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Day: 21 June 2023

From a Princely hobby horse to a renowned international setting: A brief history of equestrianism in Monaco

by: Luke Entwistle
21/06/2023
Jumping International Monte-Carlo

What was merely a Grimaldi family hobby has blossomed into a thriving equestrian scene in Monaco, culminating in the establishment of the Jumping Monte-Carlo tournament. 

Equestrian has come a long way in Monaco in a relatively short period of time. The prestigious Jumping International de Monte-Carlo, part of the Longines Global Champions Tour, has only been around since 2006, and will this month celebrate its 18th edition.

The history of equestrian within the Principality as a whole isn’t quite so recent, nor is it so ancient. Princes Caroline of Monaco took an interest in horse riding, an interest inherited by her daughter, Charlotte Casiraghi.

Whilst the sport was an interest within the Princely family, it was only in 1995 that the Monaco Equestrian Federation was created. Madame Diane Fissore was, and continues to be, a key proponents within the Principality’s equestrain scene, and her work, alongside that of secretary general Eric Wauters, led to the creation of the institution.

The Princely family – organisers and participants

Fissore was once again instrumental in yet another momentous occasion in the history of equestrianism in Monaco. The President of the Monaco Equestrian Federation collaborated with Olympic gold medalist rider Jan Tops to bring the Longines Global Champions Tour to Monaco, a dream which became a reality back in 2006.

Princess Caroline would become an honorary president of the event, a title inherited by Charlotte Casiraghi since 2010. Whilst Casiraghi has, and continues to be, a key figure in the running of the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo, she has also been a competitor, and a winner.

Photo source: LGCT

Whilst Casiraghi hasn’t raced since 2017, she raced 219 times on the Global Champions Tour, winning twice in that time, with both victories coming in a successful 2014 season.

As well as winning gold in Paris, she also took the top step of the podium at home, in Monaco, in the Pro/Am race. Winning on the sand of Monaco is no easy task. Of the 17 editions that have so far taken place in Monaco, there has only been one repeat winner. American rider Richard Spooner has won the tournament on three occasions (2008, 2009, 2013), each time riding Cristallo.

Richard Spooner reigns over Port Hercules

Whilst there has been a diffident winner in (almost) each edition, last year, for the first time, there was a repeat podium with Max Kühner, Kenny Darragh and Olivier Philppaerts all finishing on the podium in 2021 and 2022. The latter has finished third both times, whilst the former two have traded wins.

“Over these past 16 years, our common passion for horses and show jumping has never waned. Sixteen years which have seen the Jumping International de Monte Carlo grow and perpetuate, while reinventing itself on the occasion of each edition,” said Casiraghi upon the conclusion of the 2022 edition.

Horse riding remains, relatively speaking, one of the more novel sports in the Principality, but through the creation of the federation, it is one that has grown considerably. The hosting of the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo from 29th June- 1st July, an iconic venue on the Global Champions Tour, is a symbol of the prosperousness of equestrianism within the Principality.

 

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Photo source: LGCT

Prince Rainier film screening sells out, Grimaldi Forum adds second date

by: Elsa Carpenter
21/06/2023

After a screening of Prince Rainier III par lui-même on 4th July all but sold out, the Grimaldi Forum has given fans a second opportunity to experience the highly personal documentary the following evening, with English subtitles. 

Barely a handful of tickets remain for the initial showing on 4th July at 7pm within the Grimaldi Forum’s Salle des Princes, but interest remains high. This has led the exhibition centre to add a further showing of Yann-Antony Noghès’ documentary piece on 5th July, also at 7pm. Both are entirely free to attend, but prior reservations are required.  

The 52-minute movie, which pulls on decades of sound recordings by Prince Rainier III himself and is supplemented by narration from Fanny Ardant, recounts some of the biggest moments of his epic reign. From a solitary childhood and the complicated situation the late Prince found himself in when he inherited the throne in 1949 to his encounters with General de Gaulle and Aristotle Onassis, it traces a fascinating life that was driven by a desire to gain respect for his nation and to drive it into the future.  

