
Sunday brought a different kind of masterclass. Oliver Rowland, the reigning Formula E world champion, started eighth but managed his energy superbly and emerged from the strategic chaos to win Round 10 for Nissan. He took the lead at the Nouvelle Chicane on Lap 23 of 28 and
held firm through Full Course Yellow interruptions. Felipe Drugovich claimed second for Andretti, his first Formula E podium, while António Félix da Costa finished third for Jaguar.
The weekend’s strength was not only in the winners, but in the variety. Six different drivers from five teams appeared across the two podiums, underlining Formula E’s greatest selling point: in Monaco, even on streets famous for being almost impossible to pass on, electric racing found a way to keep the order shifting, thrilling and uncertain.
Away from the racing line, Monaco offered the full show. Formula E’s Fan Festival added simulators, music, food areas and family entertainment, making the event feel less like a closed paddock and more like a public celebration of future mobility.
THE GEN4 FORMULA E CAR
There was also a glimpse of what comes next. The GEN4 Formula E car, due to debut next season, made its first public appearance in Monaco, driven by former F1 driver David Coulthard. His reaction was emphatic: the new machine, he suggested, could redefine what a racing car feels like.
For Monaco, the timing was perfect. With the Formula 1TM Grand Prix approaching only weeks later, the E-Prix acted as both prelude and statement. The Principality’s sporting stage is adapting. The harbour, the tunnel, Sainte-Dévote and the climb to Casino Square still belong to racing history, but in 2026 they also sound like the future.
FROM EIGHTH TO IMMORTALITY: HOW WORLD CHAMPION OLIVER ROWLAND CONQUERED MONACO
Oliver Rowland turned the 2026 Monaco E-Prix into something closer to a high-speed chess match played against the harbour walls of Monte-Carlo. For much of the race, the Nissan driver looked patient rather than dangerous. That was the trap.
While others fought aggressively at the front, Rowland quietly conserved energy, resisted the temptation to attack too early and waited for the race to come to him. The turning point came late.
As Attack Mode activations shuffled the order and rivals began battling furiously for position, Rowland suddenly came alive. Lap by lap, he threaded through the chaos with surgical precision, picking off competitors while preserving enough energy to launch one final assault.
Then came the decisive moment. On Lap 23 of 28, diving into the Nouvelle Chicane after the tunnel, Rowland seized the lead with a move that electrified the Monaco crowd by overtaking Edoardo Mortara. From there, the race became a test of nerve. Full Course Yellow interruptions threatened to erase his advantage and compress the field behind him, but Rowland remained ice-cold under pressure. What made the drive extraordinary was not raw aggression but timing.
Others had burned energy fighting too early. Rowland had played the long game. By the final laps, the Nissan driver had transformed an eighth-place starting position into one of the most intelligent victories Monaco has seen in recent years, a strategic masterclass delivered at up to 280 km/h between the barriers of the Principality.
Oliver Rowland (in red on the left)
MONACO’S DREAM TURNS INTO HEARTBREAK AS ANTONELLI CONQUERS THE PRINCIPALITY
By Justin Brisk
The Monaco Grand Prix TM never struggles to produce emotion. Victory, disappointment, triumph and heartbreak often coexist within the narrow streets of the Principality. This year was no exception.
For Monegasque fans, the weekend began with hope. It ended with frustration.
Much of the attention throughout the build-up focused, inevitably, on Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari driver arrived in Monte-Carlo carrying the expectations of an entire nation and memories of his historic home victory two years ago. From the opening practice sessions, Ferrari looked genuinely competitive, with Leclerc among the fastest drivers on track and appearing capable of challenging for pole position.
In Monaco, however, qualifying is often the race before the race.
The Principality’s famous street circuit remains the ultimate Formula 1TM paradox. It is one of the most prestigious events in world sport, yet one where overtaking remains exceptionally difficult. The reward for securing pole position is enormous. Start first, avoid trouble, and victory is often within reach.
That reality made Saturday particularly painful for Leclerc.
After showing strong pace throughout the weekend, the Ferrari driver clipped the barriers during his final qualifying effort at Tabac. The impact damaged the car and ended his challenge for pole. Instead of starting from the front row, Monaco’s favourite son found himself beginning Sunday’s race from fourth position while Mercedes sensation Kimi Antonelli claimed pole ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Leclerc later admitted his frustration after what he described as a messy weekend, knowing how critical track position would be on race day.
Youngest ever Monaco Grand PrixTM Champion Kimi Antonelli
Unfortunately, matters only became worse.
The race itself descended into chaos. Verstappen’s challenge effectively ended before it had properly begun when mechanical problems left the Red Bull stranded and forced an early retirement.
Then came the moment that silenced the grandstands.
Leclerc crashed out of his home Grand Prix, bringing an abrupt end to another MonteCarlo challenge. Reports indicated braking problems before the accident, while the incident contributed to a race stoppage after damage to the circuit surface required repairs.
For Monaco supporters, it was a painful sight.
Few drivers have experienced such contrasting fortunes at their home race. Leclerc’s relationship with the Monaco Grand Prix has often felt like a dramatic novel. Moments of brilliance have repeatedly been followed by cruel setbacks. This weekend added another chapter to that story.
Ferrari’s challenge in Monaco though was carried by not just one but two of the sport’s biggest names: local favourite Charles, of course, but also seven-time World Champion
greatest
Monegasques’
hope Charles Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar at the podium
Lewis Hamilton. While Leclerc shouldered the hopes of the Principality, Hamilton continued his own resurgence. After a frustrat-
ing opening chapter with Ferrari, many wondered whether the dream partnership would truly ignite. Monaco offered further evidence
Praying for opportunities to overtake!
that Hamilton is beginning to find his rhythm in red. At 41, the Briton seems determined to remind Formula 1TM of a lesson learned many times before: write off Lewis Hamilton at your peril.
Meanwhile Antonelli’s star continued to rise. The young Mercedes driver converted his pole position into a memorable victory, once again demonstrating why many already view him as the next Formula 1TM superstar. In a race interrupted by incidents, retirements and a red flag, Antonelli remained calm under pressure to secure one of the most prestigious wins in motorsport.
Lewis Hamilton followed him home in second place, while the final podium was completed by Red Bull after a race filled with strategic twists and penalties.
Yet even as celebrations unfolded on the harbour front, much of Monaco’s attention remained focused elsewhere.
The Principality always dreams of a local winner. When Charles Leclerc races through the streets where he grew up, the
FIA voided time penalties Pierre Gasly received for pit-lane speeding, reinstating him to third place and bumping Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) to fourth.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, P2 on the grid, was forced to retire on Lap 1 with engine problems.
Photo by Yaro R
Photo by
Yaro R
event becomes more than a Grand PrixTM . It becomes a national occasion.
This year, the dream slipped away.
But if Monaco has learned anything over the years, it is never to underestimate the resilience of its home hero. The streets that delivered heartbreak in 2026 may yet provide redemption again.
In Monaco, hope never stays parked in the garage for long.
FERRARI’S STAR PAIR: ALEXANDRA SAINT MLEUX AND KIM KARDASHIAN BRING EXTRA SPOTLIGHT TO MONACO
Formula 1TM may be decided by fractions of a second, but in Monaco the spotlight extends far beyond the stopwatch.
The Monaco Grand PrixTM remains unique on the Formula 1TM calendar. Alongside the world’s fastest drivers come royalty, celebrities, fashion icons and some of the sport’s most recognisable couples. The
paddock can feel as much like a film premiere as a sporting event.
This year, Ferrari found itself at the centre of much of that attention.
For Monaco’s own Charles Leclerc, the weekend carried a particularly personal dimension. Earlier this year, the Ferrari driver married Alexandra Saint Mleux, one of the most recognisable faces in the Formula 1TM paddock. The art historian and social media personality has become a familiar presence alongside Leclerc throughout his rise to the front of the grid. Fans have also taken a liking to the couple’s dachshund, Leo, who has become a minor celebrity in his own right through appearances on social media.
On the other side of the Ferrari garage, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton attracted a different kind of attention. Reality television entrepreneur Kim Kardashian made her first Monaco Grand PrixTM paddock appearance alongside sister Khloé Kardashian, adding a distinctly Hollywood flavour to the weekend. Their presence generated headlines around the world and reinforced Monaco’s reputation as the most glamorous Formula 1TM destination.
But Ferrari’s star power was only part of the story.
The Formula 1TM paddock has become home to a number of high-profile couples. World Champion Max Verstappen is partnered with Kelly Piquet, daughter of threetime Formula 1TM World Champion Nelson Piquet. Pierre Gasly arrived with Portuguese model Francisca Cerqueira Gomes, while Mercedes driver George Russell was accompanied by Carmen Montero Mundt. Williams driver Alexander Albon and professional golfer Lily Muni He are another of the sport’s best-known pairings.
Yet nowhere does this blend of sport, celebrity and glamour come together quite like Monaco.
As superyachts filled Port Hercule, photographers lined the paddock entrances and celebrities mingled with racing legends, the Monaco Grand PrixTM once again demonstrated why remains the Formula 1TM ultimate social occasion.
For one weekend each year, the Principality hosts far more than a motor race. It becomes the centre of the sporting, celebrity and luxury worlds all at once.
Ambiance of the race
Photo by Yaro R
ALL THE CELEBRITIES SPOTTED AT
2026 MONACO GRAND PRIXTM
5–7 June 2026
Filippo Testa and Tamara Kalinic
Simone Murphy
Princess Charlène, Prince Albert II and Andrea Casiraghi
Mats Hummels and Nicola Cavanis
Francisca Cerqueira Gomes
Frida Aasen
Daniil Medvedev
Photos by Yaro R.
Donald Trump Jr., Bettina Anderson and guests
Kelly Piquet
Alexandra Saint Mleux Leclerc
Pierre Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo
Paul Pogba and Alicia Aylies
Terry Crews
Cadillac Formula 1TM Team CEO Dan Towriss with his wife Cassidy Rudman
Kim Kardashian
Kelly Piquet
Rebecca Donaldson
Kim and Khloé Kardashian
Bernard Arnault, Prince Albert II and Hélène Mercier-Arnault
Rebecca Donaldson
Andrea Casiraghi
Actor Patrick Dempsey
Kelly Piquet
Alexandra Saint Mleux Leclerc
Cadillac Formula 1TM Team CEO Dan Towriss with his wife Cassidy Rudman
Paul Pogba and Zulay Pogba
Portuguese model Francisca Cerqueira Gomes
Princess Charlène, Prince Albert II and Andrea Casiraghi
Lewis Hamilton, Princess Charlène, Prince Albert II and Andrea Casiraghi
Prince Albert II of Monaco
Flavio Briatore
Tamara Kalinic
Kim Kardashian
Baptiste Giabiconi
INSIDE AUDI AT THE MONACO GRAND PRIXTM
From the Audi garage to a yacht in Monaco with Allan McNish, Stefano Battiston, and Gabriel Bortoleto
By Helena Litvak
It was an honour to meet and speak with Allan McNish, Stefano Battiston, and Gabriel Bortoleto during the Monaco Grand PrixTM 2026.
The day began inside the Audi garage, where Hello Monaco was invited to experience the race weekend from within the team environment. From the moment you step inside, everything is already in mo -
tion — cars coming in and out, engineers moving quickly between stations, constant communication across the garage.
At first, there is so much happening that everything outside disappears. Even the noise of the circuit fades into the background. What you focus on instead is the rhythm inside the garage — the movement of people, the precision of each action, and the way the team works as one.
There is intensity, but also control. Everyone knows exactly where they need to be, and everything moves in a coordinated flow.
Later that day, the interviews took place on a yacht in Monaco after the qualifying session, where Hello Monaco, Libertex, and the Ultimate Superyacht Experience by Tom Claeren hosted Allan McNish, Stefano Battiston, and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Photo by Yaro R
ALLAN MCNISH, Racing Director, Audi Revolut F1TM Team
: You’ve been part of Audi Motorsport for many years. What makes Audi different when it comes to racing?
Allan McNish: I think we are quite unique because, as a company, we come from a road car background. It’s built on technology, but we also understand that behind the technology are people. So there’s a lot of passion involved.
That same DNA carries into the racing side. There’s always a clear goal: we want to win, we want to be the best. And when we are not, it doesn’t sit well with us. We keep pushing, looking for the next solution.
For me, there’s a very clear objective, but also an understanding that you need the right people to deliver it. That balance is what defines Audi for me.
: Monaco is one of the biggest races in Formula 1TM . What makes it so special?
Allan McNish: Monaco is still something very special. Without question.
I’ve lived here for 25 years, so I’ve seen it from many different angles. What’s interesting is how much Monaco has now influenced other races. You see more events, more build-up, more of a festival atmosphere across the calendar.
Twenty years ago, Monaco was really the only one like that. Now many Grand PrixTM races feel similar in that sense.
And I think it’s positive. More families are coming, younger people are coming, it’s a different audience. My daughter is 17 and she’s interested in racing now because she can connect with what she sees around it.
From the sporting side, the fundamentals haven’t changed. You still need the fastest car, reliability, strong drivers, a good team, and determination. That was true in the past, and it’s still true today.
But Monaco itself… it’s still unique. Even if other races have taken inspiration from it, nothing really compares to it.
Photo by Yaro R
@Audi Revolut F1 Team
STEFANO BATTISTON, Chief Commercial Officer, Audi Revolut F1TM Team
: How would you describe the brand’s philosophy and vision for the future?
Stefano Battiston: Our philosophy is very closely linked to Audi’s new design direction, which we call Radical Next. It is based on four principles: clarity, simplicity, intelligence and emotion.
You can see it in the design itself — clear lines, simple forms, and a clean approach. For us, it is also about bringing the brand closer to people and building a community around the team.
As a new team, we are at the beginning of that journey. We have the strength of the
Audi rings behind us, but we are building something new. Over time, it becomes even more important to stay clear about who we are and what we stand for.
Partnerships are also an important part of that identity. We are very careful in choosing the brands we work with and look for partners that share our values and our spirit of innovation. Relationships with partners such as Libertex are built around collaboration and creating experiences that go beyond traditional sponsorship. For us, it is not simply about putting logos on the car, but about building something meaningful together and bringing innovation closer to people.
And hopefully, years from now, people will look back and say, “That was an iconic team. That was an iconic design.” That is what we want to achieve.
GABRIEL BORTOLETO, Driver, Audi Revolut F1TM Team
: What’s the best thing about joining the Audi team for you?
Gabriel Bortoleto: Just the people, honestly. The people working at Audi are amazing. They are very excited about the project, they are racers themselves, and they really love what they do.
They have a very similar mentality to what I try to have every day. They are very motivated, always trying to do a better job, and very open-minded. So yeah, it’s incredible.
: How does Formula 1TM feel for you as a driver?
Gabriel Bortoleto: It feels great. I love racing in Formula 1TM . It’s an amazing series. We race in incredible places, we drive amazing cars, and I’m living a dream.
: What is your dream race to win?
Gabriel Bortoleto: Brazil. Definitely Brazil.
: What do you love most about Monaco?
Gabriel Bortoleto: I think the track. It’s really cool — you have low, medium and highspeed corners, a bit of everything. It’s very challenging. I love Monaco because of that.
@Audi Revolut F1 Team
LIBERTEX STEALS the Spotlight at Monaco’s Ultimate Superyacht Event
For the third consecutive year, Libertex co-hosted the highly anticipated “Ultimate Superyacht” at the Monaco GP TM in what has been its most spectacular edition yet!
There are few places on earth where speed, wealth, and spectacle converge with such effortless elegance as Monaco during Grand PrixTM weekend. And for the third year running, Libertex claimed its place right at the heart of it. From 5 to 7 June 2026, the acclaimed online trading fintech company once again co-hosted the Ultimate Superyacht alongside luxury entrepreneur and influencer, as well as Monaco resident, Tom Claeren, with HelloMonaco acting as the event’s media partner once again. The event has already become one of the most talked-about gatherings of the entire racing calendar.
This year’s instalment more than lived up to the high expectations set by previous years’ editions. Where 2024 turned heads with a Libertex-branded Bugatti Chiron aboard Seven Sins, and 2025 dazzled with a McLaren Solus GT on the deck of Sarastar, 2026 delivered an experience that was nothing short of extraordinary, with not one, but three remarkable centrepieces taking the stage aboard the magnificent 72-metre Stella Maris superyacht anchored in Port Hercule.
THREE CARS, ONE DECK
Anchored in the iconic Port Hercule with panoramic views of the race circuit, this year’s superyacht hosted an automotive line-up that stopped even the most seasoned petrolhead in their tracks. The centrepiece was the Audi Revolut F1TM Team R26 show car bearing Libertex’s distinctive branding. This bold statement of the brand’s deepening ties to elite motorsport was an appropriate way to mark Libertex’s newly announced multiyear partnership with the Audi Revolut F1TM Team, of which it serves as an official partner with branding on the R26 car and driv-
ers’ apparel throughout the season. If that wasn’t enough, the already impressive display was completed by a Koenigsegg Jesko Absolute, one of the most exclusive and technically breathtaking hypercars ever produced. Together, they represented the very pinnacle of automotive engineering.
THE CITY AS A CANVAS
Long before guests stepped foot on the yacht, Libertex’s presence was already making itself felt throughout the Principality. This year, the brand launched a high-visibility outdoor adver-
But there was a third element that set this year’s edition apart in an entirely different direction. French artist Antoine Dufilho, known internationally for his monumental large-scale sculptural works, debuted a unique art installation, inspired by F1TM , created exclusively for the occasion. Dufilho’s work brought together the worlds of motorsport and contemporary art in a way that felt entirely at home in Monaco, a principality that has always celebrated both speed and culture. In the end, then, we might say that the yacht played host to three cars over the weekend — two mechanical, one artistic.
tising campaign across Monaco’s streets, the backs of buses, and the train station, announcing the event to everyone from racing fans to Riviera regulars. It was a confident, high-profile move that spoke to Libertex’s growing ambition: This was not simply a brand attending the Grand PrixTM , but a brand that had become part of the Grand PrixTM experience itself.
DRIVERS, STARS, AND A THRONG OF A-LIST GUESTS
As has become tradition at the Ultimate Superyacht, the Saturday after the qualifying round brought a wave of motorsport royalty aboard. Audi Revolut F1TM Team driver Gabriel Bortoleto, Racing Director Allan McNish and other
Kym Illman, motorsport photographer, entrepreneur and Youtuber, and Marios Chailis, CMO of Libertex group
Kym Illman, Marios Chailis, Matt Gallagher and Tom Bellingham, two of the most popular F1 content creators
Credit @tomclaeren
Credit @tomclaeren
senior management from the team joined guests on deck, bringing with them the kind of access and insider energy that no hospitality suite or grandstand can replicate. The conversations, the photographs, the spontaneous moments: They were part of what made this event genuinely unique.
This year’s guest list proved particularly star-studded. Apart from numerous celebrities and VIP Libertex partners, Libertex’s guests also included motorsport and automotive personalities such as Azizdrives, the duo Matt & Tommy from the hugely popular “P1 With Matt & Tommy”, renowned motorsport photographer Kym
Illman, popular automotive content creator Jessica Thön (@jessicarmaniac) and Supercar Blondie — one of the most followed automotive content creators in the world. Their combined audiences number in the hundreds of millions, and their presence made sure that the story of this weekend reached far beyond the borders
Tom Claeren, Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1TM team driver, and Marios Chailis, CMO of Libertex group Credit
Credit @tomclaeren
Credit @tomclaeren
Tom Claeren, Tara Nolan, Alex Hirschi @supercarblondie and Marios Chailis, CMO of Libertex group
of Monaco, generating waves of content across social media both during and long after the event.
“What we built over these three years in Monaco is a true statement of what Libertex represents,” said Marios Chailis, Chief Marketing Officer of Libertex Group. “This wasn’t just an event; it was a public exhibition of our brand: ambitious, precise, and relentlessly committed to excellence. As proud sponsors of the Audi Revolut F1TM Team, having the opportunity to put on display the beautiful R26 car alongside other iconic car setups on the same superyacht, including the world-class art installation by Antoine Dufilho, together with the energy of the Audi Revolut F1TM Team, and the finest guests in the world, all in the most glamorous setting on earth — that is the essence of being associated with Libertex. We’re utterly delighted with what we’ve created here, and we’re already thinking about how to raise the bar even more next year!”
SUNDAY NIGHT: ADRIATIQUE TAKE TO THE DECKS
The weekend reached its crescendo on Sunday evening with an afterrace party that exceeded all expectations. As the final Formula 1TM cars completed their laps on the streets below, the yacht transformed into something altogether different: an open-air club on the water, headlined by acclaimed DJ duo Adriatique. Known for their atmospheric, deeply melodic sets and their residencies at some of Europe’s most prestigious venues, Adriatique delivered a set that was a fitting close to a weekend that had, from the start through to the finish line, been a living expression of the exclusive and the extraordinary.
A LEGACY BUILT AT SPEED
Founded in 1997, Libertex has spent nearly three decades building a reputation as one of the most trusted and innovative names in online trading.
The platform offers CFDs in a broad range of asset classes, from Forex and indices through to commodities and ETFs, and has earned over 45 international industry awards along the way — including the 2025 FinTech Breakthrough Award for Best Online Trading Platform. Its F1TM partnership portfolio reflects similar ambitions: As an official partner of the Audi Revolut F1TM Team, Libertex’s branding featured on both the R26 car and drivers’ race suits throughout the 2026 season, making a clear statement of the precision, resilience, and forward-thinking performance that both organisations share.
The Monaco Grand PrixTM is, in many ways, the perfect metaphor for what Libertex represents: precision under pressure, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the understanding that true performance is as much about presentation as it is about substance. With three consecutive editions of the Ultimate F1TM Superyacht Party now under its belt, Libertex has cemented its position at the centre of one of the world’s great sporting events.
The engines have gone quiet. The guests have departed. Monaco, for another year, belongs to memory. But Libertex’s mark on it has never been more indelible.
@hellomonaco
ULTIMATE SUPERYACHT EXPERIENCE,
Monaco Grand PrixTM, 5–7 June 2026
Tom Claeren brings the Ultimate Superyacht Experience back to Monaco exclusive collaboration with French artist Antoine Dufilho
Olga Taran (Hello Monaco) with Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut supercar
Hello Monaco official media partner of event
Matt Gallagher (P1 with Matt@ Tommy), Olga Taran (Hello Monaco) and Tom Bellingham (P1 with Matt@Tommy)
Olga Taran (Hello Monaco) and Xavier Fuller (Chopard Monaco)
Alex Hirschi (Supercar Blondie), Olga Taran (Hello Monaco) and Tara Nolan
Chef Andrea Pepe
@tomclaeren
Kym Illman, renowned Formula 1ТМ photographer and content creator, Olga Taran and Kelly Geraci (Hello Monaco)
Olga Taran, editor-in-chief Hello Monaco, Frederic Bianco (CMB) and Deborah Bianco (SBM)
“Spirit of Artisans”, a refined creation bringing together Arturo FUENTE, one of the world’s most prestigious cigar houses & Shéron Maison
Rich the Kid
A luxury champagne house known for its distinctive carbon-fiber bottles and limited-production cuvées.
