The Princely Family share a Glamorous Christmas Card
The Princely Palace shared its yearly Christmas photo of the princely family on Friday 15 December. Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella all look very glamorous in soft velvet dresses and dapper tuxedos with bowties.
Behind the Princely family, an intricately decorated Christmas tree laden with silver and gold baubles completes the holiday snapshot. Princess Charlene and Princess Gabriela chose beautiful gold and burgundy velvet dresses. Prince Jacques wore a tuxedo for the first time, matching his father’s formal suit. The card signifies that the holidays are just around the corner!
Prince Albert II speaks at UNESCO’s event for Professor Yves Coppens
Prince Albert II attended several events in Paris this past week. First, he paid tribute to Professor Yves Coppens at UNESCO’s headquarters. The world-renowned palaeontologist co-discovered the 3.2 million year old primate Lucy.
The Prince’s speech paid homage to the memory of the palaeontologist, who died in June 2022 at the age of 87. Xing Qu, deputy director of UNESCO, Anne-Marie Boisbouvier, ambassador of Monaco to UNESCO and Elena Rossoni-Notter, director of the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco also spoke during the event.
The Sovereign spoke with the wife and son of Professor Yves Coppens as well as with scientists from around the world. With his delegation, the Prince then attended a round table about “Heritage and climate change”. The Prince then took part in a charity sale for the benefit of the Antoine Alléno Association. Wines and champagnes offered by the starred chefs and the best winegrowers in the world were sold to pay tribute to the son of the renowned chef, who died last year in a tragic road accident.
The Prince’s Parisian trip concluded with a gala dinner at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée. Prince Albert II was awarded with the Ecological Transition prize by the Journal Politique Internationale.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene distribute Gifts for the Red Cross
The Princely couple handed out parcels during the Red Cross’s annual Christmas gift distribution, which took place at Monaco’s Red Cross headquarters on 14 December. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene gave out gourmet packages to those receiving support from the Red Cross. The traditional event is part of a series of charitable Christmas events organized every year by Monaco’s Red Cross.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene receive the Light of Peace from Bethlehem
The Light of Peace arrived in Monaco from Bethlehem and was given to Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene during a ceremony on 13 December. The tradition was started in 1986 by Austrian public broadcaster ORF. Every year, a child from Austria lights a lantern from the eternal flame in the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem. Scouts then travel with the lantern throughout Europe.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene received the lantern from Austrian scout Michael Putz in front of the Christmas nativity scene at the Princely palace. The Archbishop of Monaco, Mgr Dominique-Marie David attended the ceremony as well as the Governor of Upper Austria, Thomas Stelzer. The light of peace is especially poignant this year.
Princess Charlene sparkles at her Foundation’s Christmas Gala
Princess Charlene glittered at her Foundation’s 18th Christmas gala in a silvery white sequins dress on Friday 8 December. Entitled “The Centennial Christmas Ball” in honour of the centenary of the birth of Prince Rainier III, the ball took place at the Hôtel de Paris in the Empire Room. A Sotheby’s auction during the ball raised 150,000 euros for the Princess Charlene Foundation, which will go towards swimming and drowning prevention programs.
Last Meeting of the Rainier III Commemoration Committee
The last plenary meeting of the year for the Prince Rainier III Commemoration Committee was held at the Prince’s Palace on 13 December. Prince Albert II, Princess Stephanie, Louis Ducruet and members of the Commemoration Committee attended the final meeting. Chaired by Princess Stephanie, the committee was behind the organization of dozens of events honouring Prince Rainier’s 100th birthday in Monaco and around the world. Prince Rainier III Centenary celebrations will conclude with the 46th annual International Monte-Carlo Circus Festival in January 2024.
Princess Stephanie and her Children Celebrate Christmas with Fight Aids Monaco
The very special “It’s Christmas before its time” event, organized by Fight Aids Monaco was attended by Princess Stephanie, President and founder of Fight Aids, and her children Louis Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb. The association’s Board of Directors and affiliates all gathered together to joyfully celebrate the holiday with a festive dinner. Camille Gottlieb hosted a raffle, with numerous prizes offered by generous donors.