The documentary was created by Check Productions, assisted by historians Thomas Fouilleron and Vincent Vatrican, and with the support of the Comité de Commemoration Rainier III, which is laying on countless events in memory of Monaco’s former leader and the father of Prince Albert II. 

The second screening on 5th July will have subtitles in English. For more information and to book a seat, please click here.  

 

Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.  

 

Photo source: Grimaldi Forum

Photos: Prince’s Carabinieri Orchestra takes New York by storm

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/06/2023

Prince Albert II headed to New York to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Monaco’s admission to the UN in a visit that was highlighted with spell-binding performances by the Prince’s Carabinieri Orchestra at the UN’s Headquarters and the city’s iconic Times Square.  

Since 1966, the Prince’s Carabinieri Orchestra, created by the music-loving Prince Rainier III, has been entertaining crowds at home in the Principality and around the world. 

Their latest concerts took place in New York City, where Prince Albert II and Princess Stephanie, the Orchestra’s patron, were on hand to mark the 30th anniversary of the Principality’s entry into the United Nations (UN) and continue the array of events organised to celebrate the centenary of the birth of their father, Prince Rainier III.

Prince's Carabinieri Orchestra
The Prince’s Carabinieri Orchestra performing at the United Nations meeting in New York on 19th June. Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger

The first concert took place on 19th June in the reception hall of the UN’s General Assembly. Organised by the Permanent Mission of Monaco to the UN, Major Olivier Dréan led the performance with an “eclectic score” that featured modern and traditional elements, including a rendition of the Monegasque National Anthem.  

After the concert, a 500-person reception was held at the UN Headquarters in the presence of Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie along with Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Government Counsellor-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation for Monaco. There was also a photographic exhibit that spotlighted Monaco’s involvement in UN matters.  

The Prince’s Carabinieri Orchestra performing in Times Square New York. Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger

Then, on 20th June, the Orchestra performed a second time to a much larger audience.

Joined by the New York City Police Band, the two musical entities played in Times Square, one of the most visited addresses on the planet, to the delight of passers-by.  

See more in the video below…

 

 

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SEE ALSO:

Prince Albert on historic High Seas Treaty: “With this agreement, we are breaking the status quo”

 

Feature photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Palais Princier de Monaco

Unveiling the illusions: foods that aren’t as healthy as we think

by: Tristan Boetti
21/06/2023

When it comes to nutrition, the term “healthy” is thrown around a lot. We often associate it with foods that are supposed to be good for us, helping us achieve optimal well-being and performance. But here’s the thing, the concept of “healthy” is not one-size-fits-all.

Even foods that are commonly perceived as healthy can have adverse effects when consumed excessively or for individuals with specific health conditions.

So, let’s dive into the nuances of nutrition, question the notion of “healthy”, and explore the importance of moderation and individuality in our dietary choices.

THE SNEAKY SNACK THAT MAY NEED A MAKEOVER

You may be surprised to learn that some foods we consider healthy may not be as beneficial as we thought. Take cereal bars, for example. They can be a convenient choice when you’re on the go and need a quick energy boost.

However, not all cereal bars are created equal. Some can be highly processed and loaded with ingredients that are hard to pronounce. If you are looking to cut hunger and fill you a little more, choose one that is high in proteins and fibres and not high in sugars. But if you have the time and option to make your homemade cereal bars, it could be a better alternative, as you know what ingredients you are using.

THE SWEET DECEPTION THAT IS NOT ALWAYS JUICY

Fruit juices are another classic example. They taste delicious and refreshing, making them seem like a healthy choice. But beware! Many fruit juices on the market contain added sugars and artificial flavours. Even those labelled as “100% fruit” may lack the fibre that whole fruits provide, reducing their overall health benefits and satiety. In most cases, opting for whole fruit instead of fruit juice can be a smarter choice.

