The Université de Sherbrooke in Canada has presented Prince Albert II with an honorary doctorate for his commitment to the environment and the promotion of sustainable development. The Head of State wore a traditional graduation robe and sash as he was handed the honour.
Rector Pierre Cossette and Prince Albert. Photo: Michel Caron, Université de Sherbrooke
The ceremony took place at the Longueuil campus of the Université de Sherbrooke in Montreal on Tuesday 5th March. Rector of the University, Pierre Cossette, spoke about the great contribution of the Monegasque Head of State in the fight against climate change. “By awarding this institutional honorary doctorate, the Université de Sherbrooke wants to pay tribute to a man of heart and a visionary who devotes himself sincerely and actively, often discreetly, to the preservation of the environment and sustainable development. The achievements of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and the values that underlie them inspire us.”
In accepting the doctorate, Prince Albert told the crowd: “The future of man is at stake. It concerns us all, and I hope all responsible people join me in preserving our planet.”
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, established in 2006, has supported over 400 projects and paid more than 51 million euros to a hundred organisations taking concrete action to address climate change. One of those is a Canadian branch dedicated to projects in the Arctic and Subarctic regions.
Rector Cossette drew a parallel between the actions of Prince Albert and the mission that the Université de Sherbrooke has set itself to put sustainable development and the preservation of the environment at the heart of its efforts.
During his visit, Prince Albert also attended an exhibition titled ‘Grace of Monaco: a Princess in Quebec City’, which documents his mother’s first visit to Château Frontenac 50 years ago.
Lloyd’s Brussels, the Brexit subsidiary of Lloyd’s of London, is now authorised to underwrite insurance and reinsurance risks located in Monaco. The world’s specialist insurance market said it has obtained authorisation which will allow it to ensure that business from the city-state will continue to be accessed by Lloyd’s members post-Brexit.
“Following the UK’s exit from the EU on 29 March 29 2019, Lloyd’s underwriters will cease to be authorised in Monaco,” explained Lloyd’s in a market bulletin,. “This is because Lloyd’s underwriters’ licence in Monaco is dependent on their authorisation in France, which will cease when UK firms lose their EU passporting rights.”
Meanwhile, as a requirement of the authorisation, a general representative for Monaco has been appointed. Guy-Antoine de La Rochefoucauld will also serve as the subsidiary’s fiscal representative for the territory.
“Lloyd’s Brussels is authorised to write all non-life insurance classes 1-18, and non-life reinsurance business,” read the market bulletin. “Business may be written on an onshore basis, for example by a coverholder located in Monaco, or on a cross-border basis, like by a coverholder located outside Monaco or on an open market basis. Lloyd’s Brussels is not authorised to underwrite life insurance or life reinsurance business for risks located in Monaco.”
This article is adapted from a story that appeared in Insurance Business
The world’s love affair with Monaco may have begun with the marriage of Prince Rainier III and Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, but it is the overwhelming number of events each year that continue to lure the rich and famous to this tiny Mediterranean state.
Monaco events are exceptional displays of prestige, class and entertainment. From elaborate galas to a thrilling grand prix, the Principality has forged a reputation of executing perfection.
Here are the highlights…
Photo: Palais Princier de Monaco
Rose Ball, Saturday 30th March
The social season really kicks off in Monaco with the Rose Ball in March. This glamorous gala was created by Princess Grace of Monaco in 1954, and each year she gave the evening a special theme by associating the ball with a different country and a different rose. It is the first gathering of the year for the international high society and, of course, it always involves thousands and thousands of sweet smelling roses. Royals, aristocratic guests, the “glitterati” and A-listers indulge in a champagne dinner followed by an exhilarating, fun-filled night of entertainment, dancing and fireworks.
A traditional tombola, or raffle, features a dizzying array of prizes donated by luxury Monaco establishments, to benefit the Princess Grace Foundation.
All eyes are always on the ladies of Monaco, particularly Princess Charlene and the Casiraghis. Indeed, big names help create the iconic nature of the event and this year’s Rose Ball will pay homage to one of its most famous artistic friends, Karl Lagerfeld.
Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, 13th to 21st April
Next up is the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters. Set against a mesmerising backdrop, this tennis tournament is arguably the most glamorous and prestigious in the world. As distracting as the stunning Mediterranean coastline is, tennis fans and celebrities must try to keep their eyes on the ball as titans of the world battle it out in Grand Slam quality matchups. The legendary Rafael Nedal has notched up the most wins here, taking out the trophy 10 times since 2005. This year, the world will watch on as he tries to increase that figure to 11.
The Monte Carlo Rolex Masters is the first major tournament of the European season, and forms part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 category. This will be the 113th edition at the Monte Carlo Country Club.
Monaco Grand Prix, 23rd to 26th May
It takes months to ready Monaco for its biggest event of the year, the Formula One Grand Prix. And while the legend is known the world over, the Monaco Grand Prix must truly be seen to be believed. Four days of ridiculously lavish parties on yachts, private apartments, and corporate terraces; the world’s fastest drivers racing around tiny streets on a track that would never be allowed today if it weren’t for its iconic status.
