The Princely Couple were received in a private audience by Pope Francis on Wednesday 20 July at the Vatican. At the end of the meeting, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene visited the Folon exhibition, on display until 27 August at the Vatican Museums. Princess Charlene was dressed in a black dress with a black veil, adhering to the traditional protocol for papal audiences which requests that women wear a long black garment and a black mantilla (a traditional lace veil) to symbolize the virtues of piety and humility.
Red Cross Gala celebrates 40 year Presidency of Prince Albert II
One of Monaco’s most anticipated events, the 73rd Red Cross Gala took place on the terraces of the Casino in the presence of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene on Monday 18 July. The 2022 edition marked the 40th anniversary of the Presidency of HSH the Prince.
Camille Gottlieb, Head of the Youth Section of the Monegasque Red Cross and many of Monaco’s biggest personalities were in attendance. The traditional tombola was hosted by model and French Red Cross ambassador, Adriana Karembeu, and singer Imany, before an exceptional performance by Alicia Keys on the Casino Square.
The weather, which was forecast for rain during a heat wave, could have spoiled the event, but guests still managed to celebrate outside. About 650 guests came to support the Monegasque institution, with tickets costing 1,200 euros. This past year, the Red Cross has been particularly supportive to refugees from Ukraine.
Prince Albert II Inaugurates MonacoTech’s New ‘Innovation Runway’
On Friday 8 July, Prince Albert II inaugurated MonacTech’s new ‘Monaco Innovation Runway’ along with Xavier Niel, co-founder of the Monegasque incubator. The space is set up to be a new hub for demonstrating, promoting and highlighting innovative projects. It is now available to start-ups and open to all actors who innovate in the Principality.
Located on the top floor of the building on 6 Avenue Albert II, this large new large room is painted with white stripes on the floor, to echo a runway. Tools, desks and screens are set up in the room to help teams share, present and discuss their projects. Five years after its creation, MonacoTech has supported more than forty start-ups, half of which have launched a company in Monaco.
Prince Albert II visits Ascros for First Time Ever
Last weekend, the medieval festivals of Ascros were punctuated by the remarkable visit of Prince Albert II. In the village marked by the legacy of the Grimaldi family, a ‘Historic Grimaldi site’ plaque was officially unveiled. The historic links are particularly visible because the Ascros municipal coat of arms bears the same red and white diamond pattern of the Grimaldi coat of arms.
Villagers and visitors were delighted to meet the Monegasque Sovereign and gave him a warm welcome for his first visit to Ascros. The prince attended shows performed in his honour and visited the exhibitors before seeing the remains of the Grimaldi castle, where a second plaque was unveiled with the president of the departmental council, Charles Ange Ginésy.
Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline inaugurate Artmonte-carlo
Prince Albert II and the Princess Caroline of Hanover kicked off the sixth artmonte-carlo art fair, which brought together about thirty international galleries at the Grimaldi Forum to present pieces by leading artists. The Prince and Princess discovered an international selection of contemporary and modern artworks.
The event was directed by Thomas Hug, founder and director of the Art Geneva fair, under the high patronage of Prince Albert II. In addition to the gallery showcases, the event also brought together international art professionals and thinkers to discuss and imagine joint projects by giving everyone an opportunity to network and make connections.