WHEN FLAVOURFUL FANTASIES TURN SOUR ON YOUR HEALTH

Let’s talk about yoghurt. Those brightly coloured and enticingly flavoured yoghurts may seem like a nutritious and exotic option, but appearances can be deceiving. Often, these flavoured yoghurts don’t even contain significant traces of the fruit they claim to represent. They’re loaded with artificial additives and can be high in added sugars. Furthermore, the 0% fat varieties may not be as healthy as we once believed. Lipids or fats are essential for the good functioning of our bodies. Going for a natural yoghurt without added sugars might be the healthiest choice.

FROM HEALTHY HERO TO SUGAR-LOADED VILLAIN

Let’s dive into granola. It has become a popular breakfast and snack option for many health-conscious people. But before we dig in, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients.

Some brands add sugars, chocolate chips, and other extras that can turn the seemingly healthy choice into a sugar-laden treat. When selecting granola, opt for brands with low sugar content and minimal processing to ensure you’re getting the most nutritious option available.

REMEMBER THAT EVERYONE HAS PERSONAL NEEDS

It’s crucial to understand that the impact of a particular food can vary from person to person. What may be healthy for one individual may not have the same effect on another, especially for those with specific health conditions.

For instance, while whole grains are generally considered healthy, individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease need to avoid gluten-containing grains. Similarly, athletes who need to ingest high amounts of food everyday may want to reduce whole grain products to avoid overeating fibres.

In recent years, personalised nutrition has gained recognition, it allows us to tailor our food choices to optimise our health and well-being. Consulting with professionals, such as registered dietitians or nutritionists, can provide valuable insights into personalised nutrition and help us navigate the complexities of our individual dietary needs.

MODERATION AND VARIETY ARE KEY

So, let’s rethink our notion of “healthy” and remember that it’s not about completely excluding certain foods but finding the right balance. Moderation, variety, and understanding our bodies’ specific needs are the keys to making informed dietary choices. By doing so, we can optimise our health, well-being, and performance in the long run.

 

SEE ALSO:

Fermented foods: from ancient traditions to modern wellness

 

Tristan Boetti is a sports nutritionist. Through his company Performance & Bien-Être Monaco, he works with professional athletes as well as recreationally active individuals to help them achieve their goals through customised nutrition plans and expert advice.

Photo source: Heather Barnes for Unsplash

Big name winners at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Television Festival

by: Elsa Carpenter
21/06/2023
Monte-Carlo Television Festival

The Monte-Carlo Television Festival came to a glittering close at the Grimaldi Forum last night, with Princess Charlene leading the red carpet of TV stars from around the world.  

With Prince Albert II elsewhere engaged commemorating Monaco’s 30th anniversary at the United Nations, Princess Charlene was on hand to represent Monaco’s Princely family at the Golden Nymph awards ceremony.  

The Princess took centre stage when she presented the Honorary Golden Nymph Award, the festival’s highest accolade bestowed upon a star for their “extraordinary contribution to the entertainment industry”, to famed writer and producer Howard Gordon of The X-Files, 24, Homeland and Accused.  

Princess Charlene presented Howard Gordon with the Honorary Golden Nymph Award. Photo source: Monte-Carlo Television Festival

The ceremony itself, which took place on 20th June in the Salle des Princes, was hosted by the UK’s Ricky Whittle and French videographer and celebrity influencer Lena Situations.  

Winners of the Golden Nymph 

In the Fiction category, France’s Le Colosse Aux Pieds d’Argile won Best Film and the Special Jury Prize, Ten Pound Poms from the UK and Australia took home Best Series, and the Best Creation prize went to the Germany-Norway-Czech Republic-produced The Seed, which also scooped the BetaSeries Public Prize.  

Also under the Fiction heading, Marie Reuther won Best Actress for her role in Chorus Girls, and Warren Brown of Ten Pound Poms received the award for Best Actor.  

Winners from the News and Documentaries category included the France Télévisions-produced Life on the Donbas Frontline for Best News Programme and The Man Who Played with Fire from RAW in the UK for Best Documentary. The Jury Special Prize went to the moving Nazanin from 649 Media and Channel 4.  