The highly charged atmosphere permeates everything in Monaco, and celebrities wouldn’t miss it for the world. Parties are too numerous to count, but one of the largest is Amber Lounge, which offers a chance to party alongside royalty, F1 drivers, celebrities and HNW individuals. Also, the Amber Lounge Fashion Show sees F1 drivers walk the catwalk and models showcase the latest international collections in support of charity. F1 parties are definitely the hottest tickets in town.
The Corbellati hypercar had its world debut at last year’s Top Marques Monaco
Top Marques Monaco, 30th May to 3rd June
For the past 16 years, the Grimaldi Forum on Monaco’s gorgeous coastline has hosted the world’s greatest live supercar show. This exceptional event showcases the rarest vehicles on the planet and reveals revolutionary innovations which shape the transport of tomorrow. In addition to jaw-dropping fast cars, Top Marques Monaco also features exclusive watches, bespoke jewellery and superboats.
If you’ve come to see the Monaco Grand Prix, then stay for Top Marques, which will this year take place just afterwards on the 30th May. Who knows, you may be inspired enough to drive home in one of these beauties.
The Beachboys will be performing at this year’s summer music festival
The Monte Carlo Sporting Summer Festival, July – August
Music is a large part of the cultural experience in Monaco and the Monte Carlo Sporting Summer Festival guarantees to deliver some of the world’s most talented artists in an intimate and unique setting. Throughout July and August each year, the glamorous Salle des Etoiles hosts exceptional performances. This concert hall is one of the most fascinating venues in Europe, featuring huge bay windows overlooking the Mediterranean and a retractable ceiling that reveals the sparkling night sky.
Legendary artists to have performed here include Rod Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner, Rhianna and so many others. Last year alone they welcomed Tom Jones, Ringo Starr and the Cirque du Soleil. These are breathtaking shows that reflect all the magic and dreams of the Principality of Monaco. We are expecting the full 2019 lineup to be released soon, but we do know that The Beach Boys will be performing on 13th July for the Fight Aids Night.
Photo: Monaco Yacht Show copyright
The Monaco Yacht Show, 25th to 28th September
The Principality’s main harbour, Port Hercule, is always filled with eye-catching superyachts. But each September the number of ‘floating mansions’ swells to an incredible number worth more than three billion euros. From 25th to 28th September 2019, more than 120 unique and exceptional superyachts built by the world’s biggest shipbuilders will be on display, of which 40 will be making their worldwide debut. In addition, there are toys, cars, helicopters, and 580 major yachting businesses.
Of course it wouldn’t be Monaco without parties, and the MYS certainly has its fair share of cocktail events on board yachts, in private residences and corporate offices. Without doubt, the yacht show celebrates the quintessence of the superyacht lifestyle, attracting yacht owners, future superyacht purchasers, charterers, decision makers and luxury industries.
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Monaco recognised for saving hundreds of children’s lives
Almost 400 children, mostly from the African continent, have received life changing operations in Monaco over the past decade. The achievement was revealed at the Monaco Collectif Humanitaire annual meeting, during which various associations were recognised for the commitment.
Since the start of Monaco Collectif Humanitaire (MCH) in 2008, 395 children have been operated on in Monaco, receiving life-saving cardiac and orthopaedic surgeries that were not possible in their home countries.
In 2018 alone, 39 children from developing countries were operated on thanks to the MCH. In presenting a progress report at its annual meeting on Tuesday 5th March, the organisation commended the various volunteer associations also involved including the NGO Rencontres Africaines, the Monaco Red Cross and Aviation Sans Frontières, which enables sick children to travel safely to the Principality. The Cardio-Thoracic Centre of Monaco and the Monegasque Institute of Medicine and Sports Surgery (IM2S) were also thanked for their commitment.
But it was the Princess Grace Hospital that received the most praise. The CHPG was recognised for its primary role in treating the children, ensuring operations could be carried out by Professor Saoudi and his team. When necessary, the CHPG also takes care of children who have been operated on by other health centres.
Meanwhile, the International Cooperation Directorate, which is leading the project, took advantage of the annual meeting to thank the generous and loyal donors of the MCH, including footballer Ambassador of the MCH Olivier Giroud, No Finish Line, the Monaco Red Cross, AMADE, Amitiés Sans Frontières, and Monaco Aide. In 2018, MCH received more than 517,000€ from HSH Prince Albert II as part of his 60th birthday celebrations.
The world’s number one bridge player, who represents Monaco in tournaments, has been suspended after failing a drug test. Norwegian Geir Helgemo tested positive for synthetic testosterone and female fertility drug clomifene at a World Bridge Series event in America last September.
According to the World Bridge Federation, Helgemo has accepted that he had breached anti-doping rules, albeit unknowingly. He was suspended by the WBF until 20thNovember. He also had all titles, medals and points from the 2018 World Bridge Series revoked.
Kari-Anne Opsal, president of the Norwegian Bridge Federation, said the drugs were “not performance enhancing”.
In a statement on the federation’s website, she said: “Geir Helgemo … has previously played for the Norwegian national team and is our biggest star. Many within the bridge community know Geir and respect him.
“It is his responsibility not to take substances that are on the doping list, even though in this instance they are not performance enhancing in bridge,” she said.
The World Bridge Federation is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and abides by World Anti-Doping Agency rules.
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