Adriatique DJ duo
Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi F1TM driver) during the interview with Matt& Tommy
Gabriel Bortoleto, driver of Audi F1TM team, onboard the yacht during the official Libertex evening event
Alex Hirschi (Supercar Blondie)
Charlotte Morice, Olga Taran and Matthieu Guillaume (Safra bank Monaco)
Hello Monaco team
Sunrise Pilates and wellness session hosted on the yacht’s helipad in collaboration with Mrs. Fashion
Tom Claeren with super car Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut
Audi F1TM car exhibited onboard by Libertex.
Olga Taran (Hello Monaco) and Marios Chailis (Libertex)
From Pope Leo XIV to Pope Paul III: Monaco’s Papal Story Across the Centuries
By Justin Brisk
On March 28, 2026, Pope Leo XIV arrived in Monaco, marking a moment without precedent in modern memory. Not since Pope Paul III passed along these shores and was received in Monaco in 1538, had the Principality received a Pontiff. After Pope Paul III’s 1538 visit to Monaco he had continued on with an important mission to mediate the negotiations that would lead to the Truce of Nice, a fragile pause in a long and bitter struggle between Francis I of France and Emperor Charles V that had set much of Europe ablaze.
For Pope Leo XIV’s visit the transformation of Monaco was immediate and unmistakable. Streets, balconies, and public buildings were dressed in the white and gold of the Vatican, their colours shifting in the Mediterranean light. From the Rock to Fontvieille, screens relayed each movement of the visit, while church bells and cannon fire punctuated the day. Monaco presented itself not simply as a destination, but as a state conscious of its identity, prosperous, visible, and still anchored in a Catholic heritage that has shaped its story across centuries.
For a few hours, the Principality became something more than itself: a stage where history, faith, and modern statecraft converged. And yet, this image of Monaco, composed, confident, and globally connected, bears little resemblance to the fragile and uncertain territory that existed here at the beginning of the 16th century.
Residents and guests of Monaco are greeting Pope Leo XIV, Prince Albert II, and Princess Charlène. March 28, 2026, Place du Palais
MONACO IN THE 1500S
In those days, the tiny state, squeezed between more powerful neighbours, literally fought for survival. Borders were constantly shifting, and to maintain independence, the rulers of the Grimaldi dynasty were forced to both strengthen their military might and forge advantageous alliances. The country was protected from invasion not only by impenetrable roads, fortress walls, and artillery, but also by the patronage of powerful political actors interested in the strategically important port of the Rock. The lords of Monaco had only to skillfully manage relationships with both the Pope and the great powers of France and Spain and, most importantly, avoid being swallowed up by them…
At the beginning of the 16th century, it is unlikely anyone could have imagined the economic prosperity that awaited the country in the 19th and 20th centuries. Back then, the primary goal remained maintaining sovereignty.
THE CAMEO STORY FROM THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY
At the beginning of the 16th century, the Cardinal Louis of Aragon, created Cardinal originally by Pope
Alexander VI, discovered Monaco, which at the time was a lordship presided over by a Lord. Monaco’s Vatican visitor, the natural grandson of King Ferdinand I of Naples, held a number of ecclesiastical benefices approved by the Pope in southern Italy and Spain.
Therefore, he travelled a lot and with quite a retinue, exuding grand importance. In 1517, on his way to meet the King of Spain, Charles V, who was barely 17 years old, he passed through Monaco. Cardinal Louis of Aragon left a record of his visit to these very recognizable shores in a written account by his secretary, Don Antonio. This account surfaced and was described again hundreds of years later in the Journal de Monaco.
IN NOVEMBER 1517
The cardinal and his impressive retinue arrived in the region in November 1517. After making a pilgrimage to Sainte-Baume, he was received in Cannes by Augustin Grimaldi, the Bishop of Grasse, Abbot of Saint-Honorat de Lérins.
Excerpt from the cardinal’s account (published in the Journal de Monaco in 1915) shows the extent of the Grimaldi network in the region as the Cardinal travelled from Cannes to San Remo passing through Antibes, Monaco, Roquebrune and Menton, all governed by Grimaldis.
“Cannes, where Monsignor the Bishop of Grasse welcomed us very kindly and where
Pope Leo XIV in Monaco
Portrait of Pope Paul III by Titian. National Museum of Capodimonte, Naples
Photo
we had a very good and abundant meal, with many large and excellent fish, belongs to the abbey of His Lordship called Saint-Honorat… The bishop stays there all of Lent and usually most of Advent and the vigil of each saint. As a good religious man, he fasts on all those days. On November 29, from Cannes, we went with Monsignor Grimaldi to have breakfast in Antibes, which is two leagues away (a league is a unit of length that was common in Europe. — Ed.) In this town, which is very pretty and abounds in excellent muscat, we were very kindly received by the nephew of Monsignor of Grasse who is its lord. From Antibes, we went with Monsignor the Bishop of Grasse and his nephew, a very nice young man of about twenty years old, whose very beautiful and graceful wife
shows herself little, to have dinner in Nice, which is three leagues away. A league before arriving, we forded a river, the Var, although there was a boat, which separates Italy from France, or rather from Provence…”
A STRATEGIC AND VERY STRONG FORTRESS
Then comes the arrival in Monaco: “Monaco is nine miles from Nice, along a uniformly bad road where not a single palm of good path can be found, all steep ascents. Along this entire route from Nice to Monaco, one can see a number of carob trees and some olive trees
on the mountainsides descending to the water. Monaco, a city that belongs to the brother of the Bishop of Grasse, is situated on a small, rounded, and not very high promontory hill; thus, it is almost entirely in the sea. The city occupies the entire plateau, its very strong walls, well-constructed and admirably equipped with artillery, surround the whole mount. At the entrance gate, for there is only one, there is a beautiful fortress, with numerous and comfortable dwellings; three or four openings have been made in the stone specifically for maneuvering the artillery without endangering the inhabitants. Therefore, both for the location and the fortifications of the castle and the city walls, as well as for the importance of the artillery, the number of culverins, cannons, and falconets, all of bronze, the good order and the good guard maintained by its lord, Monaco is considered very strong. Several years ago, when it was not yet as fortified, it was attacked by the Genoese, and although they were very numerous, they were cut to pieces and ruined by the lord of the city. (In fact, 500 Monégasques repelled 4,000 Genoese attackers and victoriously pursued them into Italy. — Ed.)
The castle’s guard includes the arming of a very solid small ship, tasked with intercepting all vessels of at least eight hundred tons passing offshore from the west, to make them pay a two percent fee due to the lord of Monaco. This lord (Lucien Grimaldi — Ed.), who is its absolute master, dependent on no prince, made great friendships with the cardinal and all of us and treated us to a very good meal…”
“A SAD AND DETESTABLE ROAD”
The journey continued: “From Monaco, after lunch, we went, on December 1, twenty miles further to San Remo, along a very sad and detestable road. Three miles from Monaco, one sees on a mountain the castle of Roquebrune, which belongs to the lord of Monaco; two miles away, we passed through Menton, a town that also belongs to him…” (Roquebrune and Menton would be formally integrated into France following negotiations by Monaco’s Charles III resulting in the treaty of 2 February 1861. — Ed.)
Cardinal Louis of Aragon thus left the region and the hospitality of Monsignor Augus tin Grimaldi. He cut an impor-
In olden days, Monaco was an impregnable fortress situated on a rock.
tant figure with his retinue. Imagine! His retinue reportedly consisted of his secretary, ten gentlemen each with their valet, the Bishop of Anglona (from Sardinia), a doctor, a majordomo, two cou -
riers, two cooks, a steward, an interpreter, two grooms, three stable boys, and musicians to boot… a retinue that would require dozens of horses and a mule to travel around.
Cardinal did not know that six years later his host Augustin would become Lord of Monaco when his brother Lucien would be assassinated and Monaco would be placed under the protection of King Charles V of Spain.
THE PERSONALITIES AND THE EVENTS FROM THIS PERIOD OF MONACO’S HISTORY
Jean II (1468–1505), Lord of Monaco, strengthened the French alliance and put his galleys at the disposal of Louis XII for French expeditions. He also accompanied the King of France in his triumphant entry into Genoa in 1502. However, in October 1505, Jean II was assassinated by his brother Lucien following an obscure dispute.
Lucien Grimaldi (1487–1523) was accepted as the new lord of Monaco by the population following his role in the violent demise of Jean II. His family did not condemn his action, and the Duke of Savoy granted him letters of remission. The King of France, Louis XII, was not as lenient. Seeing the weakened position of the Lord of Monaco, the government of Genoa, always hostile to the Grimaldi, concentrated an army in Ventimiglia to seize the fortress, thinking that France and Savoy would not intervene. Lucien successfully defended against the siege. In August 1523, Lucien met the same fate as his brother, being assassinated by his nephew Barthélémy Doria, son of his sister Francesca.
The Siege of Monaco by the Genoese lasted from December 6, 1506, to March 19, 1507. The struggle was fierce to capture the place and destroy its fortifications, but the Monégasques fiercely defended their city, receiving no aid from France or Savoy in the main battle for Monaco’s fortress. It was a merciless battle, which ended with
the victory of the Monégasques, who were under the command of Lucien. He immediately recovered Roquebrune and Menton at that point with some limited help from French troops.
Augustin Grimaldi (1482–1532), then Bishop of Grasse, succeeded Lucien as the lifelong lord of Monaco and sought to have the criminal Barthélémy Doria delivered to him by the King of France, then Francis I. But the King did not satisfy this request, as Barthélémy was also the nephew of Andrea Doria, Admiral of France, and a mercenary serving the new King in his campaigns to reclaim Milan. Faced with this refusal and sensing the King’s weak commitment to the Rock’s security, Augustin began negotiations with Charles V of Spain who represented the rising power in this fragmented and conflict-ridden region.
Charles Quint, Spanish King and European Emperor from 1519 to 1558, who was convinced of the strategic importance of Monaco’s location, established the treaty of Burgos with Augustin Grimaldi, which was modified and amended by the declaration of Tordesillas which, amongst other things, put Monaco under the Spanish protectorate and thus protected it against the Genoese’s appetite for power, recognising Monaco’s eminent sovereignty. The Emperor stayed in Monaco in August 1529 on his way to Bologna, where he would be crowned by the Pope.
A stamp printed in Monaco shows Lucien Grimaldi, Lord of Monaco, by Ambrogio de Predis, circa 1967 Monaco view from the Grimaldi Castle in Roquebrune
Alamy.com
HELLO MONACO PRESENTS: WORDS OF WISDOM IN MONACO
BUILDING A LIBRARY OF HUMAN WISDOM
Monaco is a unique place in the world. But in the wider public’s mind, the names Monaco and Monte-Carlo remain synonymous with casinos, Formula One™, luxury yachts, and offshore tax havens. But there is so much more to Monaco than these clichés. It’s the residents of the Principality who truly make Monaco unique: outstanding sportsmen, businessmen and women, film stars, artists, creative entrepreneurs, scientists, philanthropists, art collectors and more.
We come from different countries with different cultural heritage, religions and traditions. People who move to Monaco have a different personality and outlook on life. And we all manage to peacefully co-exist, literally side-by-side, in 2 square kilometres of territory. It could be argued that Monaco is the perfect prototype for countries of the future, where multi-cultural people live and cre -
Our project, “HelloMonaco: Words of Wisdom in Monaco” (WOW), will introduce you to the residents of the Principality who have achieved much in life. We will also interview eminent guests of the Principality, visiting Monaco on tour, for a concert, or here on holiday. Each person’s experience in life is different, but they all have valuable lessons to share. These interviews will be an invaluable resource, vital to our mission of building a library of human wisdom. We won’t be asking the usual questions — we will be asking questions about life, love, wellbeing, success and more. And many answers could be life changing.
The nephew of Prince Albert II, Louis Ducruet, and his wife, Marie, told us how the birth of their daughters has changed them, and also about the advantages of life in Monaco, and the important little things that make a happy life for loving people. Despite belonging to the princely family, this young couple leads a normal life and faces the same challenges as other families with small children. They also have to balance work with the desire to spend as much time as possible with their girls, and their ideal day is one when the children sleep in until at least nine in the morning. Louis and Marie have decided to dedicate the end of each day exclusively to family, and therefore in the evenings, they as a rule do not answer phone calls, in order to protect the quality of their time with the children.
Olivier Minazzoli, a native of Monaco, is an outstanding astrophysicist who was “pulled into” a black hole at a young age, and since then, he has been deciphering the incomprehensible mysteries of the Universe. Olivier is a researcher at the Côte d’Azur Observatory and the coordinator of the Monaco Space Affairs Office. While studying Albert Einstein’s famous theory of relativity, Olivier formulated his own theory, known as Entangled Relativity Theory, which excludes the existence of space-time devoid of the matter that permeates it. We also took the opportunity to learn what the Monegasque scientist thinks about the existence of extraterrestrials, the prospects for the development of AI, and global warming.
WORDS OF WISDOM IN MONACO WITH LOUIS AND MARIE DUCRUET
By Helena Litvak
There is something genuinely lovely about spending time with Louis Ducruet and Marie Ducruet. No performance. No need for grand declarations. Just warmth, humour, and the kind of honesty that immediately makes you understand why so many people see them as a grounded couple.
Between family breakfasts, daycare drop-offs, football matches with the Barbagiuans of Monaco — founded more than forty years ago by Louis’ uncle, H.S.H. Albert II, Prince of Monaco, during his student years in the United States — work meetings, and evenings fully dedicated to their daughters, the couple are building a life that feels quite normal despite the public attention around them. Together, they speak about Monaco, parenthood, love, and the small moments that matter most with sincerity and ease. Today, Louis is proud to continue that family legacy while carrying forward the spirit of friendship and solidarity that have always defined the association.
Photo
Prince Palace of Monaco
Hello Monaco: Today, how would you describe this moment in your life as a couple and as a family?
Louis Ducruet: I think we are very busy at the moment. We are both working on many projects together, which is wonderful because it allows us to spend time together even while working. But of course, our daughters take a lot of our time too. We work late, even at home sometimes, so balancing everything can be challenging.
Marie Ducruet: It’s difficult sometimes because there is our life as a couple, our life as parents, and also our professional life. We really try to be present for the girls ourselves. That’s extremely important for us. We want to give them as much time and attention as possible and create a real family life together.
Louis Ducruet: Every morning we take the girls to daycare ourselves, and every evening we pick them up around 5 p.m. From then until bedtime, it’s family time only. Those moments are precious.
Marie Ducruet: You can try calling us during those hours, but honestly, we are busy with them — and happily so. Those moments belong to our family.
: Louis, growing up in Monaco and within the Princely Family, what does that mean to you today as a father? And Marie,
how do you balance your personal projects with your family life?
Louis Ducruet: Monaco means everything to me. It’s my home, my country, and now, as a father, I realise even more how special it is to raise children here. It was never really an option for me to live anywhere else. We feel safe here, and family life is very important in Monaco.
Marie Ducruet: Becoming a mother completely changed my priorities. Before children, you think mostly about yourself — your plans, your schedule, your work. Now everything begins with them. Even when planning a weekend or a holiday, the first thought is always: “What would make the girls happy?”
Louis Ducruet: Parenthood changes every routine. As they grow, every year becomes different. Next year, Victoire will begin school, so we will enter another new chapter as parents.
: What does a perfect family day look like for you? Are there small routines or moments you especially enjoy together? And how do you keep your family life simple and private?
Louis Ducruet: A perfect day starts when the girls sleep a little longer — maybe until 9 a.m. That’s already a gift. Then we all have breakfast together,
spend the day outdoors, and do activities with the girls.
Marie Ducruet: We love simple things. Going to the park, seeing friends, taking Pancake for a walk, or going to Little Wonders together. After naps, we usually head back outside again. We really try to enjoy every small moment.
Louis Ducruet: Family time is our priority. We protect it. Even if work is busy, we always try to keep evenings for ourselves and the children.
: Your dog Pancake seems to be a very important part of the family.
Louis Ducruet: Pancake is our first child. Truly. He’s like the girls’ big brother.
Marie Ducruet: The girls adore him. They hug him constantly, kiss him, talk to him all the time.
Louis Ducruet: And he’s very protective of them. Victoire always says, “Pancake protects me.” It’s very sweet.
: What values are most important for you to pass on to your children? Are there traditions from your own childhood you would like to continue?
Marie Ducruet: Respect is extremely important for us. Respect for others, respect for each other, honesty as well. They are still very young, but we already try to teach them kindness and truthfulness every day.
Louis Ducruet: Respect, honesty, and family are very important for us. And through everyday life — including sport and simple activities — we want them to understand the importance of being together and enjoying those moments.
Marie Ducruet: One tradition I really love from Louis’ family — especially from Louis’ mother, Princess Stéphanie — is spending evenings together playing board games after dinner. I didn’t grow up with that, but I love it and would love for our girls to keep those memories too.
: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about? And what would you like your children to remember most about their childhood?
Louis Ducruet: We try to take life day by day. Mostly, we want our daughters to grow up with strong values and beautiful memories of family life.
Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Prince Palace of Monaco
Marie Ducruet: I hope they remember that we were always present. That we spent time together, laughed together, and truly enjoyed being a family. ***
And finally, a few fun questions to finish.
: Who is the more patient parent?
Marie Ducruet: Me. Definitely me.
Louis Ducruet: It depends on the day… but yes, probably Marie.
: Who is the fun parent?
Louis Ducruet: Me. (laughs)
Marie Ducruet: Absolutely not. Me.
: Who wins most of the small arguments?
Louis Ducruet: Marie. Men usually surrender for peace at home. (laughs)
: Morning person or night owl?
Louis Ducruet: I’m the morning person.
Marie Ducruet: And I’m definitely more active at night.
: Coffee first… or straight to the children?
Louis Ducruet: Straight to the children.
Marie Ducruet: Always.
: Beach or mountains for a family day?
Louis Ducruet: Both. Beach in the summer, mountains in the winter.
Marie Ducruet: And sometimes mountains in summer too — especially when it’s too hot for Pancake. ***
Behind their busy schedules and public roles, Louis and Marie Ducruet remain, above all, devoted parents focused on creating a warm and grounded family life. What stands out most is the simplicity of what matters to them: time together, shared values, and being fully present for their children.
Hello Monaco sincerely thanks Louis and Marie Ducruet for welcoming us into their family world and for sharing these moments with such openness and kindness.
Photo credit: apm monaco
Photo credit : Global Gift Gala
Olivier Minazzoli, researcher at the Côte d’Azur Observatory and coordinator of the Monaco Space Affairs Office
WORDS OF WISDOM IN MONACO WITH OLIVIER MINAZZOLI
By Nicole Laffont
T-shirt and Bermuda shorts, youthful figure, smiling face. Looking like a tourist on the French Riviera. And yet… This man isn’t here for sunbathing. He remains glued to his screen, but once he looks up, it’s to travel all the way to the stars. We are dealing with an eminent astrophysicist here. Having “fallen” into a black hole back in his teenage years, he has since been pursuing the universe’s most unfathomable mysteries. A researcher at the Côte d’Azur Observatory, Olivier Minazzoli is also coordinator at the Monaco Space Affairs Office. A dual role for this Monegasque, a leading authority in general relativity studies. Putting the famous relativity theory through multiple tests, researching a brand new concept, he went as far as “rivalling” Einstein himself. His “entangled relativity theory” is demonstrating just how matter and spacetime cannot exist without each other.
Olivier Minazzoli is also an excellent teacher. He kindly agreed to answer our questions, making his highly specialized research accessible to all.
Black holes have fascinated Olivier Minazzoli since his adolescence
Hello Monaco: Where did your adventure begin? How long have you been fascinated by the sky?
Olivier Minazzoli: I was born in Monaco into a family that wasn’t at all scientific. My father was a civil servant, and my mother worked for an airline. For a while, I considered becoming a croupier like my brother… But I wanted to carry on with my studies. Since I really enjoyed computer science, I enrolled in the first year of mathematics at the University of Nice. At the time, it included computer science and physics.
I’ve always been fascinated by black holes, however, and I knew that if I stopped studying physics to devote myself entirely to computer science, I would never understand their mystery. Back in the day, I was reading all kinds of popular science magazines on the subject… So in the end I turned to astrophysics, eventually earning a PhD degree in the field. After my first position at the Paris Observatory, I pursued a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at NASA, free to choose my research theme. That’s how I came to focus on testing Einstein’s general relativity theory.
: Why did you make this particular choice? Did you have any specific goal in mind?
Olivier Minazzoli: Very importantly, from the very start Einstein himself was suggesting other alternatives to his own theory… It is still very efficient for a number of apps, like GPS, since time doesn’t flow in the same way depending on where you are. Einstein is thus behind a tool we are using on a daily basis! Certain questions remain unanswered, however. I therefore thought that by testing it, I could unearth its limitations.
For my part, I had three good reasons to study general relativity. To start with, in physics, there is always room for improvement, the possible refining of a theory. Second, relativity as such seems to present certain theoretical problems. Due to singularities inside black holes, for example. From that point of view, the theory is incomplete.
A black hole is a star that collapses and becomes so dense that no trajectory can ever go beyond a certain limit. It is a black hole for that very reason that any object that enters it can escape it — not even light. A laser beam, for example, will be trapped inside the black hole. Another difficulty, from the general relativity perspective, is the possibility of a universe completely de -
void of matter. This hypothesis violates one of the principles Einstein himself imposed when developing his theory.
And finally, there are observational constraints — those between any theory and any cosmological observations we may perform, even if the discrepancies are minimal.
In any case, this theory is believed to be very sound, providing a very accurate approximation of reality.
There are several schools of thought, however. Some believe that we could have a theory for everything; others that we would always miss something when talking about the universe.
: What was your conclusion from that?
Olivier Minazzoli: I wanted to make sure that this general relativity theory is still the best compared to the other ones out there. You know, Newton’s theory was also turned out to be an approximation. Specializing in its testing, a German doctoral student, Henrik Ludwig, and myself stumbled upon the entangled relativity theory. By total seren -
dipity! This demonstrates the importance of fostering fundamental research. We thus unexpectedly discovered that spacetime and matter cannot exist without each other; the two are closely interconnected. The universe cannot exist without matter.
Einstein started from metaphysical principles, presupposed but not confirmed experimentally. What’s wonderful is that he deduced a theory perfectly aligned with the laws of nature. That said, I would be very happy if this theory of entangled relativity one day turned out to be better than Einstein’s, but only time will tell…
: We can therefore affirm that artificial intelligence cannot equal humans. What do you think about it?
Olivier Minazzoli: Until a week ago, I would have conceded that. But last week, Chat GPT succeeded in producing a mathematical proof never achieved by humans. It was a geometric conjecture (Erdős) that many mathematicians, without being able to prove it, believed to be accurate. AI demonstrated, however, that it was false, thus solving an eighty-year-old mathematical problem. We have entered a new era
Olivier Minazzoli at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
where AI could become independent of humans, at least in terms of mathematical and physical research. Perhaps even replacing mathematicians… I don’t know how worrying that should be.
: AI may be competitive in calculations but it can’t observe the sky. By the way, isn’t it a bit frustrating to always be behind a screen, rarely getting to see the stars?
Olivier Minazzoli: No, not really! I do calculations, but I have infinity at my fingertips…
: Infinity is beyond our comprehension, but there is general curiosity about extraterrestrials. Do you think there is life on other planets?
