Prince Albert II pays Tribute to his Grandfather, John B. Kelly, in Paris
After attending the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame, Prince Albert II participated in a commemoration day dedicated to his maternal grandfather, John B. Kelly, in Argenteuil. Members of the Kelly family travelled from the United States for the event, which began on the banks of the Seine. It was there, in 1924, when John B. Kelly won his third Olympic title with his cousin, Paul Costello. The quay now bears the name “John B. Kelly“.
The Sovereign and the mayor of Argenteuil, George Mothron, unveiled a commemorative panel detailing the Parisian exploits of his grandfather. After viewing an exhibition of ten photographs, put together in collaboration with the archives of the Prince’s Palace, Prince Albert II then unveiled a contemporary fresco. Created by urban artist Sckaro, the work depicts John B. Kelly and his teammate Paul Costello.
The Prince Attended a Boxing Tournament
On December 14, the Sovereign attended a boxing match organized by Matchroom Boxing. Two world titles were contested in the ring at Sporting Monte Carlo.
The special guest was welcomed by the owner of the company, Edward Hearn, and the president of SBM Group, Stéphane Valeri.
The Prince watched the matches with great interest from a special box. The fighters respectfully greeted the guest. The Sovereign witnessed five thrilling fights.
Princely Family gives out Christmas Gifts across Monaco
Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Camille Gottlieb gave out gifts to Monegasques across the Principality with the Red Cross on 12 December. The Princely Couple began their giving tour in Fontvieille at the Rosine Sanmori daycare. After seeing a Nutcracker-themed performance by the little ones, they gave gifts to the children.
Next up was the Princesse Charlene home for the elderly, located on rue Bellevue.The tour ended at the Yacht Club, where they met with volunteers and about fifty beneficiaries registered with the Red Cross social service. The Princely Couple were joined by Camille Gottlieb and handed out gifts during a tea party set to music by Christmas carollers.
Princess Charlene attends Christmas Tree Auction to support Action Innocence
Princess Charlene attended the annual Christmas tree auction at the Hôtel de Paris on 11 December. Organized for the benefit of Action Innocence Monaco, the evening raised a remarkable sum of 122,000 euros. This year, the children of the International School of Monaco performed Christmas carols.
The money will help Action Innocence continue to inform and raise awareness among children, parents and the public about the dangers associated with the Internet. The NGO was established in Monaco in 2002 and is under the patronage of Princess Charlene.
Fernanda Casiraghi has Died, Princess Caroline is in Mourning
Princess Caroline‘s mother-in-law, Fernanda Biffi Casiraghi, died at the age of 99 at her family villa in Fino Mornasco, Italy on 7 December. The news was announced by her son, Marco Casiraghi to the press: “Mother Fernanda has left this life, a life lived with intensity and incredible energy. Mother had great joys and great sorrows, but she was a woman who grew up in times of war, able to courageously face life with its thorns.”
The funeral took place on 9 December in Fino Mornasco, in Lombardy. Princess Caroline was present, accompanied by her children, Charlotte, Pierre and Andrea Casiraghi. Fernanda Biffi Casiraghi now rests in the family vault, alongside her husband, Giancarlo Casiraghi and her son, Stefano.
Fernanda Biffi Casiraghi was the mother of four children, including Stefano Casiraghi, who tragically died in a motorboat accident at the age of 30 in 1990. After the death of her son, she remained very close to Princess Caroline. She played a notable role in Monaco’s economic life as Founder and first president of the Association of Italian Entrepreneurs in Monaco and was ambassador for relations between Italy and the Principality.
Happy 10th Birthday Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques!
Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques celebrated their 10th birthdays on 10 December. To celebrate, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco shared a video slideshow featuring photos of the twins over the years. This past year has been a busy time for the twins. They notably inaugurated Mareterra, Monaco’s new eco-district, which has squares and promenades named after both Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques.
