A nourishing mix of time spent catching up with cousins at the Kelly family home and promoting the environmental actions of his eponymous foundations in Monaco and the US characterised Prince Albert II’s recent trip to his mother’s native Philadelphia.
Last week, Monaco’s Prince Albert travelled from the Principality to the US state of Pennsylvania for a trip that focused on “family, the environment and diplomacy”.
In total, Prince Albert would spend three days exploring the hometown of his late mother, American actress Grace Kelly and later Princess Grace of Monaco, and reviving cherished relationships with his extended family.
The Kelly family home in Philadelphia. Photo credit: Palais Princier de Monaco / Michael Alesi
A particular highlight of the visit was a night spent at the family home of the Kellys, which was built by Princess Grace’s businessman and Olympic rower father, John B. Kelly. Here, Prince Albert enjoyed an evening his American cousins and their families, notably those of J.B. Kelly Jr., the president of the US branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2 USA), and Suzan Kelly Von Medicus.
Later in the tour, Prince Albert chaired a general meeting for the FPA2 USA and handed out prizes at the Planetary Health Awards Gala.
Towards the end of his trip, Monaco’s Ambassador to Washington DC, Maguy Maccario-Doyle, organised for all of the Principality’s consuls in North America to come together to meet with the Prince.
Click on the images below to see more:
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
Main photo: Prince Albert II pictured centre with his American extended family members inside the Kelly ancestral home. All photos credit: Palais Princier de Monaco / Michael Alesi
Could you benefit from France’s zero interest housing loans?
Find out more on who is eligible to receive zero interest loans under the French government’s PTZ system, which allows recipients to pay back only the capital spent to buy or renovate a home.
The prêt à taux zero (PTZ) scheme set up by the French government to give people living in certain communities the opportunity to receive housing or improvement loans at zero interest was set to end on 31st December. It has now been extended until the end of 2027, giving the public more time to take advantage of this exceptional financial programme.
Created in 1995 as a household support system to help people buy a main residence, it would be interesting anytime, but in these days of high interest rates, it is a godsend for people who may not otherwise be able to purchase or fix up properties.
HOW IT WORKS
Usually, the scheme is proposed by a lending bank when putting together a finance plan for a buyer. The PTZ can fund up to 50% of the purchase price under the new rules, up from 40%, with the bank handling the rest. It can be used in a variety of circumstances, including when buying a new build, council housing or a house more than five years old that is in need of renovations, as well as for the installation of energy-saving equipment.
It is aimed at those who have not been homeowners in the two years prior to applying, and is dependent on several factors, such as income resources, location, the type of project and the composition of the household. An income threshold is in effect and varies depending on the postcode of the future accommodation.
To find out which communes qualify, there is an easy-to-use simulator available here.
NEW RULES
The government has revised some criteria, like moving the income ceiling upward to extend help to more households than before and raising the amount that can be borrowed for tenants in council flats from 10% to 20%.
The property in question must also become the main residence of the buyer within a year of purchase or completion of work. If it is meant to be moved into upon retirement, the person must cease working within six years of buying.
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Monaco wellness brand Giu Monte-Carlo shone a light on how healthy living practices can be contributors to preventing cancer at a conference punctuated by talks and speeches by respected members of the well-being industry.
Held at the Méridien Beach Plaza Hotel, Giu Monte-Carlo‘s Pink October Wellness & Cancer Prevention Conference saw a roster of professionals from the wellness community deliver a series of thought-provoking speeches on topics ranging from diet and nutrition to how genetics can play a part in a person’s health.
One highlight was a talk by Ordre de Médecins member Professor Franco Borruto on how microbiota, the microorganism that live in and on each person’s body and vary from individual to individual, are affected by things such as lifestyle, environment, diet and genetics. Many of these outside influences are things that can be controlled, thus giving every person following a healthier path a better chance at warding off disease, he explained to a captivated crowd.
The lecture by Professor Borruto was followed by a talk from dietician and nutritionist Véronique Liesse, who spoke of how nutrition and micronutrition influence immunity, as well as a presentation by Doctor Zuzana Miniconi Obran, a Monaco-based physician who specialises in preventative and anti-aging medicine.
No nutrition and wellness focused event would be replete without a nutritious meal and guests at the Pink October Wellness & Cancer Prevention Conference were treated to delicious and nourishing dishes created to inspire positive food and lifestyle choices.
After the meal, a fashion show featuring models in various shades of pink took to the catwalk to show support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with many in attendance also donning rosy tones.
Proceeds from the event went to local charity Ecoute Cancer Réconfort, which provides assistance and moral support to people suffering from cancer in and around the Principality.
Click on the images below to see more from the event:
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
Prince Albert of Monaco was on stage in person in Philadelphia to hand out the 2023 Planetary Health Awards to two dedicated individuals and one pioneering company for their “outstanding commitments towards the preservation of the planet”.
Led by esteemed CNN journalist Robyn Curnow, and attended by Prince Albert himself, the awards were handed out on 26th October to two individuals and one company that have all gone above and beyond in their preservation and conservation efforts.
“Now, more than ever, at a time when our world is facing so many environmental challenges, it is so important that we recognise, honour and support the work of those doing remarkable things to preserve our planet,” said Prince Albert at the event, adding that each of this year’s laureates is being rewarded for “their remarkable achievements in favour of conservation, science and sustainable innovation”.