Olivier Minazzoli: It would be infinitely unlikely for it not to. Given the colossal time and space scales of the universe (billions of years), however, the probability of having a life form nearby is infinitesimally small. We are talking about at least four light-years separating our planet from those outside of the solar system.
This being said, it’s possible to have primitive, elementary life nearby. On planets close enough to be detected. Mars for instance seems to be bearing traces of past life…
But planets outside of our solar system (exoplanets) are out of reach. The nearest star is four light-years away. The moon, for instance, which is already very difficult to reach, is just one light-second away. When we look at it first, it appears as it were a second earlier. But the further away we look, the further back in time we see. Back to the era when the universe was very young and primitive … an expanding universe that one day cooled down, became transparent and emitted the first light that we can now see through radio telescopes. Thirteen billion years ago…
: All this is mind-boggling… Do you believe in God?
Olivier Minazzoli: No, I don’t. From a physicist’s perspective, if god exists, his sole capacity lies in determining the laws of the universe and nature, establishing the laws of physics and initial conditions. The current consensus is reductionist: everything, such as chemistry or biology, stems originally from physics.
This god would have nothing to do with any existing dogma-based religion. I believe that all religions are mythologies… Einstein once said: “The word ‘God’ for
me is nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses.” In physics, we are satisfied with the results we find. As the American physicist Richard Feynman puts it: “It is far more interesting to live with doubts and uncertainties than to have answers that might be wrong.”
: You divide your time between the Côte d’Azur Observatory and space studies in Monaco… What can you tell us about this mission?
Olivier Minazzoli: We just learned that a Monaco company is directly involved in the “Artemis” program establishing a lunar base. NASA has indeed selected the lunar rover by Venturi Astrolab, a Californian partner of this Monaco-based firm.
Furthermore, one aspect we are working on is related to environmental and ocean protection. 70% of environmental data thus comes from space. So we are very much involved in various initiatives promoting the use of space technology in terms of our oceans and resources protection.
: What do you think of the heatwave that hit us in May?
Olivier Minazzoli: We just have to get used to it because it’s only going to get worse and worse.
: Aren’t there any solutions?
Olivier Minazzoli: Solutions there are, but they may have even more harmful repercussions. Scientists for instance proposed putting chemicals in the very upper atmosphere to reflect the sun rays and reduce the greenhouse effect. But imagine what could happen if they fell back on us… There is, however, one solution that seems more adapted. We could imagine a satellite acting as a large parasol, blocking a portion of sunlight… But I don’t know how technologically feasible that is. The best thing is to avoid generating more greenhouse gases.
: Do you have a dream?
Olivier Minazzoli: I’m quite lucky in my life. I have a job I enjoy, a wife and two children, aged seven and ten. I’m perfectly happy. I was recently giving a presentation on stars and black holes to my daughter’s class at the Révoires school in Monaco. Children asked lots of questions… Otherwise, it’s true, I could have dreamed of going to space, but becoming a father made me fear for my life. I am no longer willing to take risks…
Working with German doctoral student Henrik Ludwig
Astrong and sustained commitment lies behind twenty years of initiatives, efforts and declarations to raise our awareness on the most urgent and noble causes of all …that of preserving our planet. The commitment of Monaco’s sovereign is widely known — the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is working daily to reconcile humanity with nature and, by extension, with its destiny. 838 environmental projects have thus been supported in more than 100 countries. 250 associations are being accompanied locally, with the Foundation’s eleven international branches (Germany, Latin America, Canada, China, Spain, the United States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Switzerland). A broad community of scientists, policymakers and economic stakeholders is thus united around a common goal.
With marine ecosystems’ preservation being its core mission, the Foundation is also fighting against climate change, advocating biodiversity preservation and sustainable management of water resources.
Appointed Vice-President and Managing Director of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation a few months ago, Romain Ciarlet has championed this comprehensive program for many years. “I am willing to boost these very positive dynamics, combating the significant impact of pollution, particularly in the Mediterranean, based on our cooperation with a number of NGOs from several Mediterranean countries. We aim at raising one hundred million euros for this philanthropic initiative, supporting numerous projects. Our second priority is working on the blue economy and finance. We already have solutions underway reconciling ocean preservation and economic growth! We thus invested in Bound4Blue, a Spanish company promoting rigid sails. Whilst increasing its profits, it is also contributing to reducing the carbon dioxide footprint of boats. Developing rapidly, this system is significantly reducing the amount of fuel needed for tankers to operate.”
Since 2023, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has been combining philanthropy and impact investing as a catalyst for change, with the ambition of making sustainable finance a driver for actual regenerative ecological transition.
For this purpose, the Foundation is actively involved in promoting such mobilizing events as the Ocean Innovators Platform and the Blue Economy & Finance Forum (BEFF) and such innovative financial tools as the ReOcean Fund and the Blue Economy Index, a financial index launched to support sustainable development, responsible consumption, production and sanitation. These are all tools the current discussions and actions are centred on.
“As demonstrated by some innovative companies, reconciling economic and environmental benefits is perfectly possible. There is one that is currently working on naturecompatible concrete, for example. Its powder and cells are conceived to allow biodiversity to colonize concrete structures. And it works!”
Romain Ciarlet is referring to ECOncrete, a Tel Aviv-based company working closely with developers, authorities, contractors, architects, engineers and environmentalists. ECOncrete has already deployed its revolutionary technology in Israel, Europe and North America, where it has opened its own subsidiary. Its long-term goal is one of furthering creating a coastal concrete infrastructure — a haven rather than a curse in terms of marine biodiversity. ECOncrete modules were first installed as early as 2019 in the port of Fontvieille in Monaco and more recently in the Larvotto beach area.
Another exemplary action, albeit in a different field, is preserving a highly endangered species, Mediterranean monk seals. The Foundation is funding this conservation project for the Greek island of Gyaros.
Since 2023, the Mediterranean monk seal has indeed been classed as a “vulnerable” Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Scattered between Greece and Turkey, only a few hundred remain. Hence the urgency of this conservation effort. Celebrating its strong and unwavering 20-year commitment this year, the Prince Albert II of Monaco’s Foundation projects are multifaceted and multiple.
TWO GRAND EVENINGS FOR THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY
The Foundation is currently finalizing the agenda for its two landmark 20th anniversary celebrations. On
September 18, there will be one held in the prestigious Opéra Garnier setting. International celebrities and top performances are expected, together with a major auction raising funds for the good cause. A truly wonderful evening is in store.
On October 16, there is the awards ceremony. Since 2008, the Foundation has been honouring individuals and organizations for their remarkable commitment in preserving the planet in three priority areas: awareness, science and innovation. This ceremony will take place in the Salle des Étoiles at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club during a gala dinner. A majestic setting indeed under the starry sky to keep a crucial challenge in mind, that of preserving our blue planet.
Romain Ciarlet
The 36 photographs of the 2026 edition of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Environmental Photography Award are installed on the Larvotto Promenade in Monaco from May 28 to July 30, 2026.
Prince Albert II with the truly exceptional cohort of international young people who have been chosen for the 2026 RE.GENERATION Future Leaders program
CRYSTAL RADIANCE: 15 Years of Love Since the Wedding of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène
By Julia Saint-Germain
There is a kind of love that does not need loud words, it exists in light, like crystal. Fifteen years later, the union of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène remains exactly that: transparent, whole, and unwaveringly radiant over Monaco. This year, the princely couple celebrates an anniversary known as the crystal wedding — a symbol of strength, clarity, and the refined beauty of their shared journey.
TWO UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
The wedding of Sovereign Prince Albert II and Miss Charlène Wittstock took place on July 1 and 2, 2011. The first day, for the civil ceremony, Charlène chose a look that quietly redefined royal bridal style. In collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld, she wore a pale-blue ensemble, later dubbed “Charlène Blue”, featuring a lace and chiffon jumpsuit with flowing palazzo trousers, paired with a sharply tailored blazer. Both modern and deeply personal, the outfit reflected her understated elegance and athletic sensibility, offering a subtle yet memorable contrast to traditional bridal conventions, one that, fifteen years on, remains as distinctive as ever.
The ceremony itself took place in the Throne Room of the Prince’s Palace. Philippe Narmino, then President of the Monaco Council of State, officiated at the 20-minute ceremony, during which Prince Albert and Charlène said “I do.” They signed the wedding register using specially designed Montblanc gold pens
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène at the Rose Ball in Monaco, March 21, 2026
created for the occasion, inlaid with precious stones and engraved with their monograms.
Next day, the princely palace courtyard served as a sacred venue for the Sovereign Prince and his bride to say “yes” to each other. They were saluted by the most prestigious of guests, royalty and heads of state. King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Silvia, president of Iceland Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, ex First Lady of France Bernadette Chirac, the French President Nicolas Sarkozy, youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, the British actor Sir Roger Moore, the French supermodel, fashion designer and per-
fumer Inès de La Fressange, the French musician Jean-Michel Jarre, the world-famous sportsmen Sir Jackie Stewart, Sergey Bubka and Henri Leconte were among the illustrious audience.
On that sunny day the Princess was dazzling in her off-white, Armani-embroidered satin dress. The Prince was attired in an immaculate carabinier uniform. One significant detail, Charlène, whose sober and natural elegance had immediately won over hearts, was not wearing a traditional tiara. It is only on the following evening, in the golden Opera Garnier and the Monte-Carlo Casino terrace, that her porcelain complexion was complemented by a thin-stemmed diamond tiara. This delightful piece of jewellery
The civil ceremony of the Princely marriage on July 1, 2011
The wedding ceremony on July 2, 2011
Photo: David Niviere/SBM
Alamy.com
was specially created for the occasion by Lorenz Baümer. Having given free rein to his imagination, the jeweller baptized it the “Écume de Diamants” (Diamond sea-foam).
Another remarkable, marine-designed jewel was the “Ocean” set by Van Cleef & Arpels, official princely palace supplier since the wedding of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly in 1956. This necklace, both original and impressive, is adorned with diamonds and sapphires on white gold, evoking a movement of waves. It was gifted by the Monegasque sovereign to his princess. The sea, a subject so dear to Charlène’s heart, is something that the Prince has been striving to protect for years. It was destined to strengthen the connection between the newlyweds.
The couple were warmly acclaimed by the Monegasques, greeting them on their path and then awaiting an heir. This marriage, so ardently desired, had once again lit up the famous Rock.
YEARS OF WAITING AND COURTING
It all started with a prestigious swimming competition starring the future Princess of Monaco. Charlène’s athletic looks, virtuosity and strength will have conquered the hearts of all “Mare Nostrum” spectators. She brilliantly won the 200-metres at this international swimming contest in Monaco. The Prince was dazzled by the blonde mermaid. Their eyes first met when he was presenting her with a victory bouquet. The son of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace then felt a strong emotion, decisive for the Principality’s destiny...
The happy end, however, took years to happen. South African swimming champion, Charlène Wittstock, pursued her career as a top athlete. It was not until the next year that the Prince got another chance to court her. This meeting did not take place in a sumptuous palace, but a comfortable hotel where Charlène was sharing a meal with her fellow swimming athletes. Prince Albert invited her for dinner. Her hesitation was only short before she accepted. Their date carried on well into the night. Wrapped up in languid dancing, they just couldn’t get enough of each other...
After this memorable evening, the Olympic swimmer returned to South Africa and carried on with her training. “We finally met a few
The official wedding dinner on the Terrasses of the Monte-Carlo Opera on July 2, 2011
Prince Albert II and Charlène Wittstock in 2006
months after my father’s death, in the company of mutual friends, on New Year’s Eve 2005–2006, in Cape Town. We’ve taken up the thread of our brief relationship from there.” That’s what Prince Albert says in his book “Albert II of Monaco, a man and a prince. Conversations with Isabelle Rivère and Peter Mikelbank” published three years ago.
This was the start of a special bond that remained secret until the whole world learned about the couple and speculation began about a possible union. It all became official on February 10, 2006, at the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Turin. The couple appeared serene and visibly very close, their romantic intentions now
obvious. Even before the official statement, it didn’t take long to figure out what was happening. They still gave themselves four more years. Albert and Charlène’s engagement was announced on June 23, 2010, ten years after their first meeting.
THEY WANTED AN HEIR… THEY GOT TWO!
At that time Monegasques had but one idea in mind: the arrival of a future heir to perpetuate the 700-year-old Grimaldi dynasty. Since the constitutional reform of 2002 any
Monaco National Day on November 19, 2025
Photo:
Yaro T
legitimate child, whether a girl or boy, was eligible to inherit the throne. But the happy event took time to come, raising certain concerns. All fears were dismissed, however, on a beautiful spring day of May 30, 2014. That’s when the princely palace announced a birth scheduled for the end of the year. Twin babies were actually expected, one of them to become a future sovereign. On December 10, 2014, Princess Charlène gave birth to a girl, Gabriella, and a boy, Jacques. Even if his sister was born a few minutes earlier, the male heir is to inherit the throne according to a 17th century treaty.
The young crown prince is being prepared for his future sovereign role. The twins regularly accompany their parents on official trips. They are increasingly present at Monaco’s national and state celebrations, where they greet the public, take part in walkabouts with residents, and occasionally perform official gestures, such as Jacques’ military salute, as well as Gabriella’s blown kiss and greetings to residents in Carladès. They also appeared alongside their parents at the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Prince Albert’s accession to the throne, taking part in the festivities at the Palace Square.
Jacques and Gabriella both attend the Institution François d’AssiseNicolas Barré (FANB), sharing the joy of friendship with their peers. Their parents are doing their best to make their childhood as normal as possible. According to an interview Prince Albert kindly granted us, he is following the example of his own parents, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Speaking about his mother, he said: “She surrounded us with a boundless affection! She attached a great importance to family life and sometimes did the cooking without anyone’s help. She treasured our moments of intimacy, with no staff around, in our own little cocoon... For my part, I am trying to devote the utmost of my time to my children, despite all my obligations. I am convinced that, surrounded by love, they will grow up in the most harmonious way”.
With their pretty faces, naturalness and blondness, Jacques and Gabriella win hearts every time. In every photo, the twins are the very image of grace.
Let’s wish the princely couple long life and a very happy wedding anniversary!
Princess Gabriella in Carladès in 2025
Prince Jacques at the inauguration of a new exhibition at Monaco’s Museum of Stamps and Coins in 2026
FROM MONACO WITH HEART: Celebrating America at 250
By Helena Litvak
On July 4, 2026, the United States marked 250 years since the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. While this date belongs to American history, its meaning reaches far beyond—and in Monaco, it is felt in a very personal way.
Today, a small but very active American community calls the Principality home. Many have chosen Monaco not just as a place to live, but as a place to belong. Life here brings together different cultures in a natural way, where international residents quickly become part of a welcoming environment.
Many are connected through MonacoUSA, an association created in 1973 at the request of Grace Kelly. Her idea was simple: to create a place where people could meet easily, share ideas, and feel at home. That spirit still defines the group today. It remains an important bridge between Americans and friends of Monaco.
Today, the association is led by a dynamic team. The Executive Director, Annette Anderson, plays an important role in the life of the community, helping to maintain the warm and welcoming atmosphere that MonacoUSA is known for.
Over time, the Association’s role has grown in a very natural way. In addition to building strong ties between Monaco and the United States and assisting Americans in
the Principality, it brings people together through cultural exchange, supports charitable initiatives, and creates opportunities to connect—socially, culturally, and professionally. At its heart, it remains what it was always meant to be: a place where people feel at home.
Alongside MonacoUSA, other American associations have also played a role in shaping the community on the Riviera over time.
Everyone’s a cowboy on the 4th of July
MonacoUSA supports Roca basketball team in 2025
2026 CELEBRATIONS
The year 2026 brings several important moments together. Alongside America’s 250th anniversary, the Principality also marks 20 years since opening its embassy in Washington, strengthening its presence in the United States.
Monaco took part in America250, the national program coordinating celebrations across the country. Prince Albert II took part in these events, reflecting the long-standing relationship between Monaco and the United States.
A series of official and cultural events took place in Washington, New York, and other partner cities. These brought together public institutions, cultural figures, and friends of Monaco, in a shared moment of history and friendship.
A cultural program developed with the Smithsonian Institution highlighted the life of Princess Grace, with a special focus on Philadelphia, her birthplace.
The Principality also issued a commemorative stamp series, a simple but meaningful tribute to this shared history.
Night of Ideas, led by Villa Albertine, brought together writers, artists, and thinkers to explore themes such as freedom, progress, and the future of democracy.
Traditional celebrations such as Bastille Day also included a tribute to American independence, reflecting the close history shared between France, the United States, and the Principality.
One of the earliest is the American Club of the Riviera. Founded in 1962 as a successor to the US Propeller Club—originally created in 1927 in Washington to support the American Merchant Marine—the Club brought together Americans living along the Côte d’Azur in a simple and familiar way.
At the time, its headquarters moved from Marseille to the Hôtel Martinez, before later settling in Cannes, where it remains today. Its activities naturally followed the spirit of similar American clubs across Europe, creating opportunities to meet, exchange, and stay connected.
Over the years, the Club welcomed many distinguished guests, including Grace Kelly, who became an honorary member, as well as Prince Rainier III and members of the princely family, who attended its traditional Thanksgiving gatherings at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. American ambassadors and officials were also part of these moments.
Through time, the American Club of the Riviera has remained an active part of life on the Côte d’Azur, quietly contributing to the long-standing friendship between France and the United States.
Over the years, Stars’n’Bars also became a well-known meeting place for the Ameri -
Annette Anderson receives Order of St. Charles 2025 for MonacoUSA work in support of the Principality.
can community in Monaco. Opened in 1993 on the port, it was known for its relaxed atmosphere and community events, and remained part of Monaco life until its closure in January 2023. A new chapter began in the same space with Marius Monaco.
The connection between Monaco and the United States became especially visible in 1956, when Prince Rainier III married Grace Kelly. It was more than a royal wedding—it brought two worlds together and created a lasting cultural bridge between Monaco and America. That moment still gives life to a relationship shaped by shared values, cultural exchange, and real closeness between both countries.
GRACE KELLY & MONACOUSA
The story of Monaco and the United States remains closely tied to Grace Kelly. She kept a strong connection to her American roots and supported cultural and humanitarian causes throughout her life. With Prince Rainier III, she helped create a lasting link between Hollywood, Monaco, and the United States. Her legacy continues through the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, which supports talented artists across the United States.
In Monaco, MonacoUSA continues this connection in a very direct way, bringing together Americans and friends of Monaco through community life, keeping that original spirit alive.
What stands out in this story is the human connection. It is about people, memories, and relationships that continue over time. From Grace Kelly’s arrival in Monaco to today’s cultural and official ties, the relationship between Monaco and the United States remains warm, active, and very much alive.
Thanksgiving is Monaco’s favourite US holiday.
MonacoUSA collaborated with the Nice Matin in launching the newspaper’s Special Collector’s magazine celebrating the 70 Anniversary of the Wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier
Photo credit: Dylan Meiffret/Nice Matin
MANUELA RUOSI, Italy’s Ambassador to the Principality
By Nicole Laffont
Brimming with Neapolitan joy and conviviality, this warm and vibrant woman from the south of the Italian peninsula, Manuela Ruosi was appointed the Italian Ambassador to Monaco (she insists on using the masculine form!) almost two years ago. Her Excellency the Ambassador kindly answered our questions, outlining her goals as to further fostering the ties between Monaco and neighbouring Italy, Italians being the third largest community in the Principality following the Monegasques and French. After all, who doesn’t have a drop of Italian blood in their veins in Monaco?
Hello Monaco: We are talking about only 20% of ambassadors being women worldwide. Miles away from gender parity, isn’t it? How would you explain this kind of low ratio?
Manuela Ruosi: I am not particularly pessimistic about the presence of women in the professional world, diplomatic careers included.
Over the decades, we’ve seen a significant increase in the proportion of women employed in the diplomatic service. Especially if we
compare back to when I was first appointed — senior positions, both at the ministry and abroad, were indeed predominantly reserved for male colleagues.
: As a woman, are there any specific actions you envisage taking, both sociologically and culturally, to make women more visible in both our countries?
Manuela Ruosi: Talking about that, I would like to point out that the context in which I am performing my Ambassador duties has already much evolved in terms of valuing and strengthening women’s role in society and at the workplace. A number of Monaco women’s associations (such as “Women Leaders”) are now hosting events celebrating the experience and career paths of women internationally in a variety of fields. Nowadays they embody excellence in professions that used to be almost exclusively reserved for men.
Another one I have in mind is Monaco Women’s Forum, annually honouring women who distinguished themselves thanks to their expertise in science, finance, culture or in the field of Space.
: Following a distinguished career and other prestigious positions, you have now been Ambassador to Monaco for almost two years. The first woman in this role, what are your priorities in terms of building even closer ties between Italy and Monaco, two countries already much connected in every respect?
Manuela Ruosi: First and foremost, I am particularly attached to my “Ambassador’s” title used in the masculine form. It is “conditioned” by historical “legacy” — the title “ambassadrice” being reserved for the Ambassador’s wife. I also believe it is important to emphasize the role, not the gender, of the one appointed. I am obviously honoured, however, to be the very first female Ambassador to the Principality. I must admit that this “novelty” has been warmly welcomed here, at all levels, by both the authorities and residents. After this very warm welcome, I immediately took to both the daily life of Monaco (I was already somewhat familiar with it) and its institutional life. A relationship of trust and open communication was quickly established with the local authorities, making it naturally easier to address any possible issues.
The relations between Italy and Monaco have always been strong, fruitful and dynamic. My goal is to work towards boosting our political dialogue, with an aim of further fostering trade.
: In March, you held the Italy–Monaco Entrepreneurial Forum designed to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. The Principality already counts 2,500 Italian-owned businesses and more than 9,000 Italian workers. What does the future hold for you? And what is the outcome of this particular Forum?
Manuela Ruosi: Italian and Monaco companies exchanged their views on four particularly important subjects in terms of our business cooperation: luxury goods, tourism, yachting and finance, confirming a strong interest of the business community in bilateral economic relations. The above discussions made it obvious that the economic cooperation between the two countries continues to expand. Our trade has reached particularly significant levels. Some 2,500 Italian companies present in the Principality demonstrate a high degree of integration between the two economic systems. This initiative has undoubtedly had an extremely positive impact on Italian–Monaco cooperation, fostering a synergistic collaboration and promising mutual benefits for both of us. Furthermore, the Forum has undoubtedly contributed to improving the Principality’s image in Italy. Monaco is an attractive destination for new Italian investors and for high-level visits. This recent event has also fostered exchanges and cooperation in the environmental field.
: You have recently visited the Monaco Scientific Centre, committed to saving our seas and oceans. Do you foresee any further such cooperation particularly for the Mediterranean bordering France, Monaco and Italy?
Manuela Ruosi: The Principality of Monaco boasts an ecosystem conducive to scientific research, particularly in marine sciences, study and protection of marine environments, not to mention its innovative business management. Invariably encouraged by its sovereigns, the Principality’s commitment to science is deeply rooted in its history. It is also evidenced by a number of foundations and scientific institutions established by the Grimaldi family members.
Thanks to these prestigious institutions operating in the fields of marine biology, environmental protection, business management and technological innovation, the Principality of Monaco stands out as a major scientific research centre. The synergy between all these entities is key to the Principality successfully addressing global challenges and actively contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection.
