Women of Monaco Lunch raises nearly €20,000 for Monaco Aide et Présence

17/06/2024

Some 60 influential women living in the Principality of Monaco turned out for the ninth edition of the Women of Monaco Lunch last week, an event that raised close to €20,000 for the Monaco Aide et Présence charitable association.

On Tuesday 11th June, the gardens of the Hôtel Hermitage provided the backdrop for a wholesome and impactful gathering of women from all walks of life.

Organised by Five Stars Events’ Sandrine Knoell, the springtime edition of the Women of Monaco Lunch honoured the tireless efforts of the Monaco Aide et Présence (MAP) association in the presence of its president, Donatella Campioni.

The event was, of course, a very sociable occasion, but its philanthropic aspect shone brightly through the generous donations given by guests and their active participation in a charity auction.

In the end, a total of €19,000 was raised over the course of the event. The most popular lot in the auction proved to be a day trip for eight people on a classic Riva, which went for €5,000.

“Thank you all so much for supporting MAP; I am very proud of what we have achieved so far and looking forward to making even more of an impact,” said Campioni.

The MAP will use these funds to undertake projects to help young girls in Ethiopia avoid and escape child marriages as well as provide them with an education and other essential support.

In its 45-year history, the MAP has helped finance more than 1,200 projects and missions in 28 countries worldwide, providing more than €27 million in aid.

The Women of Monaco Lunch also featured a number of engaging presentations, such as the ‘Women in Finance’ talk by Montserrat Marchetti and Aude Berrin from Barclays Private Bank Monaco. During the lunch, Maître Géraldine Gazo from CMS Monaco delivered an insightful talk on ‘Transmission in International Families: Some Tactical Issues.’

Art and fashion were also integrated into the lunch, with artworks by Monaco-based artist Olga Volga put on display and a fashion show by Isabel Fargnoli, a Monaco resident who recently opened her own store in Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo mall, parading through the outdoors venue.

To see more from the event, watch the Monaco Life reel on Instagram:

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Formula E set for “exponential growth” after Liberty Global investment

by: Cassandra Tanti

17/06/2024

Liberty Global is buying another stake in the electric car racing series Formula E, giving the media company a controlling interest in the fast-growing motorsport.

The acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery’s 25% equity will, on completion, bring Liberty Global’s total share of ownership in Formula E to 65%.

Liberty Global is a publicly traded company led by billionaire John Malone. Liberty Media, an independent publicly traded company, holds ownership of Formula One. Malone, the founder of Liberty, has a stake of around 31% in Liberty Global and a majority stake in Liberty Media. With this acquisition, Malone’s Liberty entities now encompass both Formula One and Formula E. He presides as chairman of the board for both entities.

“We’re excited to take a controlling interest in Formula E, a business we first invested in nearly 10 years ago,” said Mike Fries, CEO, Liberty Global, in a statement. “Formula E has a massive potential for further growth while integrating the most advanced sustainability standards in sports. The investment continues our approach of disciplined capital rotation across our Ventures portfolio and our strategy of making long-term investments in highly attractive businesses.”

Planning for “exponential growth”

Formula E is the only FIA sanctioned electric world motor racing championship, the world’s No.1 rated ESG sport and the only net zero carbon sport from inception. In its 10th season of all-electric city street racing, the Formula E Championship features 16 races in some of the world’s most iconic cities, including Monaco, covering four continents.

Formula E has around 400 million fans around the world, 22 drivers and 11 teams including Jaguar, Porsche, Maserati, McLaren, Nissan, DS, Mahindra, Andretti, Penske, Envision and ERT.

“Liberty Global have a proven track record of building and growing businesses and their investment in us comes at the perfect time as we plan for a period of exponential growth,” said Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E. “Having personally known and worked alongside the Liberty leadership team for over a decade, I’m thrilled to be able to further benefit from their expertise and their resources. This is a powerful vindication of the huge potential of our sport.”

At the recent Monaco E-Prix, Formula E revealed its new car for next season, the Gen3 Evo, which accelerates to 100 km/h in just 1.82 seconds, around 30% faster than a current Formula 1 car.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, with closing expected before year end.

Photo of Maserati MSG at the Monaco Formula E prix courtesy Maserati MSG Racing

Prince Albert, Princess Charlene and Charles Leclerc among Monaco’s Olympic torchbearers

by: Elsa Carpenter

17/06/2024

Six famous Monaco figures, including Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and F1 winner Charles Leclerc, will have the honour of carrying the eternal Olympic flame as it passes through the Principality.

It has been revealed that when the Olympic torch arrives in Monaco, on Tuesday 18th June, it will be handed to Monegasque Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who recently won the Monaco Grand Prix. The 26-year-old will have the honour of bearing the flame for its first leg, which will begin at the Juan Manuel Fangio statue in Port Hercule at 2.15pm.

Leclerc will then pass the flame to the second elected torchbearer, the alpine skier Alexandra Coletti, who represented Monaco in the 2006 Winter Olympics. She will in turn hand the torch to table tennis player Xiaoxin Yang, who has played under Monegasque colours since 2013 and became an official citizen of the Principality in 2017. The flame will then pass to Rudy Rinaldi, who has appeared at both the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics.