The AMADE Prize went to Russia, The Stolen Children of Ukraine by France’s BFMTV, and the Monaco Red Cross Prize was won by Oasis of Peace, a StoryCircus and Premières Lignes co-production.  

The Prince Rainier III Special Prize was won by Until The Last Drop from Poland’s Orient Film.  

An enriched programme 

This 62nd edition of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival was punctuated by an impressive selection of world-premiere screenings and public events, which included behind-the-scenes tasters, make-up sessions, meet and greets with some of the 210 VIP guests and an enriched Business Content platform that saw leading figures of the industry debate the current and future challenges of the world of international entertainment and factual programming. 

“The role of our Festival has continued to evolve over the years and is now the pre-eminent event celebrating the content business in Europe,” said CEO of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival Laurent Puons. “Through our highly respected Golden Nymph Competition, we have been able to acknowledge and applaud the very best programming from around the world. The number and standard of entries we received has never been as high and I would like to thank our pre-selection committees and every one of our distinguished jury members for all their hard work in selecting the winners for 2023. I am delighted to send my congratulations to all laureates.” 

 

Read more:

Prince Albert opens star-filled Monte-Carlo Television Festival

 

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Photo source: Monte-Carlo Television Festival / Facebook

Football: AS Monaco look to the future

by: Luke Entwistle
21/06/2023
Romaric Etonde at his unveiling as a Monaco player

Whilst there is still uncertainty surrounding the managerial position at AS Monaco, the club are preparing for the future, handing out professional contracts to five exciting youth prospects. 

Mayssam Benama and Lucas Michal kickstarted the Principality club’s youth drive, signing a three-year contract with Les Monégasques at the end of May.

Benama – Photo source: AS Monaco

The former scored in the final of the Coupe Gambardella, as Monaco won the tournament at the Stade de France. 18-year-old Benama is an exciting prospect and has evidenced his potential with the club’s U19 side. Despite turning professional, it is unlikely that he will immediately integrate into the first-team set-up, and will instead likely feature more prominently for the Groupe Élite next season.

Michal was also an integral part of the Coupe Gambardella triumph, registering an assist in the 4-2 final victory against Clermont Foot. Like his U19 teammate, Michal, who is often deployed in attack, has signed a contract until 2026.

Michal – Photo source: AS Monaco

The club then pulled off a coup by bringing in Romaric Etondé from Paris Saint-Germain. Having come through the ranks in the Île-de-France region, firstly with Paris FC and then later PSG, he joins Monaco on a three-year deal, which will take effect from 1st July.

Etondé played for PSG’s U19 side last season, scoring six goals during that time, whilst he also featured for Les Parisiens in the prestigious Youth League. Like Benama, Etondé would be expected to slip into the Groupe Élite set-up next season.

Etondé – Photo source: AS Monaco

Players already within Damien Perrinelle’s Group Élite set-up have also been rewarded for their displays against some of Europe’s elite this season. Aurélien Platret, who grew up in the region, has signed his first professional deal, tying himself to the Principality club until June 2024.

Platret – Photo source: AS Monaco

Platret has often come off the bench for Monaco’s Groupe Élite this season, making a notable impact against Arsenal, where his introduction provided greater attacking thrust down the right.

Nazim Babaï is the latest to sign a contract with the club and, out of all of those to sign, is the closest to breaking into the first team. The right-back has trained with the first team this season, although he is yet to make his first-team debut for Monaco.

Babaï – Photo source: AS Monaco

The Algeria U20 international has been a mainstay in the Groupe Élite and has been rewarded for his consistency throughout the season with a three-year deal. Whilst first-team chances may be at a premium in the short term, given the competition for places, development and progression will be facilitated through Monaco’s novel Groupe Élite system or loans to Cercle Brugge.

An increasing amount of Monaco players are joining Monaco’s satellite club in Belgium, and Cercle’s Sporting Director Carlos Aviña said earlier this summer that he expects to receive four players from the Principality club this summer.

 

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Photo sources: AS Monaco