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Month: May 2021

EU secures billions more vaccines

by: Cassandra Tanti
25/05/2021

The European Commission on Thursday signed a third contract with the pharmaceutical companies BioNTech and Pfizer, reserving an additional 1.8 billion doses on behalf of all EU Member States, between the of 2021 to 2023.
The deal will allow for the purchase of 900 million doses of the current vaccine and of a vaccine adapted to variants, with the option to purchase an additional 900 million doses.
The contract requires that the vaccine production is based in the EU and that essential components are sourced from the EU. It also stipulates that, from the start of the supply in 2022, the delivery to the EU is guaranteed.
“We need to be one step ahead of the virus. This means having access to adapted vaccines to protect us against the threat of variants, booster vaccines to prolong immunity, as well as protecting our younger population,” said Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. “Our focus is a priority on technologies that have proven their worth, like mRNA vaccines, but we keep our options open. The past months have clearly demonstrated the need to have access to a broad portfolio of vaccines and different technologies, as well as reliable partners. As the pace of vaccination increases every day and work on effective therapeutics intensifies, we can look ahead with more optimism and confidence.”
The possibility for Member States to resell or donate doses to countries in need outside the EU or through the COVAX Facility has been reinforced, contributing to a global and fair access to the vaccine across the world.
“With our signature, the new contract is now in force, which is good news for our long term fight to protect European citizens against the virus and its variants,” said President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. “Production and delivery in the EU of up to 1.8 billion doses are guaranteed. Potential contracts with other manufacturers will follow the same model, to the benefit of all.”
Thursday’s contract with the BioNTech-Pfizer alliance builds upon the broad portfolio of vaccines to be produced in Europe, including the already signed contracts with AstraZeneca, Sanofi-GSK, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Curevac and Moderna and BioNTech/Pfizer itself. The Commission has granted conditional marketing authorisation for the vaccines developed by BioNTech and Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson.
According to the European Commission, this diversified vaccines portfolio ensures Europe has access to enough doses to immunise its whole population including for the variant viruses.
 
 
 
Monaco Life with Reuters, photo source Pixabay
 
 
 

Unique musical event at Fort Antoine

by: Stephanie Horsman
25/05/2021

Monegasque association We Are Making Moments is putting on its first public event at the beautiful Fort Antoine featuring music by Dutch artists Mahfoud and Ensemble for a breakfast concert under the sky.

We Are Making Moments (WAMM), an organisation that was started during the darker days of the pandemic to “promote reconnection with oneself, with others and with the common good through art and culture” is putting on a live public breakfast concert featuring Mahmoud and Ensemble at Fort Antoine on 5th June from 10am to 12pm.

Mahmoud and Ensemble will be playing their entire album live for the first time in this lovely outdoor setting as the audience enjoys the sights of the sea and sounds of the music. 

Mahfoud and Ensemble’s work can only be described as ethereal, using a blend of eastern and western sounds and instruments to create haunting music that almost blends with the environment.

WAMM was founded to curate moments using mediums such as urban art installations, creative online content, and now, a live event to promote creativity, sustainability and overall higher consciousness for members.

All guests and staff will be under strict health protocol rules and space is limited to 150 people.

Tickets are €10 and can be purchased by clicking here. 

 
 

