Prince Albert II travelled to Singapore for a charity ball in support of his Foundation on 28 October 2022, where he met Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.
After a four-year absence, the bi-annual charity ball returned to Marina Bay Sands. A unique F.P.Journe Chronomètre Optimum watch auctioned at the ball for an astounding $1.48m.
This year’s theme was the ocean and the Grand Ballroom transformed into an immersive experience with a special performance featuring dancers from the Singapore Ballet. Guests were treated to a seafood-focussed menu by Michelin-starred chef and 2021 Restauranteur of the Year Daniel Boulud. Designer Anne Fontaine presented an exclusive fashion show during the evening.
“An honour to be hosted by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco at the ‘Ball in Monaco’. He has been a stalwart defender of our oceans and its precious heritage for a long time….Singapore is enhancing collaboration for oceans issues through the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea….I congratulate the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation for the sterling work in contributing to the preservation of our oceans,” said Vivian Balakrishnan, Foreign Minister of Singapore, on social media.
F.P.Journe donated a unique Chronomètre Optimum for the fundraising auction during the gala. The model featured a 40 mm case in platinum, a ruthenium-plated silver dial with Chinese numerals and “S.A.S Albert II 2022 Singapore” engraved on the piece.
President Ramkalawan receives Prince Albert II in Seychelles to discuss Aldabra Expedition
The President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan received Prince Albert II at the State House on 26 October. The Head of State and Prince Albert II discussed state affairs in a tête-à-tête meeting before joining a bilateral meeting which centred on an expedition Prince Albert II began conducting to the Aldabra atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The expedition, organized by the Prince Albert of Monaco Foundation and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, is part of the Monaco Exploration Mission in the Indian Ocean. Prince Albert II briefed President Ramakalwan on the fundamental aspects of the expedition.
President Ramkalawan and Prince Albert II then addressed the media to expound on the progress of their exchanges and express their satisfaction concerning the relations between the Republic of Seychelles and the Principality of Monaco. In his statement, President Ramkalawan said that it was an honour for the Government and the people of Seychelles to receive Prince Albert II. The President underlined that this expedition brings hope for partnership and the protection of Seychelles’ biodiversity. Above all, it brings hope for the visibility of the Saya de Malha bank, home to the largest seagrass meadow in the world, which Seychelles now manages with Mauritius. Apart from the expedition, he said that they also discussed other areas of cooperation such as education, and youth exchanges.
The Sovereign Prince said that he is happy to visit Seychelles. He commended the government of Seychelles for its efforts in the preservation of the environment. He explained that the exploration would comprise of 80 scientists from different countries. They will be undertaking research on the corals, mangroves, turtles, and the flora and fauna around the Aldabra Atoll.
Following the press briefing, the Head of State and the First Lady, Linda Ramkalawan, hosted a reception for Prince Albert II in the State House garden.
“The signing of the memorandum of understanding on Aldabra was a testimony of Monaco’s commitment to Seychelles. The MoU in the advancement of knowledge on corals and how we can put our best specialists together to figure out what species of corals will be most resilient in the years to come to help save our coral reefs…We welcome this partnership and we know this will open the door for future collaboration in the environmental sphere and beyond that,” said Prince Albert II during the reception.
Aldabra Expedition by Prince Albert II in Indian Ocean
After landing in the Seychelles, the Sovereign Prince traveled to the Aldabra atoll, as part 1 of his expedition, on 25 October. The Prince was accompanied by Jean-François Ferrari, Minister of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Flavien Joubert, Minister of Agriculture Climate Change and the Environment as well as a Monegasque and Seychelles delegation.
On the program: discovery of biodiversity, discussions with Dr. Frauke Fleischer-Dogley, CEO of the Seychelles Island Foundation, signing of a letter of intent with the aim of creating cooperation for the research and conservation of coral reefs between the Scientific Center of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and the Seychelles Islands Foundation.
Princess Caroline and Charlotte Casiraghi visit ‘Monaco on Stage’ Exhibition
Princess Caroline of Hanover and Charlotte Casiraghi visited the ‘Monaco on Stage – 100 years of concerts’ exhibition at the Quai Antoine I Exhibition Hall. From Joséphine Baker to Lady Gaga, from Charles Aznavour to Prince, many international stars have performed in Monaco over the last century. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to go behind the curtain and see the autographed hallways, recreations of dressing rooms and exclusive content about the artists, including unique recordings, and more. The exhibition is open to the public until 31 December 2022.