: Now that you have received the Minister of Foreign Affairs, do you plan on inviting Prime Minister Georgia Meloni to Monaco for a state or at least an official visit?
Manuela Ruosi: I do not rule out the possibility of welcoming other high-level Italian officials in Monaco. As I mentioned, my mandate’s main ambition is that of emphasizing our bilateral political dialogue. My efforts are therefore primarily aimed at strengthening and developing the multilateral cooperation between our two countries.
: Are you happy living in Monaco?
Manuela Ruosi: I have received a very warm welcome and I feel perfectly integrated here in Monaco.
Her Excellency Manuela Ruosi speaking with Prince Albert at a symposium
CARESSE DE CROCO DOUBLE CROCODILE NECKLACE, 18K WHITE AND ROSE GOLD, WHITE DIAMONDS AND EMERALDS.
OPPOSITE: CARESSE DE CROCO RING, 18K WHITE GOLD, WHITE DIAMONDS AND EMERALDS.
ORLOV: A MONTE CARLO LOVE STORY WRITTEN IN EMERALDS
A Shared Vision
Some jewellery houses are born from business ambitions. Others are born from passion. ORLOV belongs firmly to the latter.
Founded by Angela and Christian Orlov, the Maison is the expression of a shared vision shaped by love, creativity, and an unwavering pursuit of beauty.
Their story began in Monte Carlo, where a chance meeting brought together two individuals whose talents would prove remarkably complementary. What started as a personal connection soon evolved into a creative partnership and, ultimately, into one of the most distinctive names in contemporary high jewellery.
Christian Orlov’s expertise in exceptional gemstones and the world of fine jewellery naturally complemented Angela Orlov’s artistic sensitivity and instinctive appreciation for elegance. Together, they created a Maison that reflects both their personalities: bold yet refined, contemporary yet timeless.
Born in Monte Carlo
Born in the heart of the Riviera, ORLOV embodies the glamour, sophistication, and effortless elegance of Monte Carlo.
Every creation reflects the spirit of a destination celebrated for its beauty, exclusivity, and art of living. Monte Carlo is more than the Maison’s birthplace—it is a constant source of inspiration.
Behind each jewel lies the extraordinary craftsmanship of master artisans in Valenza, Italy, where rare gemstones are transformed by hand into remarkable works of art. Combining Monte Carlo’s refinement with Italian savoir-faire, ORLOV creates jewellery that is both distinctive and enduring.
The Birth of Croco Dream
At the heart of ORLOV’s identity stands its most iconic creation: the Croco Dream Collection.
The inspiration came during a visit to Paris, when Angela Orlov encountered Les Nubiens, the celebrated sculpture by Louis-Ernest Barrias at the Musée d’Orsay. Captivated by its beauty, symbolism, and strength, she envisioned a new creative language for high jewellery.
From that moment emerged the crocodile—a powerful symbol of resilience, elegance, and mystery.
Rather than simply reproducing the animal’s form, ORLOV reinterpreted its distinctive scales and dramatic spikes into sophisticated jewellery creations. The result is a collection that is both daring and refined, instantly recognizable yet timeless in its appeal.
The Emerald Signature
Emeralds occupy a special place within the Maison’s universe.
Their vibrant green hue has become ORLOV’s signature colour and one of its most recognizable symbols. Celebrated for their rarity and captivating beauty, emeralds perfectly embody the Maison’s spirit of confidence, elegance, and individuality.
Whether set in spectacular necklaces, statement rings, elegant earrings, or one-of-a-kind high-jewellery masterpieces, these exceptional gemstones illuminate every collection with unmistakable character.
A Presence on the World’s Greatest Red Carpets
Over the years, ORLOV’s creations have attracted an international clientele and adorned some of the world’s most celebrated women.
From Hollywood actresses and global music icons to supermodels and red-carpet stars, the Maison’s jewels have become synonymous with contemporary luxury and exceptional craftsmanship.
Today, ORLOV creations are worn by renowned personalities including Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, and Penélope Cruz, further cementing the Maison’s place in the world of high jewellery.
A Family Legacy
Yet beyond celebrity and glamour, ORLOV remains, above all, a family story.
It is the story of two founders who transformed a shared passion into a lasting legacy. Their vision continues to guide the Maison today, shaping collections that celebrate beauty, emotion, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Through every emerald, every diamond, and every meticulously crafted detail, Angela and Christian Orlov continue to express a philosophy where jewellery is more than an ornament—it is a work of art, a personal statement, and a lasting symbol of timeless elegance.
MONACO
ORLOV presented by ARIJE in the heart of Monaco
Allée François Blanc, Place du Casino, Monaco + 377 92 00 33 33 @orlovjewelry
Opening Hours : Daily from 11 am to 9 pm
Charlotte Casiraghi attends the Chanel Haute Couture Week Spring / Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 27, 2026
Happy 40th Birthday, CHARLOTTE CASIRAGHI!
By Xania Keane
“Princess Caroline Gives birth to a Baby Girl!” screamed the headlines, one fateful day in 1986. The Prince’s Palace unveiled the joyful news in the official statement: “Princess Caroline of Monaco has given birth to a 6-pound, 8-ounce daughter, who was named Charlotte after the mother of Prince Rainier.”
Charlotte Marie Pomeline
Casiraghi was born on 3 August at 7 p.m. at Princess Grace Hospital. While pregnant with her daughter, Princess Caroline revealed in an interview to a French magazine that she was afraid she would suffer while giving birth: “I suffered terribly during the birth of Andrea (Charlotte’s brother). This time I’m afraid I’ll suffer even more,” she had said.
Luckily, Princess Caroline, aged 29, experienced labour only an hour before the birth while she was at the princely family summer home in Roc Agel, a 20-minute drive from Monaco. Present at the birth was Charlotte’s father, Stefano Casiraghi, her grandfather, Prince Rainier III, and her uncle and aunt, Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie.
Princess Caroline and Stefano Casiraghi intentionally did not secure a royal title for Charlotte, hoping to give their daughter a more private life away from intense media scrutiny.
Charlotte’s early life was marked by the death of her father in a boat racing accident in October 1990, when she was only four years old.
“Anxiety and existential anguish are part of everyone’s life. My personal experience has been of sad events, such as my father’s early death, but these are things that happen to everyone, no matter where we come from,” said Charlotte Casiraghi in an interview in 2017.
Following the tragedy, her mother relocated the family to Saint-Rémy-deProvence, France, to escape the spotlight.
of Charlotte
of Princess
Christening
Casiraghi, daughter
Caroline of Monaco and Stefano Casiraghi; on the right, Andrea Casiraghi, first son of the couple, on September 21, 1986 in Monaco.
“Loneliness, I felt it early enough, during adolescence, and this is what prompted me to introspection, especially since I had a temperament that inclined me to analysis. Later, the company of philosophers gave me the impression that I was not alone,” said Charlotte Casiraghi.
Celebrating her 40th birthday this year, Charlotte Casiraghi has many callings. The philosopher, fashion icon, published author, equestrian, and mother frequently visits Monaco with her family, for business and for pleasure. This year she attended Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the Principality and the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters all while giving media interviews and book signings to promote her latest novel.
PHILOSOPHER
Charlotte Casiraghi earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from The Sorbonne and a master’s degree in Philosophy from the Catholic Institute of Paris. With three other philosophers, she co-founded Monaco Philosophical Encounters in 2015, an association whose mission is to promote
philosophy through conferences and workshops. She also founded the PhiloMonaco Prize, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in June 2026.
AUTHOR
Charlotte is the author of two books, her most recent one came out this year. Her first book, Archipel des Passions (Archipelago of Passions), was co-written with Robert Maggiori eight years ago and has since been translated into several languages (Spanish, Italian, German, and Korean). She also wrote the preface to a book called La Femme et le Sacrifice (Woman and Sacrifice) by philosopher and psychoanalyst Anne Dufourmantelle.
LA FÊLURE (FLAWS)
Charlotte’s first solo book, La Fêlure (Flaws), was published by Éditions Julliard on 29 January 2026. The book is a series of literary and philosophical reflections. The deeply personal and philosophical work was initially inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story The Crack-Up. The novel expands into a rich tapestry of literary, poetic, and existential reflections. Charlotte explores the idea of “brokenness” not as a flaw to be hidden, but as a fundamental part of being alive and something that opens us to beauty, vulnerability, and understanding.
“This word ‘flaw,’ or what we hide and what surfaces, relates to the sensitive areas within us that we sometimes have trouble seeing and that sometimes reveal themselves without our knowledge,” said Charlotte in a recent interview on Canal+.
At the Gucci Grand Prix at the Gucci Masters International Jumping Competition in Villepinte, North of Paris on December 2, 2011
Charlotte Casiraghi rides a horse on the runway during the Chanel Haute Couture Week Spring / Summer 2022 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 25, 2022
Alamy.com
La Fêlure references a wide range of thinkers from Ingeborg Bachmann, Colette, Marguerite Duras, and Anna Akhmatova, to Bernard Moitessier (French sailor) and J.J. Cale (singer-songwriter). Through this book, Charlotte embraces imperfection and fracture as the very site of life’s most meaningful experiences.
“Something in us is broken; so much the better,” said Charlotte Casiraghi.
CHARLOTTE’S LOVE OF HORSEBACK RIDING
Arenowned equestrian, Charlotte Casiraghi has raced over two hundred times on the Global Champions Tour. She won twice in 2014, during her most successful season. After winning first-place in Paris, she also won gold at home, in Monaco, at the Pro-Am race. During her equestrian career, Charlotte became the official ambassador for Gucci’s equestrian collections and sported Gucci when she won in Monaco. In 2014, she also became the face of Gucci Cosmetics.
The Longines Pro-Am Cup is a friendly competition where big names in the equestrian world team up with young talent. Conceived in 2010 and sponsored by Charlotte Casiraghi, the relay race for a good cause is specially designed to allow riders to express themselves, making it a popular show for spectators.
Amateur riders must gallop through a course of seven obstacles that stand 1.10 metres tall before passing the baton to their Pro teammates who must leap over obstacles 1.30 metres in height. Last summer’s event raised €20,000 for AMADE, an organization founded by Princess Grace to protect children. The humanitarian organization is chaired by the Princess of Hanover.
GUCCI’S GENDER-FLUID MODEL
What does men’s clothing look like on Charlotte Casiraghi? The concept was explored by Gucci and photographer Collier Schorr for System magazine in 2017.
Charlotte with her sons Balthazar Casiraghi-Rassam and Raphael Elmaleh at the Monaco National Day celebrations in the courtyard of the Monaco Palace on November 19, 2024
Meaning that a ‘woman’ is something you become; it’s something you construct. We’re all made of biology, but culturally speaking, we have both the feminine and the masculine in us,” said Charlotte in an interview with System magazine.
The result was a series of striking photographs of Charlotte looking tough, beautiful, masculine and feminine all at once. Charlotte has also modelled for Yves Saint Laurent, Montblanc’s jewellery line and others.
CHARLOTTE CELEBRATES THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHANEL AMBASSADORSHIP
Charlotte’s Chanel ambassadorship was announced on 22 December 2020, with her official tenure beginning on 1 January 2021. Her first assignment? She was the global face for Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2021 campaign.
street), a series of literary talks. The project expanded the fashion house’s literary tradition which is rooted in its earliest days, since its founding by Gabrielle Chanel. Each literary rendezvous consisted of a panel of women which included Charlotte, historian Fanny Arama, an actress, and a writer.
Charlotte’s long-standing relationship with Chanel dates back to her teenage years. She has worn Chanel at many important events throughout her life: at the Cannes Film Festivals in 2022, 2023 and 2024, at Rose Balls in Monaco and on Monaco’s National Day in 2025. In 2026, Charlotte attended Paris Fashion week for the unveiling of Chanel’s first collection designed by Matthieu Blazy, Chanel’s new artistic director.
“I think of the Simone de Beauvoir quote: ‘On ne naît pas femme, on le devient.’
Charlotte then collaborated with Virginie Viard on Les Rendez-vous littéraires rue Cambon (Literary rendezvous at Cambon
In every facet of her life, Charlotte Casiraghi exudes thoughtfulness and poise. Both her beauty and intelligence give her an intriguing allure, prompting the public to want to know more about her. But she has often discussed her complex relationship with her public image and how she oscillates between the desire to “shout who she is from the rooftops” and the need to hide away from the public eye. She is a bright light and we wish her the happiest 40th birthday.
Photo: Manuel Vitali / Direction de la Communication
LUCA CARTILLONE,
Founder and Principal of a Single Family Office between
Switzerland and Monaco
By Katya Taran
Photos by Yaro R.
Hello Monaco: Could you share a short biography about yourself, your journey, and the main objectives and philosophy behind your single family office?
Luca: I was born and raised in Switzerland in a Sicilian family, and that mix probably shaped me more than anything else. The Swiss side instilled a respect for structure and long-term thinking, while the Italian side leaned more into relationships, taste, and the idea that work and life aren’t really separate.
At the beginning of my professional journey, I trained as a portfolio manager, overseeing an eight-figure book built around my own trading strategy. It gave me an early look at how serious capital is actually managed: quietly, patiently, and with a strong emphasis on protecting capital first. That approach has stayed with me. From there, I spent several years building independently, focusing on disciplined decision-making and trying to stay clear on what actually drives results versus just staying busy.
Today, I lead LegaC Capital AG, a singlefamily office I established in Zug to manage my family’s capital. The focus is primarily on liquid markets, both traditional and digital, alongside real estate and selective private equity positions. We don’t raise outside capital, which allows us to stay patient and aligned with a long-term view.
Outside of that, my wife and I run a private foundation supporting a number of causes that matter to us. And I try, as much as possible, to maintain a life that isn’t entirely defined by markets.
: How would you describe yourself beyond business and finance?
Luca: Outside of the office, I approach my conditioning in a similar way to how I approach capital: with discipline, patience, and a strong focus on the inputs. The gym, running, recovery, sleep, nutrition,
Luca Cartillone
and mental discipline are all part of that. They are not things I treat as optional.
In order to maximize effectiveness, I work with a small group of advisors, including physicians, biomedical specialists, and performance coaches. Their role is to help me stay at a high level, both cognitively and physically. In my experience, clear thinking comes from being in the right state, and that requires consistency.
I see the body and mind as connected. Outside of the structure, I’m someone who needs to move. Tennis, cycling, golf, and time on the water or in nature are all important. They provide a counterbalance to the pace and intensity of the markets.
That mindset shows up more broadly as well. I value restraint over constant visibility, longevity over novelty, and the idea that performance and refinement can exist together. I don’t see an active life and an intentional life as being in conflict. If anything, they reinforce each other. It’s the way I try to live.
In my free time, I also race on track. I have a weakness for Ferraris, which I’m happy to admit. On a circuit, everything else tends to fall away. It’s probably my most Italian trait.
: Was there a defining moment early in life that shaped your ambition and entrepreneurial mindset?
Luca: There wasn’t really a single defining moment. It was more a general tendency early on to figure things out for myself and not rely too heavily on what everyone else was doing. Growing up between Swiss structure and Italian instinct probably played a role in that. I found myself drawn to people who trusted their own judgment and were comfortable going their own way. That sense of independence stayed with me. It wasn’t tied to a specific goal at the time, but it ended up shaping many of the decisions I made later on.
: Tell us about the very beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. What was your first real business success?
Luca: My first real lesson wasn’t strictly a financial one. I spent my early twenties in London, working at an asset management firm run by a family friend who became a mentor to me. One thing that stood out was how often the best decisions came from doing nothing. Just watching him and the people around him made me realize how difficult patience actually is, and how
important it can be. If I had to point to an early win, it would be learning to wait for the right opportunities instead of chasing whatever was in front of me. That approach has stayed with me. A lot of what I’ve done since comes back to that same idea.
: How important is family in the way you make decisions today, and what principles define your family culture and long-term legacy?
Luca: Family is at the centre of everything I do. Before anything else, I’m a husband and a father, and that shapes how I structure my time and priorities. My wife and
I are raising our two young sons and her daughter in Monaco, so much of the discipline in my day revolves around that. The early mornings, setting boundaries around work, and protecting certain time — it’s all so I can be present with them in a meaningful way.
When I make decisions, I tend to think about what they build over time. Not just in terms of assets, but in terms of what my family inherits more broadly: values, habits, perspective.
The principles themselves are fairly simple — discretion, loyalty, hard work, and the
Luca Cartillone
belief that wealth on its own means very little without the right foundation behind it.
That philosophy is reflected in the name LegaC. It is a nod to legacy, with the understanding that it is still being written.
: How do you balance preserving family traditions while embracing modern
investment strategies, and what lessons about wealth are most important for the next generation to understand?
Luca: I think tradition and modernity can reinforce each other. The things worth holding onto such as discipline, prudence, and thinking long term are what actually make it possible to oper-
ate in modern markets without getting pulled around by them. If there is one idea, I would want the next generation to understand, it’s that wealth is not just about what you acquire — it’s about what you can afford to lose while still remaining who you are.
: What was the original vision behind creating your single family office, and how would you like it to be remembered in the next 20 to 30 years?
Luca: The idea behind LegaC came from a practical need. My wealth had grown quickly, and I wanted a structure that could operate with a longer time horizon, without the pressure that comes with outside capital. The goal was to be able to stay patient, stay focused, and make decisions with a multi-decade view. Switzerland, and Zug in particular, felt like the right place for that. It offers a level of stability, legal clarity, and a long tradition of managing private capital that aligned with how I wanted to build.
Over time, I would like LegaC to be defined less by any single investment and more by how it operates. The quality of its judgement, the consistency in how decisions are made, and the responsibility behind them. If those things are in place, the results tend to follow. In that sense, reputation is something that builds steadily, often more reliably than capital itself.
: What makes your family office different from others in the industry, and how involved are you personally in investment decisions today?
Luca: What makes LegaC different is that it is a true single family office. We are not raising outside capital, running fund cycles, or building around a fee structure. That independence shapes how we think about opportunities, risk, and time horizon.
We tend to focus on situations where complexity or dislocation creates opportunity, which usually requires patience and the ability to think long-term. That is much easier to do with permanent capital. I’m supported by a strong group of advisors across investment, legal, tax, banking, and family governance. But in this kind of structure, responsibility does not really shift. The final decisions, and the accountability that comes with them, stay with me.
: Which sectors, innovations, or global trends excite you the most right now?
Luca Cartillone and Nadine Tabbara-Cartillone
Luca: The first is the return of active management as a genuine source of edge in liquid markets, across both traditional macro and digital assets. The era of cheap capital and passive allocation has shifted, and with rate divergence, geopolitical fragmentation, and cross-asset dispersion, the conditions for active capital to outperform have returned. We backed that view with structure and a nine-figure initial deployment of our own capital at inception, via a Swiss-regulated actively managed certificate that is cleared, and custodied entirely within Swiss financial infrastructure. The strategy itself is multi-asset and dynamic, combining market-neutral positioning, directional conviction, and a macro overlay across traditional and digital markets, with drawdown discipline as the organizing principle.
The second is premium real estate, where the geographies attracting patient capital are evolving. In Europe, that includes Italy, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, alongside the UAE, which has quietly become one of the more significant destinations for global capital and talent. These are markets I know personally, not just through capital deployed, but through living and operating in them.
The third lies in private markets. The convergence of longevity medicine and metabolic health is, in my view, one of the defining shifts of this decade, driven by the institutionalization of preventive care and the rapid adoption of GLP-1 therapeutics. The platforms emerging at the intersection of clinical-grade care and consumer health are likely to reshape how affluent individuals engage with their health over the next twenty years. It is also an area I follow closely beyond the investment lens.
I tend to be cautious around consensus. The most interesting opportunities are often the ones that still feel slightly uncomfortable to articulate at dinner.
: What habits, disciplines, or personal mindset have helped you build and maintain success over the years?
Luca: There are three habits I come back to. The first is the discipline to do nothing. Most days, the best decision is no decision at all. The second is intellectual honesty — being willing to admit when you are wrong quickly, rather than letting it play out slowly at a higher cost. The third is rhythm. I tend
to wake early, work out, and catch up on current events before speaking to anyone. Then, my afternoons are typically focused on analysis and operational oversight. I take my health seriously because I’ve found that how you feel physically has a direct impact on how clearly you think. Over time, consistency in the small things is what allows you to succeed in the larger ones.
: Outside of business, what are your greatest passions, and how do you disconnect from the intensity of finance and investments?
Luca: A great deal of my life happens away from screens. Training and running are things I try to stay consistent with daily. Beyond that, sport plays a big part of how I spend time outside of work. Tennis, cycling, golf, time on the water, and racing in the Ferrari Challenge championship all keep me energized. I generally feel at my best when I’m moving, and overall wellness is something I prioritize. In my experience, the quality of your decisions is closely tied to how well you treat your body.
Aside from sports, another passion of mine is fine watches, and I consider myself an avid collector.
Luca Cartillone
Above all, I feel most fulfilled when I’m helping others through our charitable foundation, and it’s easily one of the most rewarding things I do. I live a blessed life, and it’s a privilege to be in a position where I can use my resources to make a positive impact both locally and globally. Balance is key in life; I believe that what you give is what you receive.
: Your journey includes both Switzerland and now Monaco. What attracted you to each place, and why did you ultimately choose to establish yourself in Monaco?
Luca: Switzerland gave me everything an investor could ask for at the start of his career. Institutional seriousness, regulatory clarity, and a culture that respects privacy as a value rather than a marketing line. For those reasons, LegaC will always be headquartered in Zug.
Monaco offered something different. It’s one of the few places in Europe where entrepreneurial and investment communities are concentrated in such a small area, where you can meet interesting people just by moving through your day. The lifestyle suits me as well — the climate, the sea, and the ability to stay active. But what really drew me in was the diversity of people who think independently and value ambition.
My family’s life is here now, and ultimately that’s what made the decision to stay.
: What advantages do you believe Monaco offers today for family offices, investors, and entrepreneurs?
Luca: Monaco’s advantages are fairly well known. Political stability, security, fiscal clarity, and a very high quality of life. What is discussed less often, and in my view matters more, is the calibre of the community. Family offices, founders, and longterm investors are all within a few minutes of one another, and that proximity tends to create a different kind of dialogue. It’s less transactional than what you find in most places.
For a family office like ours, that environment makes a real difference. Monaco has also been a generous home to my family, and through our charitable foundation as well as other private commitments, I strive to give something back.
: What trends do you believe will define the next decade of investing, and are you optimistic about the future of Europe and global entrepreneurship?
Luca: I think the next decade will be shaped by three main shifts. The first is the end of frictionless globalization and the return of geography as a real factor. The second is the institutionalization of digital assets, which is moving faster than most public commentary suggests. The third is a renewed emphasis on patience as a competitive advantage. After fifteen years of cheap capital rewarding speed, the cycle ahead is likely to favour those who are willing to wait.
I remain optimistic about Europe, although selectively. European entrepreneurship is stronger than its reputation suggests. The continent just tends to take longer to recognize and celebrate its own success, which in some ways is part of its character.
: When people speak about Luca Cartillone many years from now, what do you hope they will say?
Luca: I would hope people speak less about me and more about what I was able to build. For my family, for the people our foundation has supported, and for those who worked alongside me. The financial side tends to follow over time.