Amber Lounge highlights local designers at trademark fashion show

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/05/2021

Despite all the limitations of the health crisis, Amber Lounge has managed to pull off a successful fashion show during this year’s Grand Prix, raising over half a million euros for the Caudwell Children charity.
It was under the iconic glass atrium of the Grimaldi Forum where the Amber Lounge Fashion Show was staged on Friday night, welcoming celebrities, drivers, models and guests for a night of sustainable fashion, fun, food and spectacular lots up for auction.
“What a fantastic evening, I am really proud of how the Amber Lounge Fashion Show was delivered,” said Amber Lounge Founder and CEO Sonia Irvine. “It’s hard to explain the amount of work that has gone into making this event happen, so I just want to thank everyone who has made it possible and to have raised over €500,000 for our charity partner Caudwell Children makes the event a great success.”
The prestigious event, sponsored by the Antropov Foundation, welcomed the likes of Pauline Ducruet, Greg Maffei, Laurent Rossi Jost Capito, John Caudwell, Gareth Wittstock, Adrian Newey and Victoria Silvstedt, to name a few.
Meanwhile, race car drivers George Russell, Antonio Giovanizzi, Nicolas Latifi, Jack Aitken, Stoffel Vandoorne, Nyck De Vries, Mitch Evans, Norman Nato, Nick Cassidy and Andre Lotterer all took to the catwalk in support of Caudwell Children.
This year’s event showcased a number of designers including Beach and Cashmere Monaco by Federica Nardoni Spinetta, Inessa Creations Monaco by Inès Bensalah, Laura Spreti, Ymaginaria by Sofia Alemani, Pasquini Roma, and JFC Style Authority Menswear. Pauline Ducruet closed the Amber Lounge Fashion Show with her bespoke Alter collection.
The incredible selection of auction items included a Hayo Sol painting titled ‘Princess Grace Eternal’, a one kilogram Michael Schumacher gold coin, a trip on the Orient Express from Venice to London, ‘Ayrton Senna’ artwork by Marcos Marin, a Whistler ski chalet package for 12 guests, and 250 personal vintage bottles of Hatt et Söner bespoke champagne.
 
 
Photo gallery of Amber Lounge Fashion Show 2021 by Monaco Life…


 
Top photo by Sam Bagnall
 
 

“Unfortunately, it was not meant to be”

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/05/2021

It was a heart-wrenching Monaco Grand Prix for Charles Leclerc, who says his last-minute withdrawal from competition was “difficult to take, especially at home”.
The Monegasque driver has never seen a chequered flag in either an F1 or F2 race around the streets of Monaco, but after taking pole position in qualifying on Saturday, the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix looked to be his most hopeful chance yet.
While pole position in the Principality does not always lead to victory, it is almost impossible to overtake on the narrow street circuit and everyone was looking forward to a nail-biting finale.
And Charles fought hard for his pole position at the weekend, so hard that he crashed out on a barrier before setting the quickest time.
“Mixed feelings today,” said Leclerc after the race. “On the one hand, being on pole here is amazing. I was quite happy with my fastest lap in Q3. The first sector wasn’t ideal, but in the second and third, I put it together. I knew I could do better but I pushed too hard on my final lap trying to improve. Unfortunately, I hit the wall and now all we can do is keep our fingers crossed and hope that the damage won’t result in a penalty. Whatever the outcome, I will give my all tomorrow. It feels great to be at home and to see all the fans around the track.”
With strict Monaco entry rules and travel restrictions still in place, there was notably a smaller number of racing fans at this year’s event. But the support for Leclerc was palpable, with a sea of red and white flags waved from windows, and even young Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella enthusiastically showing their support for the first Monegasque to take pole position in Monaco.
But it wasn’t meant to be. About 20 minutes before the race was scheduled to start at 3pm on Sunday, Ferrari issued the bad news home fans were dreading.
“Charles will not start the race due to an issue with the left driveshaft which is impossible to fix in time,” Ferrari said in a statement.

Charles Leclerc receives a hug from Prince Albert. Photo by Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

After receiving a consoling hug from Prince Albert, Leclerc could only watch on as his team mate Carlos Sainz finished second to claim his first podium finish in red, the team’s 774th and 54th in Monaco.
“It was a tough one today. I really felt for the whole team,” said Leclerc on Sunday. “After what happened in qualifying, the mechanics did an incredible job and gave absolutely everything to get me back on track for the race. I was really looking forward to finally fighting for the win for us here. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.
“Not starting the race was difficult to take, especially at home. I was emotional in the car when I realised that there was something wrong. We still have to investigate what exactly was the issue. Overall, it was a good weekend for us though. Carlos was strong and consistent and I am happy for him and the whole team for scoring his first podium for Scuderia Ferrari. After a difficult year in 2020, this was a great reward for everyone, both at the track and back home in Maranello, and the team fully deserves it.”
Photo of Carlos Sainz by Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen led from start to finish as his closest challenger Valtteri Bottas was forced to retire after his right-front wheelnut was stripped in his pitstop, which promoted Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to second and McLaren’s Lando Norris to third.
“The first podium in a Ferrari is an incredible feeling that I will never forget, especially being in Monaco!” said Sainz after the race. “We knew we had a chance and the pace to make it to the podium this weekend and we executed a flawless race.
“The bittersweet feeling is still there though as I feel for Charles and for the team. All of us here at the track and back home in Maranello are working incredibly hard to be competitive and to make our way back to the top. So it was very unfortunate that today we could not fight with two cars.”
 