2023 winners
Dominique Palmer, a climate activist, speaker, storyteller and writer based in the UK, was perhaps the most high-profile winner of the night.
Palmer is the coordinator of Climate Live, an organisation that puts on youth-led musical events to raise awareness about climate change, and is also on the committee of the Youth Climate Justice Fund, the first climate fund run by young people, and the Youth Council for New Zero World.
In 2020, she was named in the Forbes list of Top UK Environmentalists and has been invited to speak at global events such as COP26.
Upon accepting her award, Palmer said, “When I first became an activist, and was part of organising my first ever climate strike as a teenager, I did not think I would be standing here today. I just did it because I couldn’t stay silent for the one Earth, [the] one home we have.”
L-R: Meghan Olsen of Evocative, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Dominique Palmer and Dr Hans-Otto Pörtner. Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco
Also recognised was Dr Hans-Otto Pörtner, the Vice-Chair of the Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that recently released a landmark report. He described the publication as “a steppingstone on the way to making the ocean more visible in the climate negotiations at the UN climate convention”.
Pörtner has spent 25 years researching the impact of climate change on ocean life at the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven. He is also an elected member of the European Academy of Sciences and a member of the German Advisory Council on Global Change.
The third recipient of a Planetary Health Award was the company Evocative, which employs an ingenious technology involving plant fibres, such as shredded hemp and mushrooms, to create a variety of objects and materials useful in daily life.
Naturally fire-resistant, the composite can be used in products including insulation and sound proofing in homes, and as eco-friendly packaging as a plastic replacement.
“This recognition is a testament to the tireless dedication and unwavering commitment of our entire team at Evocative,” said Meghan Olsen, who accepted the gong on the company’s behalf.
Eco activities out and about in Philadelphia
Prior to the awards evening, Prince Albert joined his cousin, John B. Kelly III, who is the president of the US chapter of his eponymous foundation, to meet with Orlando Rendon, the Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and Vanessa Garrett Harley, the deputy mayor for the Office of Children and Families, in planting one of the first trees at the Williams Moore Reed Memorial Park.
Prince Albert joined local officials in planting one of the first trees at the Williams Moore Reed Memorial Park. Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco
A $130,000 grant from the FPA2 was also given to support the Philly Tree Plan, the city’s first strategic plan “for the equitable growth and care of Philadelphia’s urban forest”.
The Prince found the time to visit the FDR Park Wetlands too, a 33-acre section of the park that is being restored to its natural wetland state in an effort to provide important wildlife habitats and increase regional biodiversity.
Finally, he visited the Philadelphia Zoo, which has implemented various conservation and educational programmes and initiatives thanks to funds from a grant provided by FPA2’s US branch.
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
The Monte-Carlo Country Club will host the prestigious Tennis Europe Junior Masters for the third year in a row, welcoming the continent’s most promising young tennis talents to its clay courts for four days of play in early November.
Scheduled to take place from 2nd to 5th November, and at the very same venue as the legendary ATP Masters 1000 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, this competition brings together the top eight male and female players in the Under 14 and Under 16 categories.
It is a showcase of the best emerging talent on the European tennis scene, and counts the likes of Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, Kim Clijsters and Belinda Bencic among its former champions, underscoring its significance in identifying future tennis legends.
In 2023, the Tennis Europe Junior Masters Monte-Carlo is introducing a change to the schedule by adopting the Round Robin format, where each player gets a chance to play every other in their group.
Melanie-Antoinette de Massy, the president of the Monaco Tennis Federation and of the Monte-Carlo Country Club, has expressed her delight at once again receiving the event, saying, “I’m thrilled to welcome the Tennis Europe Junior Masters Monte-Carlo for the third consecutive year. Hosting these young champions in the Principality is an honour, as they undoubtedly represent the future elite of world tennis. The shift to the ‘Round Robin’ format this year brings a new dynamic to this event, guaranteeing unforgettable moments on our courts.”
As the third edition of the Tennis Europe Junior Masters Monte-Carlo approaches, all eyes are on these young stars. Tennis enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling event that promises to be both a reflection of the sport’s rich history and a glimpse into its promising future.
In a match that carried the weight of expectations, AS Monaco stumbled and missed a golden opportunity to claim the provisional top spot in the Ligue 1 standings. Facing off against Lille, Monaco ended up on the losing side with a scoreline of 2-0.
The pivotal moment in the match occurred in the 32nd minute when Lille’s Edon Zhegrova, with pinpoint accuracy, sent a cross sailing into the box. Waiting to pounce on this opportunity was Ivan Cavaleiro, who made no mistake. Cavaleiro slotted the ball home from close range, handing Lille the lead.
Just 10 minutes later, Bafode Diakite extended the advantage for the home team. He showcased his skill with a well-placed low shot from inside the box. Monaco’s defensive line had faltered, and Diakite seized the opportunity to capitalise, further solidifying Lille’s control of the game.
A missed chance at the summit
AS Monaco had high hopes that a victory would propel them to the summit of the league table as they had been just one point away from surpassing the current leaders, Nice. However, the result proved disappointing, placing them third with 20 points.
On the other side, Lille’s victory against Monaco brought them one step closer to securing a place in the Top Three. They now sit comfortably in fourth, trailing Monaco by a mere two points.
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