What I would want to be remembered for is the character behind it: that I treated people well, kept my word, and stayed consistent in who I was, both in private and in public. For me, discipline is what allows you to build something, and purpose is what gives it meaning. I would hope both are reflected in what I leave behind.
Luca Cartillone
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, THE VUELTA A ESPAÑA STARTS IN MONACO
By Justin Brisk
For the third year in a row, the Vuelta a España will start outside of Spain. In 2024, Portugal hosted the start, and in 2025, Italy. This year, the first stage of the 81st Vuelta will pass through the streets of the Principality, and the second stage will also start there. Monaco will thus become the only city in the world to host the start of all three Grand Tours.
Prince Albert II of Monaco at the “La Vuelta Grand Départ Monaco 2026” press conference in 2025
Crédit
photo: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier
PRESENTATION OF THE 2026 VUELTA PROGRAM AND A TEST RIDE
The presentation of the ceremonial start of the 2026 Vuelta and the route of the first stage took place in October 2025 at the One Monte-Carlo complex. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, Vuelta director Javier Guillén, former cyclist Nicolas Roche and others attended.
Official events to mark the start of the race will begin on August 20 with the team presentations. The first stage of the 81st Vuelta will start on Saturday, August 22, at Place du Casino. The 9.6-kilometre individual race will take in Monaco’s most iconic landmarks, including Place du Casino, Boulevard des Moulins, Larvotto Beach, the Fairmont hairpin, Port Hercule, Stade Louis II and the Princess Grace Rose Garden in Fontvieille. Participants will finish at the start/finish line of the Formula 1TM Grand Prix on Boulevard Albert 1er.
On Sunday, August 23, athletes will depart from the square near the Prince’s Palace,
pass the Oceanographic Museum, and exit onto Quai Albert 1er, from where they will depart towards France.
The day after the presentation, Prince Albert II personally rode all ten kilometres of the upcoming first stage of the 2026 Vuelta.
MONACO AND GRAND TOURS
AGrand Tour is the most prestigious competition in road cycling, and victory in it is valued even more than, for example, success at the World Championships or the Olympic Games. There are three Grand Tours, all held mid-season on the roads of France, Italy, and Spain: the Giro d’Italia in May, the Tour de France in July, and the Vuelta in late summer.
Periodically, stages of these races also take place in Monaco. Thus, on May 18, 1966, the 49th Giro d’Italia started in the Principality. Monaco became the second country in history (after San Marino) to host the start of the premier Italian cycling race instead of Italy.
The Principality has hosted the start or finish of a stage of the Tour de France sev -
en times. The first time was on July 23–24, 1939 (the finish of stage 12b and the start of stage 13). The most dramatic moment of the Tour de France in Monaco was probably the ninth stage of the 1964 race, which concluded the difficult Alpine route from the high passes of Briançon. Then, the athletes had to complete an extra lap, crossing the finish line twice. Leading cyclist Raymond Poulidor forgot about the extra lap and accelerated to finish first. His mistake at the finish of the second lap left Jacques Anquetil, one of the most decorated cyclists in history, with his fifth Tour de France victory in 1964, in first place.
Seventy years later, on July 4, 2009, Monaco became the starting point for the entire Tour de France for the first time. The streets of the Principality, famous worldwide for the Formula 1™ Grand Prix, witnessed a different kind of speed. However, the cyclists, like the drivers, had no room for error. Unexpectedly narrowing corners, where any braking could lead to error, the climb to Beausoleil, which required control rather than simple acceleration, and finally, a descent where strong nerves were crucial — this was the course the participants in the first stage of the 2009 Tour de France had to conquer. It was Switzerland’s Fabi -
Warm congratulations to Tadej Pogačar, the winner of the 2024 Tour de France, from the Prince of Monaco
Crédit
photo: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier
an Cancellara who performed best in the 15.5-kilometre individual time trial.
On July 21, 2024, the final stage of the 111th Tour de France began in Monaco. Competitors had to cover 33.7 kilometres and finish in Nice at Place Masséna. Traditionally, the Tour de France ends in Paris on the Champs-Élysées, but in 2024, Nice was chosen as the finish location due to the Olympic Games being held in the French capital. Slovenian Tadej Pogačar won the final stage and the entire race.
A HOME FOR CHAMPIONS
The Principality’s compact size and impressive terrain ensure that racing here is never boring or monotonous. In a matter of minutes, cyclists travel from the Mediterranean coast to the Alpine foothills. Trails like the Col de la Madone and La Turbie, combining technical climbs with panoramic views, have long been recognized as ideal for training. The excellent climate, suitable for year-round training, challenging terrain, safety, and seclusion make Monaco ideal for regular cycling, which is why many world-class cyclists choose Monaco as their permanent residence. For example, Tadej Pogačar, considered one of the best modern cyclists, lives in the Principality with his girlfriend, Slovenian professional cyclist Urška Žigart. Monaco has also become a second home for cycling stars such as Primož Roglič, Chris Froome, Nairo Quintana, Peter Sagan, and Matteo Trentin. Victor Langelotti and Antoine Berlin, both born in Monaco, have lived here since childhood.
In short, early in the morning, it’s not uncommon to spot a world-class cyclist on the streets of the Principality and its
neighbouring towns. As a café owner in La Turbie once said, “You look up from your espresso and realise the rider climbing past just won the Tour de France.”
CYCLING IN MONACO
Support for cycling in Monaco extends far beyond hosting major international events. The country offers all the conditions for comfortable everyday cycling. Joint bike rides, youth programs, and amateur events also promote cycling at all levels. For the Principality, cycling is not only a spectacle but also a part of everyday life, reflecting a broader environmental vision where sustainable mobility and emission reduction are key priorities.
Monaco’s cycling ecosystem is strengthened by local initiatives that combine elite sport, amateur participation, and charity. The most notable of these is the BEKING Monaco festival, created by professional rider Matteo Trentin to promote cycling and sustainable development in Monaco. The festival takes place on a closed urban circuit around Port Hercule, and its start lists reflect Monaco’s unique concentration of world-class riders. BEKING Monaco also raises funds for charitable projects related to road safety, sustainable mobility, and the ease of cycling in the urban environment. All this encourages an increasing number of Monegasques to use bicycles for sport and recreation, as well as for everyday transportation.
The fact that Monaco has been chosen as the starting point for one of the Grand Tours speaks to the Principality’s important role in the development of global cycling. For Monaco, cycling is more than just a spectacle; it is part of the Principality’s identity and its future.
FOUR-TIME VUELTA WINNER LIVES IN MONACO
To date, only two cyclists have won the Vuelta a España four times, and one of them has a direct connection to Monaco. He is Slovenian Primož Roglič, who resides permanently in the Principality with his wife and two sons. Roglič won the Spanish Grand Tour in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024. In 2023, Roglič also won the Giro d’Italia that makes him one of the most consistent Grand Tourers of his generation. Two Slovenian natives now living in Monaco — Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar, a four-time Tour de France winner and the 2024 Giro d’Italia winner — have made their small homeland a true centre of world cycling.
The other four-time Vuelta winner is Spaniard Roberto Heras, who won in 2000, 2003, 2004, and 2005.
The Principality’s distillery has come up with its own bitter orange liqueur and a gin made with local citrus fruit.
Every winter, Monaco’s gardeners crowd into the Principality’s many streets, harvesting the bitter oranges carefully tended for throughout the year, totally chemicals-free. The Principality’s 600 bitter orange trees produce fruit of an exceptional quality. During that period, local housewives are welcome to help themselves to the trucks full of oranges going about Monaco. The ten to fifteen thousand kilos harvested each year don’t all end up in homemade marmalade, however. Since 2017, “L’Orangerie,” Monaco’s first and only distillery, has been producing a unique bitter orange liqueur delighting locals and tourists alike.
“ There was a time when Monaco was covering a much larger area, some 100 square kilometres, stretching as far as Sospel and La Turbie, including Roquebrune-CapMartin and Menton. It was farmland where
numerous olive and citrus trees grew. Boasting eight oil mills, it had its most significant income coming from citrus fruit, however. Back in the 17th century, its lemons were even destined to be delivered as far as Sweden!” is recounting founder of the Monaco distillery, an Irish-Italian, Philip Culazzo. Passionate about oenology, this man had the idea of launching an iconic product whose success only continues to grow.
“Walking through the streets of MonteCarlo, I came to discover the treasure of bitter orange trees that the Principality has in store. It must be said that this tiny, legendary state was once prosperous agricultural land. Long before the rise of tourism, yachts and the Grand Prix, citrus production was a pillar of the local economy. In 2017, I opened the doors of Monaco’s first and only distillery, with the ambition of creating liqueurs and spirits giving an authentic taste of the Principality.” Mission accomplished!
A CAROB LIQUEUR, A GIN, A LEMON-FREE LIMONCELLO AND A RUM
As soon as the original and wellbalanced bitter orange liqueur established itself on the Mon -
egasque, French and Italian markets, Philip Culazzo embarked on yet other adventures. Namely, the carob liqueur production developed around notes of caramel, coffee, dried fruit, gingerbread and maple syrup. This spirit’s strong character is well linked to the Principal -
ity’s history. An original and authentic creation indeed.
“One day, a Monegasque man came to demonstrate to me a carob seed. To this day, Monaco still has its 155 carob trees. Used since antiquity and now endemic,
this tree has long been a vital resource for Mediterranean peoples. Monaco made no exception. During a famine, the Monegasques actually had to eat carob seeds to survive.” Monaco’s national tree, the carob, is therefore particularly dear to everyone’s heart. Philip Culazzo quickly realized how much this production may mean to the Principality. And in 2019, the first carob liqueur made in Monaco was launched.
Followed by a sunny gin based on local citrus fruit. Bitter and sweet oranges, limes, pink grapefruits, bergamot, citron, ginger and lemon thyme thus perfume this authentic spirit, enhanced by a Sichuan pepper touch. A truly remarkable cocktail of flavours to explore.
Next came the “mother mesccia,” developed in collaboration with the Princely Palace itself. Referring to 17th-century history, in Monegasque, “mesccia” means “mixture”. At that time, Monaco’s maritime activity was significant, and Gen -
oese sailors were used to blending all kinds of ingredients in their barrels. Rum, vermouth and Marsala wine were thus part of this beverage, quickly adopted by the Principality. Thanks to an idea by Prince Albert II of Monaco, this spirit has now been revived as a Pure Single Rum made from a special sugarcane variety.
And last but not least, L’Orangerie’s latest creation is a magical limoncello. With the colour and flavour of a lemon, its secret recipe contains no such yellow fruit. It is less sweet and more aromatic than the well-known Italian liqueur.
Entirely made in Monaco using natural methods, these beverages have, in a way, become ambassadors of a certain art de vivre perpetuated by the Principality.
9 Rue de la Turbie 98000 Monaco
Tel: +377 99 90 43 38
https://www.distilleriedemonaco. com/
Philip Culazzo, the creator of La Distillerie de Monaco, has multiplied his creations.
This January, Prince Albert II paid a visit to two Piedmont and Liguria communes that have recently joined the Italian Association of Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco. Given their long-standing historical connection, it’s amazing it has only just happened in 2026! The commitment in question is not that of years or decades, but that of centuries.
Despite the winter cold, the reception in Ceva was very hearty.
CEVA (PIEDMONT)
On January 30, 2026, His Serene Highness paid a visit to the commune of Ceva, with its population of 5,700. Prince Albert II first arrived at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II where he was warmly greeted by Mayor Fabio Montinelli, as well as local schoolchildren and residents. Despite the winter cold, the reception was very hearty, followed by the official unveiling of the commemorative plaque, celebrating this visit, at the Teatro Marenco.
Another plaque, perpetuating Ceva’s membership in the Italian Association of Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco, is now installed at the town’s entrance.
The Grimaldi family’s connection to this small village in Piedmont goes back to the 16th century. Back in 1528, under the leadership of Andrea Doria, the Republic
His Serene Highness delivering a speech at the Teatro Marenco
The official unveiling of the commemorative plaque
of Genoa reformed the clan system, creating 28 different albergi (a union of one or more families). Along with another sixteen, the small Ceva family was thus annexed to the Grimaldi, one of the four main Genoa dynasties. From then on, all its members bear the name of Ceva-Grimaldi. Furthermore, in 1503, the daughter of Lord Lambert of Monaco, Sestarine, got married to Carlo Garessio, Marquis of Ceva.
Coming back to our days, His Serene Highness first visited Ceva in 1994, back as Crown Prince of Monaco. He then took part in a charity football match, supporting those affected by severe local flooding.
MILLESIMO (LIGURIA)
The following day, on January 31, 2026, Prince Albert II paid a visit to the commune of Millesimo, celebrating its 820th anniversary this year. Considered one of the most beautiful vil -
lages in Italy, it was founded on November 9, 1206, by Marquis Enrico II del Carretto. His granddaughter Aurelia first married the Vicar of Provence, Lanfranco Grimaldi, and later his cousin, Francesco Grimaldi — exactly the one who captured the fortress on the Monaco Rock in 1297. A native of the Ligurian village, Aurelia del Carretto, she thus happened to be the very first “First Lady of Monaco”.
On his arrival, Prince Albert II, accompanied by Mayor Francesco Garofano, crossed the medieval Ponte della Gaietta bridge over the Bormida River (said to be older than the village itself). The Monaco Sovereign then visited the Napoleonic Museum and the 13th-century castle that was inhabited by his direct ancestors, the del Carretto family, up until the 16th century. His Serene Highness then took part in an official ceremony unveiling the memorial plaques at the town hall and walked to the main square of Millesimo. Since it was market day, the sovereign was gifted a large basket of fresh produce by the local farmers.
The Prince of Monaco was thus the first head of state to honour Millesimo with an official visit, warmly greeted by most of its 3.500 population on the main square.
Between XIII and XVth centuries, several generations of Grimaldi thus married women from the del Carretto family.
The great-grandson of the dynasty’s founder, Grimaldo Canella, Lanfranco Grimaldi (1210–1293) was married to and had three sons with Aurelia del Carretto (1254–1307). After Lanfranco passing away, Aurelia wed his cousin Francesco Grimaldi (died 1309) — the Malizia, the one who captured the Ghibelline fortress on the Rock. In that attack, he was assisted by his stepson, the eldest of Aurelia and Lanfranco, Raniero, who subsequently became the first Grimaldi ruler of Monaco, Rainier I (1267–1314).
By the time the fortress was under siege, Rainier Grimaldi had already been married to yet another aristocrat, Salvatica del Carretto. After his passing away, their eldest son became Charles I (died in 1357).
Charles I’s son, Rainier II Grimaldi (1350–1407), then married Maria del Carretto, a union that ended up being childless. His second marriage to Isabella Asinari gave Rainier II nine children, including heir to the throne, Jean I (1382–1454).
The son of Jean I and Pomeline Fregoso, Catalan Grimaldi (1415–1457), then married Bianca del Carretto. After two of his sons died in infancy, his daughter Claudine (1451–1515) was declared his heir. Catalan
also chose his relative Lambert (1420–1494) from the Antibes Grimaldi branch to be Claudine’s husband.
The two got married in 1465 as soon as Claudine reached the age of 14. Lambert was 45 at the time. Claudine Grimaldi subsequently signed a deed of gift, passing all her hereditary rights to Monaco to her husband and sons. Seigneur of Monaco, Lambert ruled for 37 years, giving the Principality his favourite expression as a motto: “Deo Juvante” (With God’s help).
Lambert and Claudine had more than ten children, including:
• Jean II who succeeded his father;
• Lucien who killed Jean II in a dispute in 1505 and became Monaco’s legitimate ruler;
• Francesca whose son Barthélémy Doria plotted against Lucien in 1523;
• Augustin, Bishop of Grasse, who succeeded Lucien in governing Monaco;
• Blanche who served as regent to her nephew, Lucien’s son, the future Lord Honoré I, after Augustin’s death in 1532;
• Sestarine (or Césarine) who married Carlo Garessio, Marquis of Ceva, in 1503.
A monument to Francesco ‘Malizia’ Grimaldi erected in the Palace square for the 700th anniversary of the ruling dynasty
Rainier I, the first Grimaldi ruler of Monaco Wikipedia.com
Photo:
Valentin Bréton for Hello Monaco
I ART
TOP SUMMER ART EXPOSITIONS
By Nicole Laffont
CHAGALL AT WORK IN HIS MUSEUM IN NICE
Following an exceptional donation by the Master’s granddaughters, Meret and Bella Meyer, to the National Museum of Modern Art in Paris, this summer the Chagall Museum of Nice is unveiling some new works. Initially presented by the Pompidou Centre in 2024, the collection is now available to French Riviera art lovers. This rich and varied donation reveals the different facets of Chagall’s genius. Sketches for the stage curtains and costumes for “The Firebird,” Balanchine’s ballet set to
Until September 21, 2026
Stravinsky’s music, among them. Inspired by Russian folklore, it is opposing the light of the Firebird coming to the protagonist’s aid, with the darkness embodied by a sorcerer. The battle is eloquently illustrated by the magnificent stage curtains. Mounting his horse, Prince Ivan is riding towards the dawn whilst the Firebird is dominating the night sky, heralding the happy ending. Love triumphing over the forces of destruction could not but powerfully inspire Marc Chagall, perfectly embodying the artist’s poetic imagination.
Illustrating a ceaseless creative quest that guided the artist throughout his life, collages, sculptures and ceramics are also
Model for the stage curtain of “The Firebird”, 1945
part of this new exposition. His fascination with clay and stone goes back to the 1950s when Chagall settled in Vence. Later, between 1960 and 1970, the Master perfected his collage practice using cut paper and fabric. These were mostly studies for other monumental projects. Sketches and models created in 1964 for the Opéra Garnier ceiling also deserve a special mention. Indulging in the opera, music lovers are enchanted with his chandelier paintings to this day.
Chagall à l’œuvre. Un prêt d’exception au musée
Marc Chagall National Museum Avenue du Dr Ménard, Nice
Sketch for Parade, 1968
“THE VOICES THEIR WORKS SPEAK” AT THE HARTUNG-BERGMAN FOUNDATION IN ANTIBES
Until September 25, 2026
Aunique dialogue between major works of modern art and inspiring texts by the founding voices of 20th century art criticism. What would a painting, a drawing or a print be if not seen through the gaze of another? The exhibition at the Hartung-Bergman Foundation in Antibes is conveying a voice to the works of art, guiding us through the evolution of criticism — at times laudatory, at times disparaging, often disconcerting by the innovative approach of the two artists. According to the Foundation’s Director and exhibition’s curator, Thomas Schlesser “Be -
fore the words even reached their full incandescence, there were years of wandering, experimentation and skepticism.”
The exhibition is thus introducing us to an intricate perspective of the “viewers”, demonstrating how deeply the two artists may be interconnected in the history of art.
Some of Anna-Eva Bergman’s compositions, such as “The Star” or “A Piece of Mountain,” are soaring toward infinity of thought. A great critic once described them as “the light that speaks”. There is indeed something mysterious, mystical and captivating about these works. The Hartung has always celebrated “the strength of the line”, “the effervescence and illumination of matter”. Revisiting all these paintings of an unparalleled power and exploring the words that have accompanied them is thus a truly artistic and intellectual experience.
Created in 1994, the Hartung-Bergman Foundation is a live journey and testament of the two essential modern art painters: Hans Hartung and his wife, Anna-Eva Bergman. Back in the 1960s, the two artists acquired a two-hectare olive grove on the hills above Antibes to build their villa and studios. This place, where they lived and
worked until the end of their lives, is therefore holding many memories. A truly magical place with a park where the centuriesold olive trees grow.
Les voix de leurs œuvres. Bergman, Hartung et la critique Fondation Hans Hartung et Anna-Eva Bergman 173, Chemin du Valbosquet, Antibes
“AFRICA POP” AT THE INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF NAÏVE ART IN NICE
Until October 18, 2026
Fabric is there to cover us, to preserve our intimacy. But it can also act as a revealer, a poster or a manifesto. This is what the unique exhibition at the International Museum of Naïve Art in Nice is all about. With its highly original scenography, “Africa Pop” is revealing the many facets of wax prints — these brightly coloured cottons emblematic of the African continent.
These designs are telling us stories, express emotions and quests, and in particular, those of women. Forging connections between countries and generations, lines are blurred between art and craft.
The exhibition is centred around large textile panels evoking both space exploration, sports, music, animals, elegance and seduction, eloquently expressing the modernity of the African continent, oscillating between ancestral traditions and a future, even futuristic, vision.
The villa’s gardens, and the rarely open to public private apartments, have also been transformed with these sculptures and images.
“Africa Pop” is inviting us to discover or rediscover this highly original museum
housed in a prestigious former estate, the Château Sainte-Hélène. Founded thanks to the donation of the art critic and collector Anatole Jakovsky and his wife Renée, with the support of the city of Nice, the International Museum of Naïve Art presents over a thousand pictorial and graphic works, as well as folk art objects. An ideal setting for the “Africa Pop” exhibition, offering a fresh perspective on the countries both distant and close, through the questions they raise.
Africa Pop
International Museum of Naïve Art 20, Avenue de Fabron, Nice
The museum entrance displays the colours of Africa
Fashion and elegance ‘Made in Africa’
Wax print fabric, a fabric that has conquered the entire world
Sculptures in the Museum Garden
Photo Nicole Laffont
Photo Nicole Laffont
Photo Nicole Laffont
Photo Nicole Laffont
THE MAGICAL ADVENTURE OF VICTOR BRAUNER AT THE VILLA PALOMA IN MONACO
Until January 3, 2027
“Each drawing, each discovery will be an extraordinary unknown place, each painting, an adventure.” That’s how one of the most singular 20th century artists, Victor Brauner, summed it all up. His inventive spirit is currently celebrated at the New National Museum of Monaco (NMNM) with a stunning private collection. A major figure of surrealism, Victor Brauner remains an artist in his own right.
These days Villa Paloma is introducing us to an exceptional collection of over 160 works (paintings, sculptures and drawings) tracing the artist’s evolution from the 1920s to the 1960s. We thus come to understand just how this original, erudite art, full of invention and humour, was nourished by his Romanian origins and the avant-garde Bucharest movements
“We have been betrayed”, 1934
of the 1920s. His encounter with André Breton and surrealism happened a few years later, followed by discovering ancient civilizations. A dozen art objects collected by the artist are thus illustrating this fascination with mythologies of elsewhere, from Oceania, Africa and Mexico.
This unique exhibition is offering us a glimpse into a world often overlooked, but
breathtakingly rich in terms of visual arts evolution and questions it is raising as to the creative process as such. “One of the most singular and captivating works of the 20th century,” as curator of the exhibition, Camille Morando, puts it.
Victor Brauner, l’Aventure Magique NMNM, Villa Paloma 56, Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, Monaco
“The Sleepwalker’s Meal”, 1942
“The Metamythical Muse”, 1963
ERNEST PIGNON-ERNEST IS TAKING OVER THE ZIEM MUSEUM IN MARTIGUES Until November 15, 2026
This Nice-born fantastic draftsman and artist is celebrating socially committed art.
A pioneer of urban art long before the “Street Art” invention, this summer Ernest Pignon-Ernest has been given free rein in Martigues. He is thus invited to take over the Ziem Museum for a creative dialogue with an artist who, in his own time, had made his mark with the fine precision of his line. In the heart of the 19th century, away from the well-trodden Impressionism paths, Félix Ziem had maintained a taste for sketching landscapes and people from real life. A passionate traveller, he masterfully absorbed the influences of the cities and countries he visited.