Top photo of Charles Leclerc by Scuderia Ferrari Press Office
 
READ ALSO:

Verstappen claims Monaco victory after Leclerc fails to take start

 
 

Princely twins join Grand Prix action

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/05/2021

Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella joined their father, Prince Albert, on the weekend to watch the qualifying races of the Monaco Grand Prix while Princess Charlene was notably absent due to illness.
Twins Jacques and Gabriella were, as ever, show-stealers when they stepped out on Saturday to watch the qualifying races for the Monaco Grand Prix with Prince Albert. Dressed in matching Monaco Grand Prix jackets and all red and white ensembles, the six-year-olds looked as if they were having a great time. Gabriella wore a red dress and matching Alice band, whilst her brother was kitted out in white trousers and a red t-shirt. Prince Albert appeared completely relaxed and in good spirits as he strode along with the kids to watch the race and visit the pits.

Photo: Eric Mathon – Prince’s Palace

Princess Charlene was also meant to attend as a guest of honour but was detained in South Africa after falling ill with an ear, nose and throat infection that prevented her return. As reported last week by Monaco Life, she was there working on rhino conservation and raising awareness of the animals’ plight.
A statement from the Palace explained the situation and her disappointment at not being there for the event.
“During a trip to the African continent as part of a wildlife conservation mission, SAS Princess Charlene contracted an ENT infection that does not allow her to travel. Unfortunately, she will not be able to attend the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. SAS Princess Charlene sends her best wishes to the Automobile Club of Monaco, organiser of the event, as well as to the drivers and teams involved in this great automobile competition.”
Photo: Eric Mathon – Prince’s Palace

After the Prince visited the stands and racing management, he met with team members and volunteers from the Monaco Red Cross, who have been ensuring the safety of the drivers and the public since 1950.
 
 
Top photo: Prince Albert with Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc by Eric Mathon – Prince’s Palace
 
 

Red and Whites going to Champions League

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/05/2021

Following a three-year gap, AS Monaco are back in the Champions League after a draw with Lens on Sunday sealed their third place spot in Ligue 1.
Their nil to nil draw against Lens on Sunday left them two points ahead of fourth ranked Lyon, who lost to Nice, giving them just the edge they needed to hold onto third place.
“It was an intense fight until the end, so it is with satisfaction that we see this exercise come to an end on the podium, an encouraging end result, after a very good second part of the championship,” said ASM President Dmitry Rybolovlev after the match.
“Added to the route in the Coupe de France, this result validates the direction we have taken. I would like to congratulate the players, the staff and the whole club for all the work accomplished this season with a lot of rigor, energy, enthusiasm and ambition.”
Monaco dominated the ball in the first half, though were unable to make any conversions. Benoit Badiashile had the first chance at nine minutes in when he had the benefit of a free kick, but it was flagged off. Wissam Ben Yedder and then Gelson Martins had near-misses a few minutes later in the 13th and 19th respectively. Kevin Volland looked like he would open scoring at the half hour mark, but this too was blocked by a very bust Lens goalkeeper. By the end of the first half, Monaco had possession 65% of the time, but no goals.
Lens made a comeback in the second half when Seko Fofana nearly snuck one past Benjamin Lecomte, but happily for Monaco he was on the case. The game ended with no score, but that was enough for the team to hold onto their advantage and return them to the Champions League.
The normally reticent Coach Nico Kovac expressed his joy at the outcome, declaring, “We are all very happy. I am very proud of my players because we have had an incredible season. We played a Coupe de France final against PSG and we finished third in Ligue 1. Nobody expected that from AS Monaco at the start of the season. But it’s well deserved from my perspective. Even today we had a superb performance against a great team from RC Lens, whom I congratulate on their season. You will be able to see on social media that we celebrated wholeheartedly.”
 
 
Monaco Life with AS Monaco press release, photo by AS Monaco