Prince Albert II makes an ‘SOS Ocean’ Plea in Paris
The Prince was in Paris alongside Emmanuel Macron for the international SOS Ocean summit on 31 March. Initiated by the French government, Oceano Azul and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the summit comes ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, set to take place in June 9-13 in Nice. The Eiffel Tower was illuminated in blue for the two-day event and President Emmanuel Macron unveiled the eight major objectives of the Nice summit.
Prince Albert’s speech was urgent and somber. The Sovereign stated that the entire balance of the seas is threatened and the ocean, a regulator of global climate, is more than ever threatened by human activities. However, there was also glimmer of hope in Prince Albert’s speech. The situation is neither definitive nor irremediable, he said.
Prince Albert II visits the “Barocco Globale” Exhibition in Rome
Prince Albert II had a preview of an exhibition at the prestigious Scuderie del Quirinale, in the presence of President Sergio Mattarella, on 2 April. The Prince’s Palace directly contributed to this internationally renowned exhibition by lending a major work by Nicolas Poussin: ‘Hannibal Crossing the Alps on an Elephant (1625)’. The lending of the painting, which depicts the general Hannibal Barca leading his men across the Alps at the start of the Second Punic War in 218 BC, was kept secret by employees of the Prince’s Palace. The painting was transported in an 80-kilogram insulated crate, made up of seven protective layers. The exhibition officially opened on 3 April and runs until 13 July. It features masterpieces by Van Dyck, Poussin and Pietro da Cortona.
Princess Caroline attends the 9th Apprentice Collectors program
The ninth edition of the Apprentice Collectors program took place in the presence of Princess Caroline at Villa Sauber on 26 March. The program is an opportunity for high school students in Monaco to learn about contemporary art. This year, 24 final-year art majors from Lycée Albert-Ier followed an intensive program consisting of visits, workshops and discussions with professionals in the sector. They also went on an international trip to ARCOmadrid, one of Europe’s most prestigious contemporary art fairs.
During the program, students had to choose works for the NMNM to acquire, with a budget of 20,000 euros. A jury, which included Daniela Memmo d’Amelio, a major patron of the museum, evaluated the proposals. The jury ultimately selected three works by American artist Peter Fend: Global Warming (2025), Azioni Sulla Terra (2024) and Oasi con linee del volo (2025), which will soon be part of the NMNM’s collection. Peter Fend is particularly known for his work combining art and environmental activism.
Princess Charlene Rally: a Race for Peace and Sport
The 9th Princess Charlene Rally was held in the presence of Princess Charlene on 2 April. The Princess not only attended a conference and juried a drawing workshop, she also attended the awards ceremony and posed for a group photo with a #WhiteCard in support of the global campaign led by Peace and Sport.
“The Princess Charlene Rally combines physical effort, awareness, and creativity. The event aims to teach young people the fundamental values of sport, such as mutual aid, solidarity, and neutrality,” said a recent press release by the Prince’s Government. According to organizers of the event, the enthusiasm at the Princess Charlene Rally was palpable.
Prince Albert II and Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy open the newly named Monte-Carlo Masters Court
Prince Albert II and Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, president of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and daughter of Baroness Elizabeth-Ann de Massy, inaugurated the tennis court which is now named in honour of Elizabeth-Ann de Massy, on 5 April. For the occasion, 30 players registered in the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters were present. In a symbolic gesture, the players lined up on the court to form the letters E and A in reference to Elizabeth-Ann de Massy’s initials. Elizabeth-Ann de Massy was passionate and dedicated to tennis, both in Monaco and internationally.
Prince Albert II attends Kids’ Athletics ‘Around the World Relay’
On the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Prince Albert II attended the Kids’ Athletics ‘Around the World Relay’ at the Stade Louis II on 6 April. Numerous guests from the world of athletics and international sports organizations were also in attendance. The unique event, organized by World Athletics, aimed to bring together children from around the world around the values of movement and fair play.