For his part, Ernest Pignon-Ernest continues to explore those particular places where humanity is enduring hardship, even suffering. This committed approach is leading him to tirelessly paste his images — striking in their visual beauty — onto walls, onto the ground and subway stairs. More eloquent than any speech, they provoke a reflection, or even
“The deportees”, 1979
“Martigues”, 1982
Courtesy Galerie Lelong
Courtesy Galerie Lelong
compassion for the exiled, the oppressed, the victims of fate. His intervention in Nice against apartheid, during the twinning with South Africa, caused a great stir in 1974. The artist then pasted hundreds of images of a Black family penned behind barbed wire all over the city of Nice.
Ernest Pignon-Ernest is not willing, however, to reduce himself to simply displaying ephemeral street art. “If we speak of a work of art,” he is saying, “it is the venue that becomes one. My images are there to revive some long-buried memories. This interaction with the past is what an artwork
is all about.” I approach places like a painter, like a sculptor, for their plastic qualities, but I also picture the unseen: their memory, their symbolic power. These ’densified’ places thus become works of art”. In his own way, Ernest Pignon-Ernest transforms, disrupts and disturbs, revealing street corners, squares and landscapes evoking a history — that of their own. Some of his images, like the Communards executed by a firing squad (recalling the “Bloody Week” which, in May 1871, ended the insurrection in Paris) or his vagabond Rimbaud, the moving images of the wandering poet, were reproduced in hundreds of thousands of copies, becoming true icons of the modern times.
The Martigues exhibition is thus showcasing 60 years of artistic creation across Haiti, Paris, Rome, Naples, Algiers, Soweto and elsewhere. All in all, two hundred works of a great aesthetic and symbolic power are thus questioning our history and, by extension, our present.
Carte blanche to Ernest Pignon-Ernest Ziem Museum. 9 Boulevard du 14 Juillet, Martigues
A drawing for the Monte-Carlo Ballets 40th anniversary
Born in Nice, Ernest Pignon-Ernest also feels at home in Monaco. His collaboration with the Monte-Carlo Ballets, started over thirty years ago. From 1995 to 2006, he worked with choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot, whose talent and respect towards dancers he greatly admired. “I feel in sync with him. It’s a joy to work together. I love the way JeanChristophe is combining heritage and modernity. I myself am pursuing my research in this direction.” Among other works, Ernest Pignon-Ernest also produced a stage curtain and a number of sets for the Opéra Garnier (“Romeo and Juliet” and the “Lake” in collaboration with playwright Jean Rouaud). In 2017, he collaborated with JR (who recently “wrapped” the Pont Neuf in Paris) on the Grimaldi Forum stage curtain on the occasion of the Monte-Carlo Ballets seasonal opening.
But beyond this fruitful cooperation, there is yet one other significant influence on Ernest Pignon-Ernest’s art, that of the Monte-Carlo Ballet’s prima, Bernice Coppieters. Inspired by the body of this exceptional dancer, whose muscles, contours and postures he tirelessly explored, the artist produced countless drawings. Echoing with the great Christian mystics such as Teresa of Ávila and Hildegard of Bingen, they gave rise to his “Ecstasies” — a sumptuous series exhibited at the Saint-Pons Abbey in Nice ten years ago. Bernice Coppieters’ body also inspired Ernest for yet another collection of unparalleled power — his representations of the writer Jean Genet and the filmmaker Pasolini.
His latest tribute to the Monte-Carlo Ballets, just when we met him, was finalizing a drawing for their 40th anniversary invitation. On July 4th, the lucky ones attended the gala evening to celebrate the Ballets’ 40th anniversary. This image, the invitation, was a lovely reminder of a very fruitful and friendly artistic collaboration.
“Behind the Glass”, 1996
Ernest Pignon-Ernest during the presentation of his exhibition in Martigues
Courtesy Galerie Lelong
Photo Nicole Laffont
Life Shell Sculpture, Series Ocean Protection, By Daria USOVA
Our guest is Daria Usova, a renowned artist based in the Principality of Monaco. She developed and patented her own collage technique in 2003. Her work explores themes of the ocean, metaphysics and Jungian Philosophy of the collective unconscious through compositions created from thousands of fine details. Her artworks are held in major collections around the world, from H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, to the Kardashian family.
Hello Monaco spoke with the artist about her latest auction success, inter national collectors and upcoming projects.
Hello Monaco: Tell us about the recent auction at the Monaco Ambassadors Gala, where Simon de Pury sold your work for €80,000.
Daria Usova: I have known Simon de Pury for many years. He owns one of my works, and in 2023 he sold another piece during the Prince Albert II Foundation’s Rewild the Planet charity evening for €50,000.
This year’s gala marked the inauguration of Charles Leclerc as Monaco’s Goodwill Ambassador. A small sculpture “Life Shell”, from my dedicated Ocean Protection series, was auctioned by Simon during the evening, with all proceeds going to support the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation initiatives.
After the sale, H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Charles Leclerc signed the sculpture. Their signatures became part of the artwork capturing this historic moment.
: Why is the theme of the ocean so important to you?
Daria Usova: Water is central to both the human body and the planet, carrying codes that pass through us and connect us with life. Water is an infinite Vessel of information, holding the mysteries of the past, the present and the future. Through the exploration of the depths of the ocean, its creatures, life and metaphysics, one can enter the macrocosm of creation and the inner world of the human being, which is why it remains a recurring theme in my work. Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum remains a constant source of inspiration for me.
Ocean protection is deeply important to H.S.H. Prince Albert II, and through my work I connect to and support H.S.H Prince Albert II’s efforts.
: Could you tell us about the collections where your works are represented?
Daria Usova: At the early age of 20, my works entered the collection of the Guggenheim Museum Foundation in New York. Today, my artworks are held in significant international private and institutional collections, including Dolce & Gab -
bana, the Kardashian family, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Larry Gagosian, Simon de Pury, Vladimir and Ekaterina Semenikhin, Hans Kompernass, as well as the Benetton Imago Mundi collection. And the list goes on.
HSH Prince Albert II and Charles Leclerc Sculpture signature
Daria Usova: Contemporary Istanbul 20th Anniversary 2025 led to new sales and an invitation to present my Portals project at Art Dubai. Together with my gallerist, we decided to postpone participation until 2027.
Most recently, I returned from Mexico City where I participated in ZONAMACO 2026, making a new chapter in Latin America’s leading contemporary art fair.
: What is your most expensive work sold to date?
Daria Usova: It was a large-scale sculpture commissioned and created as part of my Collector’s Legacy concept. The work incorporated personal details, photographs and meaningful moments from the collector’s life. The sculpture, now based in Monaco, sold last summer for €100,000.
: What are you working on next?
Daria Usova: I am currently preparing a new project connected to the Venice Biennale, which I will announce soon.
To learn more about Daria Usova’s work, scan the QR code to visit her official Instagram page.
Medusa Sculpture, Series Ocean Protection by Daria USOVA
The Principality of Monaco has established itself as a true hub for the art market. Ten years ago, an art fair made its debut almost discreetly. A small exhibition for a select few in the know, in a privileged setting, far from the crowds thronging impersonal venues. Art Monte-Carlo has just celebrated its tenth anniversary with the participation of prestigious galleries offering a wide selection of works in all styles, representing the very best of modern and contemporary art. Simultaneously, Monaco Art Week took place, offering a fascinating journey through the galleries and art centres of the Principality. A vibrant scene with high-calibre exhibitions. Two events that demonstrate that the art market is booming in Monaco.
Michele Marieschi (Venice, 1710–1744). The Grand Canal with the church of San Stae, Venice. Oil on canvas, 85×56 cm
@ Lampronti gallery
Andy Warhol. Rikky von Opel, 1973. Acrylic and silkscreen on canvas, 101,6×101,6 cm. Exposition in Centro Fly Milano 1966.
ART MONTE-CARLO: TEN YEARS OF SUCCESS
Asmall gem, reflecting the scale and image of the Principality, a stark contrast to major inter national art fairs, often bordering the gigantic, it was designed to be intimate and highly selective. Over time, Art Monte-Carlo has established itself, however, alongside the biggest names in the industry, whilst main taining its elegant spirit and almost family like atmosphere. Held at the Grimaldi Fo rum last spring, its tenth edition brought together some thirty of the world’s most prestigious international galleries. Major works of modern art and the latest crea tions in contemporary art were displayed side by side, much to the delight of collec tors and art lovers.
For its special anniversary, Art Monte-Carlo has welcomed some of the most estab lished international galleries in their respective fields — Almine Rech, Cortesi Gallery, Galleria Continua,
Suzanne Tarasieve, Semiose, Van de Weghe, Voena, and Wilde, while also hosting newcomers from Italy, Switzerland, Sweden,
tor of the Bangkok Kunsthalle, Stefano Rabolli Pansera, and inspired by the filmmaker, Luis Buñuel. This innovative project broke free from the traditional art fair format, offering a fully immersive environment. Artworks were presented in a more informal and convivial setting, incorporating a bar at the heart of the exhibition space as one of its highlights. A novel way of considering pleasure as a true component of creation, with imagination completely asserting itself as a way of living.
Arnaldo Pomodoro (1926–2025). Piramide, 2002. Bronze. Height 60 cm, 70×70×70 cm
Sungjae Lee. Evaporated Water and Its Winkles no.5. 105×105×10 cm. Nylon wire, thread, acrylic gouache, and paper on wood, 2026
MONACO ART WEEK: AN ECLECTIC AND EXCITING 8TH EDITION
Celebrating a connection between different modes of expression, building a bridge between ancient art and contemporary creation, including design and jewellery, it was invigorating indeed. Organized alongside the art fair, the 8th Monaco Art Week was a captivating journey through the Principality’s art life, introducing us to both iconic galleries as well as more discreet spaces showcasing innovative artists. Eclecticism was more present than ever, with a dozen venues involved bringing together institutions, artdealers, collectors and artists.
Works of Ron Arad at the Opera Gallery were among its highlights, tracing the renowned designer’s career from 1992 to 2026. His chrome-plated steel pieces reveal both a playful and sculptural approach.
As to Adriano Ribolzi, he rediscovered Christo with his designs foreshadowing monumental and groundbreaking environmental projects. These included “Mastaba,” exhib -
ited a few years ago at the Maeght Foundation, and the enormous “Over the River” project, a monumental 9.5-kilometre-long ephemeral artwork destined to adorn the Arkansas River in Colorado which sadly never came to fruition.
In a completely different style, Elisabeth Lillo Renner paid tribute to the Argentinian surrealist sculptor, Virginia Tentindo, with her work exploring multiple mediums, including small, elegant and highly original pieces of jewellery that contrast sharply with the massive scale of some of her sculptures.
This prestigious Art Week was inaugurated by Prince Albert II and the Princess of Hanover.
Hosted by the salons and gardens of the New National Museum of Monaco, Villa Paloma, this 8th edition was attended by: The Monte-Carlo Auction House, NM Contemporary, Collect/MC, Elisabeth Lillo Renner, M.F. Toninnelli Art Moderne, Adriano Ribolzi Gallery, Opera Gallery, Hofa/yellowkorner MC, Almine Rech, Moretti Fine Arts/Sotheby’s, Artcurial — Monaco sculptures, Jardins de la Petite Afrique, Kamil Art Gallery, and Christie’s.
Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline of Hanover at the opening of the 8th Monaco Art Week edition at the Villa Paloma
HOW PRINCESS GRACE’S LOVE OF ROSES TURNED MONACO INTO A FLORAL PARADISE
By Justin Brisk
In summer, the Princess Grace Rose Garden reveals itself at its most enchanting. Thousands of roses burst into full bloom, their colours unfolding in layered shades of ivory, blush, crimson and gold, creating a living tapestry that feels almost painterly. The air carries a soft, unmistakable fragrance, at once delicate and immersive, turning a simple stroll into a sensory experience.
Set in the tranquil district of Fontvieille, just moments from the Mediterranean, the garden benefits from a gentle sea breeze that enhances its freshness even on the warmest days. Palm trees and shaded pathways offer welcome refuge, while carefully designed arches and pergolas frame the roses in ever-changing perspectives.
There is also something quietly democratic about its beauty. Open to the public free of charge and accessible at all hours, the garden invites both early risers and evening wanderers to experience its charm, whether in the soft light of morning or as the sun dips behind the Principality.
In a country known for glamour and spectacle, this rose-filled haven offers something more intimate: a place where nature, memory and elegance meet, and where summer in Monaco can be felt as much as seen.
THE HISTORY OF ITS CREATION AND ITS RECENT JUBILEE
Nestled in the heart of the Fontvieille district, the Princess Grace Rose Garden was inaugurated on June 18, 1984, by Prince Rainier III in memory of Princess Grace, a timeless icon of elegance and grace. Four decades later, the garden remains a living testament to her legacy, captivating visitors with its serene beauty and vibrant blooms.
To mark this milestone, a celebratory event took place on May 3, 2024, led by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover. Attendees, including government representatives and members of the Friends of the Princess Grace Rose Garden Association, enjoyed a host of activities that highlighted the garden’s history and enduring appeal. A photo exhibition retraced the creation and transformation of the garden over the years, while children from the Prince Albert II Leisure Centre delighted in sensory activities such as repotting and treasure hunts. The unveiling of a striking rose-tipped green wall shaped into
the number 40 served as the centrepiece of the celebration.
The origins of the rose garden reflect Prince Rainier III’s vision of a tranquil space combining English garden design with Mediterranean character. When it first opened, the garden featured 4,000 rose bushes across
3,000 square metres. Over time, nearly 50 donors from around the world contributed 168 varieties of roses, forming a rich tapestry of colour and fragrance. Notable features included century-old olive trees and a bronze statue of Princess Grace, sculpted in 1983 by Kees Verkade, which still stands at the garden’s heart.
Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline of Hanover attend the ceremony of the Princess Grace Rose Garden 40-year celebration
5 PERFECT ROSES
This Roses List encapsulates just some of the essence of the Princess Grace Rose Garden.
1. Princess Grace de Monaco Rose
A sumptuous rose created by Meilland, the world-famous rose breeder, for the princely wedding of Grace and Rainier in 1956 bears the name of the Princess — “Grace de Monaco”. With its strongly scented petals and silvery highlights, this flower blooming beautifully in the Mediterranean gardens conquered Grace’s heart who confessed: “This is the most beautiful of all my wedding gifts”.
2. Princess of Monaco Rose
There is in fact another rose that became a personal tribute to Princess Grace. In
MAJOR EXPANSION OF THE GARDEN
In 2000, the garden underwent its first major expansion, adding 500 square metres and increasing its collection to 5,500 rose bushes. By 2012, plans for modernization were underway, leading to a significant redesign for the 30th anniversary. The updated space, inaugurated in
1981, it was presented at the legendary Bal de la Rose. A pearly white, hemmed with vermilion, this marvel in the Monegasque flag colours immediately seduced the Princess. The rose was to be called “Preference”. But it was baptized “Princess of Monaco” instead.
3. Prince Rainier III Rose
A Legacy of Love: The warm red-orange blooms symbolize the enduring love and partnership between Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III, a cornerstone of Monaco’s royal story.
4. Peace
Rose
Grace’s Advocacy for Peace: Renowned globally for its historical significance, this rose created in World War II now echoes Princess Grace’s humanitarian spirit and her advocacy for harmony, making it a symbolic choice for the garden.
2014, embraced both tradition and innovation. Iconic elements like the majestic gates bearing Princess Grace’s monogram and the Verkade sculpture were preserved, while modern features such as a water wall and bronze fountain introduced refreshing new dimensions. Accessibility was also prioritized, with the removal of enclosing hedges and extended hours making the garden open to visitors day and night.
5. Prince Albert II de Monaco Rose
A Royal Legacy in Bloom: Dedicated to Prince Albert II, its uniquely coloured blooms blend shades of cherry-red, violet, pink and ivory-white. This elegant rose symbolizes the continuation of the values Princess Grace brought to Monaco … dignity, compassion and timeless refinement. Its luminous blooms evoke the warmth and grace that defined the Princess throughout her life, while reflecting the enduring bond between the Grimaldi family and the Roseraie that preserves her memory today.
Each rose mirrors a chapter of Princess Grace’s life and her legacy, weaving a floral narrative that continues to captivate visitors and preserve her memory for generations. These blooms are the heart of the Princess Grace Rose Garden, a living monument to beauty, love, and Monaco’s rich history.
SUSTAINABLE GARDENING
The garden’s environmental stewardship has become a defining characteristic of its management. Guided by sustainable practices, the gardeners employ water recycling, avoid chemical pesticides, and rely on natural pest control methods like ladybirds. These efforts earned the garden the Espace Végétal
Ecologique (EVE) certification, reflecting its commitment to ecological responsibility.
Monthly events showcase the life cycle of roses, guided tours by the dedicated gardeners reveal the garden’s secrets, and tastings of rose-inspired sweets will delight the senses. Educational, ecological and sensory engagement with the roses remains consistent over the years. Visitors also may, on selected occasions, take part in a treasure hunt through the garden, particularly during special events and themed programming.
8TH MONACO INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION OF NEW ROSES
At the 8th Monaco International Competition of New Roses, held at the Princess Grace Rose Garden on April 30, 2026, the German-bred rose Simsalabim (KORnekcraz) was awarded the prestigious Piaget Rose Trophy, highlighting the continued strength of Kordes’ breeding programme. French entries also stood out in the sensory categories, with Perugino Oralipar winning the Fragrance Cup and Meiconfiz receiving the Friends of the Princess Grace Rose Garden’s Favourite award. ***
Princess Grace Rose Garden is more than a botanical marvel; it is a living monument to love, memory, and sustainability. Its blooms, cultivated with care and creativity, mirror the enduring beauty of the Princess whose name it bears. As it enters its fifth decade, the garden continues to enchant, educate, and inspire — a timeless symbol of Monaco’s dedication to art, nature, and legacy.
Avenue des Guelfes, 98000 Monaco
Open 7 days 24 h /24 https://roseraie.mc/
DID YOU KNOW?
A Touch of Humour
One humorous story involving Princess Grace and roses is often told by those who worked with her at Roc Agel, her private countryside retreat. It is a blend of anecdotes commonly shared about her down-to-earth personality and love of gardening.
Known for her hands-on approach to gardening, Princess Grace loved tending to her roses personally, often spending hours pruning and arranging blooms.
On one occasion, the story goes, she invited a guest to admire her prized roses. As the guest strolled through the garden, Grace stopped abruptly and noticed a stubborn thorny stem sticking out awkwardly from one of the bushes. Without hesitation, she reached for her trusty pruning shears and went to work. However, the guest, apparently unfamiliar with gardening, mistook her for one of the gardeners.
“Would you mind if I ask where the Princess is?” the guest asked Grace, clearly unaware of whom they were speaking to.
With her characteristic humour and charm, Grace smiled and replied, “Oh, she’s around here somewhere — probably inspecting my work!”
It wasn’t until returning to the house that the guest realized the “gardener” was none other than Princess Grace herself. The mix-up, it is said, is a favourite anecdote among those close to Princess Grace, capturing her down-to-earth nature and playful sense of humour. It also highlighted her genuine passion for roses, showing she was not above getting her hands dirty in pursuit of their beauty.
The Rose Ball
The origin of the Monaco Rose Ball (Bal de la Rose) is closely tied to the glamour, grace, and cultural influence of Princess Grace. Her involvement elevated it into one of the most iconic charity galas in the world.
She was deeply involved in the preparations for the ball, often overseeing the selection of roses for the grand displays.
Night of the Rose at the Winter Sporting, May 10, 1969. Featuring Wilma Lipp of the Vienna State Opera. H.S.H. Princess Grace is seated
On one occasion, the story goes, she insisted on personally arranging a centrepiece of rare roses flown in from France, but a mishap ensued. The blooms, meant to arrive the night before the gala, were delayed at the border due to customs paperwork. Always resourceful, Grace called on a local Monegasque gardener, who managed to supply enough roses from nearby gardens for her to create a beautiful, improvised display just in time. Her dedication made the event even more meaningful.
Magnificent arrangements of roses continue the tradition. Renowned designers and florists, such as Karl Lagerfeld during his time as artistic director, have created lavish installations featuring up to 25,000 roses or more, sourced from top growers around the world.
Monaco Garden Club
Did you know that Princess Grace was the creator of the Monaco Garden Club? Respect and passion for flowers was anchored in her heart. Princess Grace once famously said, “When I took time to look into the heart of a flower, it opened up a whole new world; a world where every
walk would be an adventure, where every garden would become an enchanted garden”.
Journalist for Hello Monaco, Nicole Laffont remembers: “I remember an encounter with the Princess one day, in the rose gardens of Villa Sauber, the National Museum of Monaco. She was gently caressing the petals, marvelling at the beauty of rose bushes. She honoured me with a few words, announcing the International Bouquet Competition that she initiated while presiding over the Monaco Garden Club (she created it in 1968).” This extremely refined event allows aesthetes and flower lovers to compete with all their imagination and inventiveness. The contestants are asked to make floral arrangements, some of which are nothing short of genuine plant sculptures.
200.000 Orchids
They say that Princess Grace received some 200,000 orchids from all around the world at the birth of her son, Albert, on March 14, 1958. A legend, perhaps, based on her unconditional passion for flowers and bouquets.
An intimate haven for a select few gourmets. “Lan Lan” has established itself in Monaco as a small sanctuary where gastronomy becomes the art of living. Designed for some twenty tables, with Toshimi Takiya at its helm, it is offering the most authentic flavours of Japan. First arrived in France twenty years ago, chef Toshimi was trained at a hotel school in the Lyon area (not far from Paul Bocuse’s iconic restaurant!). She therefore has a perfect command of the French haute cuisine code. Inspired, among others, by her experience at Giraudi in Monaco, however, chef Toshimi is launching a brand-new concept. Not just limited to the trendy sushi, maki, sashimi or skewers, she is introducing us to the genuine gastronomy of the Rising Sun.
A proven expert in her field, she’s also passionate about unveiling some other, lesser-known menus. “It’s not easy encouraging people to try dishes they’re completely unfamiliar with. I am willing, however, to introduce you to the authen -
tic cuisine the Japanese eat every day. Meat, fish, pickled vegetables, noodles, fried foods... We literally eat everything, and the selection is vast. Few chefs have chosen to create such a diverse menu. For my part, I use a wide range of sauces, condiments, and specialties, even importing certain fish, shrimp and squid all the way from Japan...”
Among her menu’s highlights are the chicken tsukune with melt-in-your-mouth stuffing, a mild and subtle Japanese curry and the crispy handi-ki-kyoza dumplings. Assisted by her partner, a French Cambodian, Toshimi is also offering takeout. And during the weekends when she’s not too busy with her two young children, she is also a private chef on request.
“Now that I have my two children, with only eleven months apart, I am striking out on my own. This business is letting me have a little more time for them.”
This gem being highly recommended by word of mouth, customers are flocking to the restaurant. To secure yourself a table at Toshimi’s small establishment, advanced booking is well recommended.
Monday to Friday, 5.30 PM to 11.00 PM.
