Prince Albert II attended an official ceremony celebrating the twinning of Monaco and Dolceacqua at the town hall on 3 November. The event was attended by Mayor Georges Marsan and the Mayor of Dolceacqua, Fulvio Gazzola. The two mayors signed the twinning oath in the wedding hall in the presence of the Prince and several Monegasque and Italian authorities. Georges Marsan presented Fulvio Gazzola with a painting by Julien Spiewak, an artist who was recently exhibited during “Monaco-Dolceacqua 500” at the Grand Apartments of the Palace and at the Doria Castle in Dolceacqua.
Located just 35 kilometres away from the Principality in the Italian province of Imperiais, Dolceacqua is famous for its wine, 12th-century castle and charming streets. In 1884, Claude Monet immortalized its arched bridge in two of his paintings. This year alone, over 20 events have been organized between the two cities. Following the first official visit of Prince Albert II to Dolceacqua in 2013, the Monaco government sponsored the construction of a local bicycle track connecting the town to the sea. Prince Rainier III regularly visited the town, occasionally accompanied by Princess Grace, to order shirts from a local tailor.
Gala in Philadelphia: Prince Albert II presents his Foundation’s Prizes for the Environment
Prince Albert II was in his mother’s hometown to present trophies on behalf of his Foundation during the 16th Planetary Health Awards ceremony, held at the Perelman Theatre on 27 October. Hosted by Robyn Curnow, former CNN international correspondent, the event was attended by John B. Kelly III, president of the American section of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Prince Albert’s cousin.
UK activist Dominique Palmer, Professor Hans-Otto Pörtner, a leading expert on climate change and the oceans, and Ecovative, a New York company that grows and develops compostable products out of mushrooms and other plants, were the three winners.
Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II presented with “Twinning Act”
After the twinning ceremony for Monaco and Dolceacqua, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were presented with the 2023 twinning act and the original loyalty oath dating from 1523 at the Prince’s Palace. The Princely couple were also presented with the new Monegasque postage stamp, which was issued on 3 November.
Prince Albert II presents Football Star Vinicius Junior with the Socrates 2023 Peace and Sport Prize
During the 67th Ballon d’Or ceremony, Real Madrid FC footballer Vinicius Junior received the Socrates Prize from Prince Albert II for his work in youth education and the fight against racism. The 23 year-old Brazilian star succeeds Sadio Mané, 2022 winner. Peace and Sport created the Socrates Prize to reward solidarity actions by committed footballers, who are role models and sources of inspiration for young people around the world. The Instituto Vini. Jr. offers innovative educational solutions to help provide quality education for all.
Video: Prince Albert II encourages Everyone to participate in No Finish Line
The Sovereign personally reminded everyone in Monaco to participate in No Finish Line’s charitable event for children during a video released on 24 October on social media. The 24th No Finish Line will be taking place from 11 to 19 November. The race is open to all runners and walkers who are free to participate for as little or as much as they want (one hour or run a marathon per day). For each kilometre traveled, Children & Future will donate €1 to support projects for sick or disadvantaged children.
Prince Albert II and Princess Stephanie receive €50 Gold Coin commemorating Prince Rainier III from the Monaco Stamps and Coins Museum
Prince Albert II inaugurated the numismatic exhibition ‘The Duchy-Pairie of Valentinois, former Grimaldi stronghold’ on 2 November. At the exhibition, he was presented with the €50 gold coin commemorating the centenary of the birth of Prince Rainier III, alongside HSH Princess Stephanie, president of the Prince Rainier III Commemoration Committee, Louis Ducruet and numerous representatives of Monegasque institutions.
The gold coin bears the double effigy of Prince Rainier III and is the first €50 coin to be struck by Monaco. Only 499 copies were produced and are available for sale at the Museum of Stamps and Coins at a unit price of €2,500. Prince Rainier III founded the museum with his collection from the Palace in 1950, which later became the current “Museum of Stamps and Coins” in 1996.
Charlotte Casiraghi receives Vanity Fair’s Person of the Year Award 2023
Charlotte Casiraghi was presented with Vanity Fair’s Person of the Year Award 2023 at the Real Alcazar in Seville on 2 November. According to the Spanish edition of the magazine, Charlotte Casiraghi was honoured with the award for her exceptional contribution to the arts and her commitment to the empowerment of women.