Lan Lan Monaco
1 Rue Biovès, Monaco
Tel: +33 6 37 75 05 73
An intimate and cozy setting for an exceptional meal
Lobster Roll
Crispy rice spicy tuna
NEW CREATIONS BY CÉDRIC GROLET AT THE HÔTEL DE PARIS
The Hôtel de Paris winter garden, that’s where Cédric Grolet is unveiling his most daring creations, recently complemented by some new pastries. Constantly reinventing himself, enriching his repertoire with the colours and textures to create genuine works of art, the pastry chef has indeed become a true international celebrity.
Among the novelties, the trompe-l’œil grapefruit is clearly a favourite. A complex dessert where sweetness, bitterness and creaminess blend to offer a veritable explosion of flavours. Another success, a smooth and indulgent pecan nut, attracting the eye and the palate alike. Many more surprises are in store for us, with each season bringing its share of new creations. Pay a short teatime visit to this privileged spot, away from the noise and heat.
Cédric Grolet Monte-Carlo
Entrance via the patio of the Hôtel de Paris, Avenue des Beaux-Arts, Monte-Carlo
Crédit : Monte-Carlo
Société des Bains de Mer
Crédit Monte-Carlo
Société des Bains de Mer
Crédit Monte-Carlo
Société des Bains de Mer
“Ô CAP” IN THE PORT OF NICE: AN IMMINENT BOARDING FOR CAPE VERDE!
Acolourful and welcoming atmosphere in the Port of Nice! Having dropped anchor on the Docks quay two years ago, “Ô Cap” is always packed full. This authentically Cape Verdean restaurant is offering original specialties prepared in the grand tradition of the northwest African archipelago. Here, you also have a breathtaking view of Castle Hill and the boats as well.
Edna, the chef, inherited cooking fundamentals from her family. “When I was a child, my mother cooked sea bream with onions, peppers, tomatoes and fragrant herbs. I would go and sell this specialty in the street… My father also loved to cook. So I grew up immersed in this tradition.” In France, as an adult, I initially wanted to explore French flavours, ultimately deciding to revisit Cape Verdean cuisine.
Fresh ingredients, slow cooking, and a good dose of love… These dishes appeal to both tourists and locals. The traditional “cachupa” is a must — a corn stew enhanced with meat, fish, sausage or shrimp, according to individual tastes. It’s the res-
taurant’s signature dish. Edna favours green corn, simmering the stew for six to seven hours. The result is melt-in-your-mouth tender. “Feijoada” has white beans as its main ingredient, while “congo,” made with peas, vegetables and meat is renowned for its energizing properties. “It’s a dish full of vitamins that Cape Verdeans eat when they feel anemic or tired,” explains Edna. As a pairing to these specialties, “Ô Cap” is offering some distinctive Cape Verdean wines or a variety of cocktails made with a particularly flavourful rum. As for the coffee, it comes all the way from Fogo Island to keep with the local flavour.
And, since music is part of daily life on these lush islands, musicians and singers perform every Thursday evening. A festive atmosphere in the port of Nice not to be missed out on!
Open every day except Wednesday.
Ô Cap
8 Quai des Docks, Nice Tel (33) 06 95 68 80 62
A restaurant in the port of Nice
100% Cape Verdean specialties
Friendly atmosphere on summer evenings
THE GRAND FRENCH TRADITION AT “LE FERNET” IN MONACO
Set in the very heart of the Principality, in the Moulins district, a few months ago this iconic restaurant took a completely new turn. Embodying chic, expertise and a respect for French gastronomy fundamentals, «Le Fernet» is already establishing itself as a grand Parisian brasserie. Unsurprisingly, gourmets and loyal regulars are flocking to this place where excellence goes hand in hand with warmth, generosity and conviviality.
But first, how did this name, suggesting an Italian liqueur made with herbs and spices, come about? Florine Huby, assistant manager and head sommelier, is telling us the story: “One evening in Monaco, we were sitting down to dinner and one of our staff members was feeling blue, as they say… Having shared a meal between friends, we decided to finish it up with a small glass of Fernet. And everything went better straight away… The idea of opening a restaurant that would offer a warm welcome for everyone to feel comfortable thus came about, and we named it ‘Fernet’!”
Its chef Mathieu Dorlac is creating dishes exuding freshness and instantly bringing
a smile to your face. The menu follows a seasonal rhythm. Marinated tuna, white fish carpaccio, French-inspired gazpacho or flavourful tomato salad from the French Riviera hinterland are gradually replacing comforting winter dishes like traditional veal stew. The menu also features local vegetables and Mediterranean fish, with traceability being an absolute rule here. The feast is crowned by original desserts, including the famous “Saint-Fernet”, a reimagined “Paris–Brest” — choux pastry, cream, a scoop of ice cream and chocolate. As to the wines, the head sommelier is offering us a genuine tour of France, showcasing the most prestigious Bordeaux and Burgundy labels, as well as more exclusive wines from the Jura, Savoie, Loire Valley and Alsace. Thanks to Florine’s invaluable advice, perfect wine pairings are guaranteed. In a word, a meal embodying the real French art of living.
Monday to Saturday, 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM Sunday, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
A Paris but stress- and noise-free. With its wide, elegant avenues, 350 historical monuments, majestic squares, countless private mansions and Haussmann buildings, Bordeaux is indeed a miniature Paris. True serenity reigns here, however, only highlighting the urban landscape beauty and inviting you to take your time. Few motor vehicles are in the city centre, rather plenty of bicycles, trams and pedestrians who generally don’t rush. The lifestyle evokes the charm of the countryside in a dreamlike setting.
The undisputed capital of wine, trading since the Middle Ages, Bordeaux is now shining internationally. With 40 % of its territory listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is an essential stop for anyone visiting France. Having undergone a considerable recent facelift, Bordeaux is nestled on the Garonne River banks, its waters constantly shifting with the tides, reflecting the Place de la Bourse. A picture-perfect scene. Its many parks are offering a green getaway, particularly appreciated by cyclists. Numerous walks can also be enjoyed along the river and through its vast green spaces.
Parc de Majolan, labelled a remarkable garden, stands out for its artificial grottoes, lending it a touch of fantasy. Bordeaux thus seamlessly blends historic architecture with lush vegetation. Its living, restorative heritage is nourished by the iodine-rich air from the nearby ocean.
Firmly committed to sustainable tourism, the home of Montaigne and Montesquieu is striving to be environmentally conscious, minimizing its carbon footprint. Thanks to
this commitment among other things, visiting it is such a pleasure.
A leisurely walk through the old town reveals a whole treasury of spectacular monuments. Built over 500 years ago on the old ramparts, Porte Cailhau used to serve as the royal entrance.
The freestanding Saint-André Cathedral bell tower, the Pey-Berland with its belvedere is offering a truly breathtaking panoramic view. Reopened this summer, another freestanding bell tower of nearly 120 metres (the fourth tallest in France), SaintMichel spire is well worth a visit! Making a list of all the remarkable sites to visit thus seems quite impossible. Not to mention an 18th-century gem, now the town hall, Palais Rohan.
Furthermore, Bordeaux is boasting the longest pedestrian street in Europe. One kilometre of inviting little bars and boutiques, Rue Sainte-Catherine is promising a pleasant shopping experience.
As to local museums, Bordeaux is certainly not short of them. Don’t miss the, unique for France, Customs Museum. The interactive tour introduces you to the evolution of this particularly important institution for a commercial port like Bordeaux. Built in the early 18th century, bordering the
Place de la Bourse, it is still housing the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Customs Directorate. With its beautiful facades, courtyard and woodwork, the museum is unsurprisingly a listed historical monument.
Another gem that just reopened last April is the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design. Nestled in the very heart of the city, having undergone an extensive renovation, the MADD is a vast collection of decorative arts from the 18th century to the present day, highlighting the contemporary design through its various exhibitions. An ambitious and very successful architectural project has connected its two iconic buildings: a private, late 18th century mansion and a former, late 19th century municipal prison. The challenge was twofold — that of preserving the architectural identity and unique atmosphere of these heritage sites, whilst adapting to the contemporary museum requirements. And it turned out very successful.
Another major event, in 2026 La Cité du Vin is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Yet another reason to visit Bordeaux without delay!
Bordeaux Tourist and Congress Office
Tel +33(0)5.56.00.66.00
www.bordeaux.tourisme.com
Photo : Nicole Laffont
Photo : Nicole Laffont
A street leading to the Porte Cailhau built more than 500 years ago on the old rampart
The Grand Theatre in neoclassical style, the home of the Opéra de Bordeaux
THE “CITÉ DU VIN” IS CELEBRATING ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY
Ten years of the French art of living, honouring vineyards from all around the world, offering tastings and exhibitions to wine enthusiasts coming from every continent. Since its opening on June 1, 2016, this iconic Bordeaux building has welcomed three and a half million visitors. Its bold architecture is standing out in the city’s landscape. A unique glass and metal structure, with its curves inviting the sun to reflect off its surface. Built on the banks of the Garonne River, the “Cité du Vin” is one of Bordeaux’ major highlights.
Celebrating the work of winemakers, championing the terroirs, showcasing oenological expertise, this place is truly unique. Conceived under the aegis of the Wine Culture and Civilizations Foundation, the very building is reminiscent of a glass, gently swirled in anticipation of a
winetasting. Here you can almost feel the dance of wine ready to tantalize your taste buds. These curves also evoke the gnarled vines, whilst others can distinguish the Garonne River flowing by. This architecture is thus totally in line with Bordeaux spirit and emblem: Wine.
From the very moment you walk into the wine cellar, wonder and astonishment take over. This genuine library of bottles showcases some 500 wines from 35 different countries. A unique selection in a truly enchanting setting.
This is a kind of a prelude before exploring the permanent exhibition — a journey through time and space, an initiation comprising all the elements constituting wine culture. Cutting-edge digital and interactive technologies have been employed to celebrate this human heritage — aerial views of vineyards, winemaking secrets, world’s terroirs and the grand Bordeaux saga. A total of 18 spaces to explore at your leisure. Ten winemakers from ten winemak-
ing regions unveil the specificities of their terroir and its impact on the wines.
Here we also learn how, following the conquistadors’ folly, the vineyards reached the most remote islands of Polynesia. The snow-covered slopes of Switzerland are also lending themselves to viticulture just as the Australian outback and distant Asia do, and as far as the hostile Mount Fuji slopes in Japan. We also realize to what extent winemakers are genuine landscape architects, adapting to a complex geology, playing with climate constraints, like the violent winds of the Greek Santorini or the Landes forest mists in order to produce legendary bottles of Sauternes. An animated presentation of the vine reveals the interactions between the soil, plant and grapes, while the “Five Senses Buffet”, a playful, olfactory journey exploring aromas and colours of wine, is providing keys to expert winetasting.
You can easily spend hours here, with the exhibition culminating in a truly
Photo : Nicole Laffont
The Cité du Vin, an iconic building in Bordeaux built on the banks of the Garonne River
magical moment — a tasting of a selected Belvedere vintage hosted on the top floor. A dreamlike setting with an immense oak bar and a chandelier made of thousands of bottles. And, not to mention the exceptional view of Bordeaux and its surroundings from the terrace.
A lovely bonus, a temporary exhibition celebrating the tenth anniversary is running until December 31st. “Around the World across 50 Wine Regions” is a collection of photographs revealing the very soul and essence of each terroir. Experience this tribute to the partner wine regions, offering tastings of their finest vintages through sensory experiences and workshops. Explore vineyards from all around the world, from South Africa to Argentina, from Australia to Mexico, passing through a number of European countries, including, of course, the major wine regions of France.
This year, the cultural agenda of the season is busier than ever. It’s a lively and entertaining encyclopedia unlocking all the secrets of a beverage that, since the dawn of time and across all civilizations, has always stirred the hearts of men.
134, Quai de Bacalan, Bordeaux
Tel. +33(0)5.56.16.20.00
La Cité du Vin
® DBY Photographie-Cité du Vin-XTU architects
The highlight of a visit to the Cité du Vin is the tasting area offering a breathtaking view of the city.
The Palais Gallien, a charming hotel in the heart of the historic centre, a true haven of peace
THE PALAIS GALLIEN: FRENCH LUXURY AND ART DE VIVRE
Timeless, luxurious, intimate, utterly romantic. The Palais Gallien is housed in a private mansion, just out of the city centre, by the Roman amphitheatre ruins, in a charming little street in the very heart of the designated UNESCO World Heritage area. Elegantly combining modern comfort and timeless antique charm, this hotel truly stands out for its typically French art of living.
Its rooms are named after the greatest writers — Montaigne, Montesquieu and Shakespeare. Some suites open onto a spacious terrace offering panoramic views over Bordeaux rooftops. Admire them while enjoying a soothing soak in the private jacuzzi. The very pinnacle of well-being.
The Palais Gallien is home to the Nuxe Spa. Offering a wide range of treatments, it is nestled in a cocoon of tranquillity, just next to the outdoor pool — a perfect spot for relaxation during the summer months. Massages performed by Marie-Ange are truly exceptional. Targeting any tension, aches or pains, this young therapist expertly adapts to your individual needs. Enjoy authentic treatments in an equally authentic setting. No frills here, just excellence and simplicity.
THE REFINED AND INVENTIVE CUISINE AT “LE CERCLE DE MONTAIGNE”
This gourmet restaurant has chosen Montaigne as its slogan: “It is healthier to eat more beautifully...” Two magnificent salons, one red, the other green, are thus providing an exquisite setting. During the warmer months, everything moves to the gardens around the pool. Precious woods and black marble tables are highlighting its hushed atmosphere. Discreet and efficient service only contributes to a feeling of being welcomed in the grand home of a friend.
“Le Cercle de Montaigne” offers creative, locally sourced and passionately crafted gourmet cuisine. Chef Oli Williamson has his own unique mastery of cooking and presenting the fish. His menu is thus featuring truly exquisite creations, pleasing to the eye and the palate alike. Savour his meltingly tender and fragrant scallops with vanilla or the beautiful monkfish cheeks with spinach. Following the seasons and selecting the finest market produce, the Chef favours authenticity and simplicity.
This gourmet journey is totally in line with the Palais Gallien spirit, standing out as a charming gem. Nothing else, but luxury and serenity.
Palais Gallien
144, Rue Abbé de l’Épée, Bordeaux Tel. +33(0)5 57.08.01.27
Olga Taran, founder, editor in chief of Hello Monaco, and Xavier Fuller, Chopard Monaco
Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl
Yasmine Sabri
Benjamin Larretche and Petra Nemcova
Jacky Ickx and Khadja Nin
Photos by Yaro R.
Carla Bruni
Caroline Scheufele and Kim Jones
Annabelle Wallis
Bella Hadid
Ruth Negga
Emmanuelle Béart
Chopard’s “Miracle” Gala brought glamour, artistry, and high jewellery to Cannes, celebrating the 79th Cannes Film Festival with spectacular flair.
Cindy Bruna
Harry Goodwins
Demi Moore
Caroline Scheufele and Liu Wen
Dita Von Teese
Anwar Hadid
Adriana Lima
Yolanda Hadid, Bella Hadid and Caroline Scheufele
Sofia Carson
Olga and Katya Taran, Hello Monaco
Courtesy Chopard
Diamonds and the Magic of Cannes: Two Incredible Evenings by Chopard
In Cannes, there are traditions that are essential to the festival experience. One of them is the appearance of dazzling jewellery masterpieces from Chopard on the red carpet. Every year, creations from the Swiss house accompany the most talked-about appearances of global stars.
Necklaces, unique earrings, and precious jewels from the famous Red Carpet Collection attract just as much attention as the film premieres themselves. It’s no wonder that Chopard events have become some of the most anticipated moments of the Cannes Film Festival.
This year, the social calendar was marked by two significant events: the ceremony for the Trophée Chopard, dedicated to rising stars in cinema, and the grand Miracle Gala, a show featuring world-class artists.
TROPHÉE CHOPARD: FUTURE STARS OF CINEMA
Established in 2001 by Caroline Scheufele, President and Artistic Director of Chopard, the Trophée Chopard has become a beacon for the film industry. Its primary goal is to support young actors who have made a name for themselves and are on their way to international recognition. Over the past quarter-century, laureates of the award have included Marion Cotillard, Léa Seydoux, James McAvoy, Gael García Bernal, John Boyega, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy.
For Caroline Scheufele, the Trophée Chopard remains one of her most personal projects. For many years, she has been helping to discover new talents and support young artists at the beginning of their journey to global success. This year, the prestigious trophy was awarded to American actress Odessa A’zion and British actor Conor Swindells. The solemn ceremony took place on the renowned Carlton Beach, amidst stars of the global cinema. The honour of presenting the award was
Connor Swindells, Caroline Scheufele and Odessa A’zion at Chopard Trophy award
Olga and Katya Taran, Hello Monaco, at Chopard Trophy award
CANNES 2026: СINEMA, GLAMOUR AND
bestowed upon the legendary Isabelle Huppert, who became the godmother of the 2026 award.
Among the guests of the evening were recognized figures such as Demi Moore, Park Chan-wook, Chloe Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård, James Franco, Andie MacDowell, Barbara Palvin, and many other representatives of the international film elite and fashion industry.
MIRACLE GALA: A CIRCUS OF WONDERS, HIGH FASHION, AND JEWELLERY MASTERPIECES
If the Trophée Chopard is dedicated to the future of cinema, then the Miracle Gala is a true celebration of beauty, fashion, and art. This year, Chopard transported guests from the film world to a magical universe of wonders, transforming the La Palestre venue in Le Cannet into a giant circus tent adorned with thousands of lights, luxurious floral arrangements, and theatrical decorations.
The main inspiration for the evening was the idea of miracles. This is why the program resembled a grand show, where every detail was meticulously planned. Guests were welcomed by performers from the famous Circus Knie, acrobats, and dancers, while the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the new Caroline’s Couture collection and the legendary Red Carpet Collection—a collection of high jewellery art that Chopard creates each year specifically for the Cannes Film Festival. The runway featured legendary supermodels Eva Herzigova and Liu Wen.
On the red carpet of the Miracle Gala, stars like Bella Hadid, Demi Moore, Carla Bruni, Sofia Carson, Adriana Lima, Dita Von Teese, Emmanuelle Béart, Olivia Palermo, Yolanda Hadid, and numerous other celebrities dazzled the crowd.
Among the most memorable moments of the evening were the performance by burlesque queen Dita Von Teese, who added her signature theatrical flair to the event, and the appearance of British singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who performed her most famous hits and instantly turned the evening into a real celebration.
After the gala dinner prepared by Michelin-starred chef Bruno Oger, the festivities continued late into the night with tracks from the legendary DJ Bob Sinclar.
Yolanda and Bella Hadid at Chopard Miracle gala
Caroline Scheufele and Eva Herzigova at Chopard Miracle gala
Photo by
Yaro R.
Photo by
Yaro R.
amfAR GALA CANNES 2026
May 21, 2026
Katya and Olga Taran, Hello Monaco
Kyle Clifford, CEO of amfAR
Petra Nemcova, model
Katharina Nahlik
Photos by Yaro R.
Isabeli Fontana, model
Maura Higgins
Natasha Poly, model
Coco Rocha, model
Sara Sampaio, actress and model
William Abadie, actor
Adrien Grenier, actor
Tara Reid, actress
Heidi Klum
Katya Taran, art director of Hello Monaco
Ciara Miller, amfAR Red Carpet Host/ TV personality
Eva Longoria, actress
Robbie Williams and Ayda Field Williams
Pia Jauncey, model/actress
Ed Westwick, actor
Olga Taran, founder and editor in chief of Hello Monaco
Lizzo, singer and rapper
Geena Davis, amfAR Cannes Host/Actress
Lara Larsson, performer
Brooks Nader, model
GRAND PRIX MARIA CALLAS MONACO GALA & AWARDS: A Night of Supreme Elegance and Royal Prestige
With exceptional brilliance and international radiance, the 6th Edition of the Grand Prix Maria Callas
Monaco Gala & Awards was held Under The High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco in the Principality of Monaco, on April 29th, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s most distinguished artistic events. The charity event is always dedicated to the incomparable Greek soprano Maria Callas, the legendary La Divina.
For the sixth consecutive year, the iconic gala, hosted in the cosmopolitan setting of Monte-Carlo, surpassed all expectations, elevating standards of prestige, artistic excellence, and refined hospitality.
Under the Presidency of the founder, distinguished visual artist Ioanna Efthimiou, and Vice President, esteemed lawyer and philanthropist Theodora Michaloliakou, the institution welcomed prominent figures from the international elite.
The evening was honoured by the commanding presence of the Official High
Patron of the event, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, whose enduring support for the arts and philanthropy, combined with his distinguished stature, bestowed an undeniable aura of royal prestige and gravitas upon the occasion. His active participation, including personally presenting the first awards, marked one of the most significant and symbolic highlights of the evening.
Set within an atmosphere of refined opulence, in the emblematic Salle Empire of the historic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, adorned with gilded details, majestic fres-
coes, and exquisite floral arrangements evoking the essence of spring, the gala brought together members of royal families, diplomats, leading international business figures, and eminent personalities from the worlds of art and intellect.
It is worth noting that the event draws its inspiration from the original Maria Callas Gala held in the Principality 63 years ago, in 1963, in the very same venue, hosted by the Princely couple, TSH Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Rainier III of Monaco, with distinguished guests Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis .
The grandeur of that historic evening was revived six years ago with the establishment of this highly successful institution, which each year recreates its magic, attracting world-renowned figures from the international jet set.
Among this year’s distinguished guests were HRH Princess Al Joharah bint Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, Princess Olimpia Colonna di Paliano, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, accompanied by prominent Greek-American Christos Marafatsos, Italian Ambassador to Monaco Manuela Ruosi, President of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Stéphane Valeri, and Walgreens Boots Alliance founder Stefano Pessina, the President of the Hellenic Community in Monaco Katerina Lanara, along with many other notable personalities.
Among the distinguished award recipients were Veronica Berti Bocelli, recognized for her extensive philanthropic work as Vice President of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, supporting education and humanitarian
initiatives worldwide; Enrico Toja, President and Founder of Elafonisos Eco, for his tireless environmental advocacy and commitment to marine conservation; renowned geopolitical analyst and Le Figaro journalist Renaud Girard, for his longstanding contribution to international journalism;
internationally acclaimed performer Arturo Brachetti, celebrated for his extraordinary artistic versatility and Guinness World Record recognition; globally respected philanthropist Mario Hintermayer, Greek soprano Maria Kosovitsa, honoured for her lyrical excellence and rising international
career; scientist Dr. Christos Nikolopoulos, for his dedication to science and philhellenic contribution; and Céline Roelens, for her impactful entrepreneurial achievements and contribution to Monaco’s economic and social development.
The evening reached its crescendo with a magnificent opera concert, featuring acclaimed Greek artists — soprano Maria Kosovitsa, tenor Christos Delizonas, and distinguished pianist Veniamin Chatzikoumbaroglou — who captivated the audience with a refined selection of renowned arias, delivering a truly unforgettable musical experience.
Equally significant was the strong philanthropic dimension of the event, as this year’s gala was dedicated to the international environmental organization Elafonisos Eco. In this context, an exceptional art exhibition was presented, featuring prominent visual artists who generously donated their works in support of the cause, including Marcos Marin, Dimos Flessas, Dimitra Bouga, and Francesca Giuliano, reinforcing the powerful connection between art and social contribution.
The Grand Prix Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards is far more than an annual artistic event; it is a distinguished institution where art, excellence, and philanthropy converge in perfect harmony. Under the High Patronage and continuous support of HSH Prince Albert II, Monaco once again stands at the forefront of global culture and refined elegance, honouring in the most sophisticated manner the enduring legacy of Maria Callas.
THE GRAND BALL OF PRINCES AND PRINCESSES in all its magic during the Cannes Film Festival
A princely fairytale on the French Riviera — a luxurious celebration where magic always reigns.
On May 16, 2026, under the sparkling lights of the French Riviera and in the midst of the Cannes Film Festival celebrations, the legendary Barrière Le Majestic in Cannes hosted the Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses in all its splendour.
Set directly opposite the Festival Palace, for just one extraordinary evening, this legendary palace hotel was transformed into a magical kingdom. A majestic tribute to timeless elegance, aristocratic glamour and the enchanting legacy of Princess Grace, it was on the brink between dream and reality.
This exclusive and highly anticipated event brought together over 150 distinguished guests, immersing them in a universe where sophistication and excellence joined to create a truly unforgettable experience.
The gilded columns of the opulent Croisette Hall were shimmering beneath crystal chandeliers, while its painted ceilings and tables, magically illuminated by a multitude of candles, evoked the true grandeur of Europe’s most illustrious royal courts. Every
detail, from the lush floral arrangements to the orchestral scores echoing through the ballroom, transported guests to a fairy tale inspired by Belle Époque splendour and the most legendary Monegasque parties.
And as the night fell, princes in ceremonial uniforms and princesses in haute couture gowns transformed the ballroom into a living masterpiece of royal elegance. It was truly reminiscent of a bygone era of glamour and mystery, back when sophistication was considered an art form in its own right.
Conceived and organized by renowned opera singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Delia Grace Noble, this gala night celebrated the Principality of Monaco and Grace Kelly’s timeless elegance. On the margins of the Cannes Film Festival, music, dance and a spectacular theatrical production truly immersed the guests in a unique emotional and cinematic experience.
This year, the Grand Ball presented a magnificent artistic production featuring some fifty world-renowned artists—the Municipal Guard Orchestra, the Czech National Dance Ensemble, numerous opera soloists, classical musicians and international per-
formers. All through the evening, guests enjoyed stunning choreography, masterful vocal performances, vibrant instrumental compositions and captivating visuals truly blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination.
Each performance was a genuine embodiment of a princely fairy tale.
The singers’ voices seemed to float through the hall like a crystal echo. The dancers were gliding magically beneath the sparkling chandeliers and the musicians filled the palace with enchanting melodies. As to the guests, they were transformed from mere spectators into actual participants, in this magical world where time itself seemed to stand still.
The ball carried on with a banquet worthy of the most majestic royal courts. Luxuriously set tables, lit by candles and laden with exquisite dishes in all refinement and artistry, promised the guests a truly exceptional culinary journey.
The Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses is more than just a gala evening, rather an international symbol of sophistication and escapism, a revival of the legendary European aristocratic celebrations reimagined for the modern world. Since its very inception, the ball has established itself as one of the most exclusive and anticipated social events, attracting the most prestigious international guests in search of elegance, romance, culture and dreams coming true.
As this phantasmagorical night was drawing to its end, guests were regretfully leaving the enchanted palace, as if waking from a dream, cherishing memories of a night on the verge of cinema, princely charm and true magic. From Monaco to Venice, Capri, London, Cairo, Courchevel, the Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses continues its dazzling journey. Introducing its princely universe to the most iconic locations, it is immortalizing a timeless story of glamour, beauty, and wonder.
As the warm season unfolds, Monaco once again transforms into one of Europe’s most exciting destinations for culture, sport, enter tainment and innovation. From worldclass exhibitions and glamorous gala evenings to legendary sporting competitions and concerts, the Principality’s calendar is filled with events that at tract international audiences throughout the summer and autumn. Against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, these moments showcase the unique blend of elegance, creativity and dynamism that conti nues to define Monaco, offering residents and visitors alike countless reasons to experience the Principality at its most vibrant.
“Wedding of the Century” exhibition
June 18 – September 25
Marking the 70th anniversary of the wedding of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco is dedicating a major exhibition to one of the most celebrated royal unions of the 20th century. Dubbed the “wedding of the century” by Le Figaro in 1956, the event united European royal tradition with the power of American media attention, leaving a lasting mark on Monaco’s history. Through photographs, film footage, jewellery, gowns, gifts and previously unseen archival documents, visitors can revisit the extraordinary week of celebrations that unfolded between 12 and 19 April 1956, from Grace Kelly’s arrival in Monaco to the couple’s departure for their honeymoon. The exhibition also highlights the unprecedented global media coverage that turned the wedding into an international phenomenon and secured its place in the collective imagination for generations.
https://www.visitepalaisdemonaco.com/
Exhibition From Yesterday to Today
June 22 – September 13
https://www.mtcc.mc/
From 22 June to 13 September 2026, the Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince presents From Yesterday to Today, a temporary exhibition exploring how some of the world’s most iconic automobiles have evolved across generations. Displayed in the Collection’s mezzanine space, the exhibition pairs legendary models with their modern successors, offering a rare side-by-side comparison. Highlights include the Ferrari F40 and Ferrari F80, Bugatti EB110 and Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport, Ford GT40 and Ford GT, Mercedes CLK GTR and Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, as well as classic and contemporary versions from Renault, Alpine, Porsche and Ferrari. These automotive duos reveal more than half a century of evolution in design, materials, performance and technology, while showing how manufacturers have preserved the character that made these models famous in the first place.
Exhibition Monaco and The Automobile, From 1893 to the Present Day
July 1 – September 6
Covering 3,500 square metres, Monaco and the Automobile, from 1893 to the Present Day retraces 130 years of motoring history through around 50 iconic vehicles, including more than 20 winners of the Monaco Grand PrixTM and the Monte-Carlo Rally. The exhibition also features rare items from the Princely Family and previously unseen archives from the Automobile Club de Monaco. The largest automobile exhibition ever staged in the Principality, it explores Monaco’s deep connection with the car through major sporting events, elegance competitions and automotive design. Visitors will discover a selection of historic documents, photographs and videos, many presented to the public for the first time. Curated by Rodolphe Rapetti, the exhibition was initially scheduled for 2020 before being postponed by the pandemic. Opening at last in 2026, it brings together heritage, history and motorsport in one of Monaco’s most anticipated cultural events.
umping International de Monte-Carlo will take place from 2 to 4 July this year. The 2026 Jumping International de MonteCarlo marks a major milestone: the event’s 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, it has established itself as one of the most prestigious fixtures on the international equestrian calendar, bringing together top-level sport, unforgettable performances and the unique elegance of the Principality. This anniversary edition carries additional symbolism as it coincides with the Chinese Year of the Horse, a fitting tribute to the animal that has always been at the heart of the event, embodying grace, strength, freedom and nobility. The Jumping International of Monte-Carlo, one of the main trials in the Longines Global Champions Tour since its creation in 2006, is a horse jumping event unlike any other. The setting up of an entire equestrian event in the middle of a busy harbour is a formidable challenge. With Charlotte Casiraghi as its patron, the competition brings together professional and amateur riders from around the world in a highly competitive yet convivial event that has the entire audience on its feet. The champions are competing for the Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco, which is the ultimate reward for this stage of the challenge.
Photo: Yaro T.
Monte-Carlo Summer Festival
July 3 – August 15
The Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2026 is set to deliver an extraordinary lineup. From groove to pop to soul, the program was curated by Alfonso Ciulla, Artistic Director of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group. This year’s festival promises unforgettable performances on two iconic stages: the Salle des Etoiles and the Opéra Garnier. Highlights include Sébastien Tellier, who will open the festival with his hypnotic voice at the Opéra Garnier on 3 July. Singer, songwriter, and eight-time Grammy and Oscar winner, Jon Batiste will showcase his unique and innovative artistic talent on 7 July at the same venue. Multiple Platinum record-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist John Legend, will present an intimate performance blending music and personal narratives titled, “An Evening with John Legend: A Night of Songs and Stories” on 26 July at the Salle des Etoiles. Vanessa Paradis and her ethereal, sometimes fiery music will take place on 31 July at the Opéra Garnier. The traditional charity gala in support of Fight Aids Monaco will feature an authentic Queen tribute: God Save the Queen, led by the unique voice of Pablo Padín on 11 July at the Salle des Etoiles. Several dinner shows are on the Summer Festival program, all at the Salle des Etoiles, with tickets priced at around €420. Each concert at the Salle des Etoiles will feature the Ultramarine Girls Band as an opening act. The all-female group is known for their contagious energy, inspired by the likes of Madonna, JLo and ABBA.
https://www.montecarlosbm.com
Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
July 8–11
Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco will take place from July 8 to 11. Organised since 2014 by the Yacht Club de Monaco, in collaboration with the International Powerboating Federation (UIM) and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, as well as, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the event is now established as a major gathering driving innovation in the maritime sector. At the crossroads of academic research and the nautical industry, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge brings engineering students together with yachting professionals to experiment, demonstrate and debate the challenges of sustainable mobility at sea. More than a competition, the event has evolved into a floating showcase of innovation, where the future of sustainable propulsion is tested in real-world conditions. The 2026 edition brings together 43 teams representing 21 nationalities from across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa, united by a shared ambition: accelerating the energy transition in the yachting industry. For several days, the Principality will become a hub of creativ -
ity and technological experimentation as students, universities, technical institutes and industry experts present their latest breakthroughs. In this unique open-air laboratory, participants will not only unveil their solutions and put their prototypes
through rigorous trials, but also exchange ideas in an environment designed to foster collaboration, innovation and collective intelligence.
Herculis EBS 2026 meeting will take place on July 10. The Monaco leg of the Wanda Diamond League has confirmed the participation of twelve more champion athletes, who will be competing on 10 July at the Stade Louis-II. This news comes after the announced participation of Faith Kipyegon in the 3000 metre, Jimmy Gressier in the 5000 metre, and Mondo Duplantis, pole vault world record holder. Reigning Olympic champion, Julien Alfred, will return to Monaco to compete in the 200 metre. The sprinter from Saint Lucia has shown excellent form at the start of this season, launching her Diamond League campaign with a time of under 22 seconds in Rome. The athlete has a special relationship with the Herculis EBS Meeting. She came in second in the 200 metre in 2023, before winning the 100 metre twice in a row, in 2024 and 2025. Her races are quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events at this year’s Herculis EBS. The men’s 100 metre
The Monaco Red Cross Ball
July 18
One of Monaco’s most prestigious charity events, the Monaco Red Cross Gala will celebrate its 77th edition this year with a preview of SOUL!. Chaired by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, the organisation has long combined philanthropy with culture and the arts. Beyond its humanitarian mission, the Monaco Red Cross has assembled an impressive art collection over the past 30 years, featuring unique works donated by internationally acclaimed artists. Some of these pieces are now being exhibited at the headquarters of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. One of the most influential charity gala evenings in the world unites the international elite, cultural personalities and superstars, in the prestigious Salle des Étoiles, Monte-Carlo Sporting. The solemn opening of the event from year to year is traditionally given by the Princely couple.
https://www.croix-rouge.mc/en/
will also feature reigning world champion and world number one: Oblique Seville, the Jamaican star. The women’s 100 metre hurdles also promise to be one of the event’s highlights. Olympic champion Masai Russell is enjoying an exceptional start to the season. Her time of 12.14 seconds in Xiamen put her just two hundredths of a second behind the world record, confirming her status as a major contender in the event. The American will face Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, the reigning world champion in the event from Tokyo. The strength of the 2026 Herculis EBS is further confirmed by the presence of several world champions and medalists in various disciplines. Among them are Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Olympic champion and one of the world’s leading 800 metre runners, while the young Botswanan, Collen Kebinatshipi, continues to impress in the 400 metres.
https://monaco.diamondleague.com/
art3f Monaco
September 11–13
The new edition of art3f, the international contemporary art fair will be held from 11 to 13 of September 2026, in Chapiteau de Fontvieille. art3f is a new approach to traditional contemporary art fairs, bringing a human warmth to these cultural events. art3f is an expertly concocted blend of popular, accessible art and the very finest artistic representation of the moment. The perfect way to discover great art with the whole family.
https://www.art3f.fr/monaco/
Princess Charlène at the 2025 Monaco Red Cross Ball
The 13th Vintage Car Rally organised by Child CARE Monaco will be taking place on 13 September 2026 under the theme Red Carpet – Chic & Glamour. The day begins with breakfast at the legendary Café de Paris, followed by the roadbook presentation and a departure from Casino Square for a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast. Participants will then enjoy a gourmet lunch at a five-star palace overlooking the sea, followed by an elegant coffee break. The rally concludes at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club with an awards ceremony, cocktail reception and entertainment, including music by DJ Denis, a raffle and special surprises. Beyond the glamour and vintage automobiles, the event supports Child CARE Monaco’s mission to improve the education and wellbeing of underprivileged children.
In September, the yachting industry turns its focus exclusively on the Monaco Yacht Show where forty or so new launches are annually unveiled in a worldwide debut. Hundreds of exhibiting companies and partners participate in the growing success of the MYS. Monaco provides the ultimate showcase for industry influencers from the most reputable superyacht builders, award winning yacht designers, luxury suppliers, influential brokerage houses to the most sought-after water toys, prestige cars, helicopter and private jet manufacturers. The MYS is reinforcing its role as a key platform for industry progress with the launch of Blue Wake, a new initiative that will enhance the visibility of more environmentally sustainable solutions throughout the show. From 23 to 26 of September, more exclusive superyachts built by the world’s largest shipyards will be exhibited in Port Hercule.
https://www.monacoyachtshow.com/en/
Monaco Business
September 18
Monaco Business 2026 which will be held on September 18, is the trade fair devoted to businesses. The Principality’s B2B event brings together Monegasque entrepreneurs to enable them to exchange ideas, while presenting visitors with Monaco’s economic specificities. For one day, this meeting analyzes the current challenges in the field of economics, and gives the means to businessmen to increase their success.
https://monacobusinessexpo.com/
Photos by
Yaro R
https://www.luxepackmonaco.com/
Luxe Pack Monaco
September 28–30
Following the parade of luxury yachts, the Principality of Monaco is welcoming the key players from the packaging industry, specializing in original and high quality packaging. In September, the Grimaldi Forum will thus become an international venue bringing together creative
Monaco National Day
November 19
Monaco National Day is traditionally celebrated on November 19 and is the principal day of the year for the residents of the Principality to demonstrate their commitment to the state and the Prince. In addition, it is the day of the commemoration of the independence of the Principality, a holiday that was celebrated for the first time on May 16, 1734 under Prince Honoré III. A little more than a century later, Prince Charles III changed the date of the celebration to 4th November. However, the current Prince of Monaco Albert II decided to make this day also a Memorial Day to his father Rainier III and postponed the date to the 19th of November. You have an important opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to the Principality of Monaco on this special day!
and innovative packaging solutions called Luxe Pack Monaco. This annual event offers industry professionals a selection of exhibitions, conferences and workshops focused
SPORTEL Monaco
Son the latest packaging trends. The event is open to professionals only.
https://www.luxepackmonaco.com/
October 19–21
PORTEL Monaco is meeting you this year from October 19 to 21 and will once again offer you a program of public events rich in screenings, meetings, exclusive conferences, always in the presence of numerous champions. The SPORTEL Awards ceremony will close these 3 days of festivities and will honour the most beautiful images from the world of sport in this year.
SPORTEL Awards is also an opportunity for sports fans to experience unique moments with renowned elite sporting champions. Created in 1990 on the initiative of Georges Bertellotti, Monegasque journalist and passionate sportsman, and placed under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, SPORTEL Awards is an international competition which rewards the best sporting sequences but also exclusive meetings between sports fans and renowned sports personalities.
https://www.sportelawards.com/
Jacky Ickx, an iconic figure in world motorsport, the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Sport at the 2025 SPORTEL Awards
Photo by Yaro R
SOMETHING NEW JUST HAPPENED IN JAZZ. FINALLY.
AI.LOVE.JAZZ · Montreux · 8–10 July 2026 · Casino Barrière
The train is leaving the station. Right now. And the names already on board — the producers, the labels, the forward-thinking sponsors — are not waiting for the music industry to catch up.
This July, something genuinely new arrives in Montreux. Not a trend piece. Not a conference. A stage — the first of its kind in the world — where the next chapter of jazz is being written in real time, and where the seats at the table are still, for a very brief moment, available.
THE MOMENT
THE FIRE THAT STARTED EVERYTHING — AND THE SPARK ABOUT TO FOLLOW
On 4 December 1971, a flare ignited the rattan ceiling of the Montreux Casino during a Frank Zappa set. From a hotel across Lake Geneva, Deep Purple watched the smoke drift over the water and wrote six words that became rock’s most famous opening riff. The Casino burned. Then it was rebuilt. And it kept hosting history.
This July, the reconstructed Casino Barrière Montreux is preparing for a different kind of milestone — one that doesn’t require flames, but promises to be just as defining. Running alongside the 60th edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Casino opens its doors to AI.LOVE.JAZZ: the world’s first global AI Jazz music contest and live event.
Not a panel discussion about disruption. Not a keynote about the future. A fully staged, three-evening event — shortlisted compositions, live performance, masterclasses, and a Gala night — anchored in the most storied address in jazz history, at the precise moment this conversation can no longer be avoided.
87% of producers already use AI in their work
“AI is not replacing musicians. AI is becoming the orchestra. Behind every track stands a human.”
— Ilya Volkov, Co-Founder, AI.LOVE.JAZZ
$6.6B industry growing at 25% annually
60,000 AI-assisted tracks released per day on streaming
THE QUESTION NOBODY IS ANSWERING WHO CURATES TASTE WHEN THE SUPPLY IS INFINITE?
The flood is already here. Sixty thousand AI-assisted tracks hit streaming platforms every single day. Most will be forgotten by next week. A handful will be extraordinary. The music industry knows this — and is largely doing nothing about it.
AI.LOVE.JAZZ exists to find that handful. To give it a stage. To set the standard for what this music can be. Not by replacing the artist — but by recognising that AI has become the newest instrument in the virtuoso’s toolkit, and that someone needs to build the room where it earns its place.
That room is in Montreux. That moment is July 8th. And the niche — right now, in the weeks before the world catches on — is still wide open.
THE SEARCH — LONG BEFORE THE STAGE TUNING INTO TOMORROW
The search began online. From 1 April to 15 June 2026, the contest opened globally across the five genres that define the Montreux soul — Jazz, Soul, Funk, Blues, and Melodic Rock. The brief is simple: any tool, one original vision. The Top 50 earn their place on stage.
Running alongside, AI.LOVE.JAZZ Radio — the first dedicated AI Jazz station in the world, broadcasting 24/7 at ailovejazz. com. The year’s most distinctive creators, in permanent rotation, long after the lights come down.
“What matters is not the tool, but the idea, the taste, and the emotional charge behind it. AI.LOVE. JAZZ is about creating a space where new music can emerge honestly, boldly, and without prejudice.”
— Alex Chapsky, Co-Founder, AI.LOVE.JAZZ
THE PROGRAMME
THREE EVENINGS ON LAKE GENEVA
AI.LOVE.JAZZ runs across three evenings in parallel with the 60th Montreux Jazz Festival. Each night has its own rhythm — and its own reason to be in the room.
EVENING ONE · 8 JULY
The Craft
• Masterclasses staged as live jam sessions
• AI producers and working jazz musicians on one stage
• From prompt to playback, in real time, in front of the audience
EVENING TWO · 9 JULY
The Music
• The contest’s Top 10 shortlist performed live
• Public listening sessions of the year’s strongest compositions
• The audience hears them before anyone else does
EVENING THREE · 10 JULY
The Gala
• Spanish ensemble Patax on stage
• Contest winners performed by a live human ensemble
• The night the new genre announces itself — formally
A second programme runs in parallel. TEK, hosted on a terrace overlooking Lake Geneva across all three days, gathers executives, lawyers, technologists, and artists for a series of roundtables on artificial intelligence, intellectual property, and the future of music and technology. It is where the Swiss Innovation Corridor and the global music industry sit down together — and where the next decade’s defining conversations are had on the record.
The Riviera Café · the Gala setting
WHY HERE. WHY NOW.
MONTREUX IS NOT ACCIDENTAL TO ITS REPUTATION
Casino Barrière · Montreux
Since 1967, when Claude Nobs founded the Jazz Festival inside the original casino, this stretch of Lake Geneva shoreline has been one of music’s most recorded addresses. Queen built Mountain Studios upstairs. David Bowie passed through. Miles Davis returned for two decades. The Casino’s balustrade still carries the first four notes of Smoke on the Water, etched into the metal.
The 60th edition is the natural moment to add a chapter. And the Swiss innovation corridor — between Geneva and Lausanne, where finance, technology, and culture share the same train line — is where that chapter belongs.
The event is backed by the Crypto Valley Association, Switzerland’s leading blockchain and crypto ecosystem; supported by Innovaud, the innovation and investment agency of the Canton of Vaud; and sponsored by a global group including Swiss fintech YouHodler SA.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT FOUR FOUNDERS. ONE CONVICTION.
Ilya Volkov
Co-Founder · Switzerland
“AI changed that. Now expression is no longer limited by technique — only by taste and vision. For me, it’s a way to finally be part of music not as a spectator, but as a creator.”
Luis Medina Enciso
Concert Director · Spain
“This is the first global stage where technology doesn’t compete with virtuosity. It elevates it.”
Alex Chapsky
Co-Founder · Spain
“What matters is not the tool, but the idea, the taste, and the emotional charge behind it. AI.LOVE.JAZZ is about creating a space where new music can emerge honestly, boldly, and without prejudice.”
Doroteya Nancheva
Growth Director · Switzerland
“AI.LOVE.JAZZ is where ideas don’t wait — they become real, fast, and at scale. I’m here to shape how this new wave is seen and felt, turning technology into stories that connect, move, and build culture.”
ESSENTIAL FACTS
Dates
8–10 July 2026
Venue Casino Barrière Montreux
Context 60th Montreux Jazz Festival
Contest open 1 April – 15 June 2026
Top 50 announced 30 June 2026
AI Jazz Radio 24/7 live · ailovejazz.com
Backed by Crypto Valley Association ·
THE NEXT WAVE HAS ALREADY STARTED. The question is whether you’re on it.
There is a window, right now, between the moment a new genre earns its first serious stage and the moment every brand, label, and festival in Europe is trying to get close to it. That window does not stay open. It never does.
AI.LOVE.JAZZ is the opening event of a new era in music — held in the place that has hosted every important era for sixty years. The founders are four people who have given their careers to music, technology, and brand strategy, and who chose Montreux because nowhere else in the world carries the same weight for this conversation. Talent leads. AI follows. The stage is set. The train leaves in July.
www.ailovejazz.com
PARTNERSHIP & SPONSORSHIP
BE IN THE ROOM WHERE THIS BEGINS.
A limited number of partnership positions remain for the inaugural edition. Category exclusivity. Brand presence across three evenings, the TEK Terrace, and 24/7 AI Jazz Radio. First-mover association with the event that opens a genre.