The 30-year-old bobsledder will carry the torch up to the Malizia statue in the Place du Palais before handing it on to Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, who will jointly act as torchbearers for the flame’s final leg on the Rock of Monaco.

See more: The Olympic flame is coming to Monaco

Both Prince Albert and Princess Charlene have competed in the Olympics.

The Prince has participated in an impressive five Winter Olympics as part of Monaco’s bobsleigh team and has already been a torchbearer 10 times, beginning in 1996 ahead of the Atlanta Summer Olympics.

Princess Charlene, meanwhile, famously competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, representing South Africa. Her team finished fifth in the 4×100-metre medley relay.

Monaco’s Olympic history

While spectators will be able to enjoy the show from various points along the route, including the starting location, along the Avenue du Port and at the Place du Marché corner, those waiting for the flame in the Place du Palais will have the added experience of a special open-air exhibition that will tell the story of Monaco’s involvement in the Olympics over the years.

A montage of archival photographs and images curated by the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco and the Archives of the Palace of Monaco will recount the more than 100 years of the Principality’s participation in the Games, from the bronze medal award to the Monegasque architect Julien Médecin at the end of the 19th century for his urban planning drawings, a disciple that featured on the programme at the time, to the Paris Olympic Games in 1924, which saw John B. Kelly, the father of Princess Grace and the maternal grandfather of Prince Albert II, take gold in the double sculls rowing event.

The complete route that the torch will take can be found here.

Read related:

When and where to see the Olympic flame in the Riviera

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Photo credit: Palais Princier de Monaco

Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo hosts debut fashion show

by: Niki Borisova

17/06/2024

Already a top destination for fashion and trends, the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo gracefully stepped into a new role as a place of catwalks and showcase when the mall hosted its debut fashion show last week.

On Wednesday 12th June, Monaco Life was watching on from the front row of the Met Café venue as models adorned in designs by Eden, Vilebrequin, Isabel Fragnoli and Max Mara showcased the brands’ latest collection.

See more: Missoni opens new boutique in the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo mall

As well as womenswear, there were pieces for men and children, all played out on the catwalk to a beautiful live musical performance by Nicole Magolie.

The setting was equally stunning; the Met Café had been fully decked out with special lighting and bouquets of blooms that matched the colourful and vibrant outfits on the runway.

*Among the brands that participated in the inaugural catwalk show were the likes of Eden, Vilebrequin, Isabel Fragnoli and Max Mara. Photo credit: Stéphane Gagnard*

Following the fashion show, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and mingled with representatives of local boutiques.

To see more from the event, watch the Monaco Life reel on Instagram:

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Photo credit: Stéphane Gagnard

Morgan Freeman: “It felt really nice to receive such a great honour from Prince Albert”

by: Cassandra Tanti

17/06/2024

Legendary actor Morgan Freeman has been honoured with a Crystal Nymph at this year’s Monte-Carlo Television Festival, while Bridgerton star Simone Ashley accepted the International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent. The pair were among a host of stars to grace the blue carpet for the opening ceremony this year.

Morgan Freeman is an iconic American actor and narrator, renowned for his deep, resonant voice and commanding screen presence. Best known for his roles in The Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss Daisy, Million Dollar Baby and Se7en, he has earned an Academy Award and widespread acclaim over a career spanning more than five decades.

On Friday 14th June, the 87-year-old added another award to his collection, the Crystal Nymph, which was presented by Princesse Charlene, in recognition of his stellar body of work.

At a press conference during the Monte-Carlo Television Festival on Saturday, Freeman told journalists that “it felt really nice” to be presented the Crystal Nymph award in Monaco.

“Imagine how it feels when you are sent for, to come and receive such a great honour from Prince Albert,” he said. “These are, to me, pats on the back, life achievement type of awards. I got one or two more and they always feel terrific.”

*Left to right: Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary, Leslie Greif, Mary-Louise Parker, Ben Vereen, Amethyst Davis and Daisy Head at The Gray House press conference. Photo by Monaco Life*

Freeman was also present on Friday night to watch the world-premier screening of his latest project, The Gray House, of which he is Executive Producer alongside Kevin Costner.

Many stars of the limited series were in attendance, including multiple award-winning Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds, The West Wing), Daisy Head (Harlots), Amethyst Davis (Kindred) and Ben Vereen (Roots), along with Executive Producers Leslie Greif (Hatfields & McCoys) and Lori McCreary (Madam Secretary).

*Prince Albert II with actress Simone Ashley at the opening ceremony of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival 2024. Photo by Monaco Life*

Most promising talent

Created to recognise brilliant and exceptional rising talent, the International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent was presented to British actress Simone Ashley, who is most well-known for portraying Kate Sharma, the female lead of Season Two of the highly successful TV series Bridgerton. Produced by Netflix, the series has become a worldwide sensation. Stay tuned for our interview with Simone Ashely, coming soon.

Celebrating the Monte-Carlo Television Festival

Other stars to hit the ‘blue carpet’ on Friday night were: the cast of Little House on the Prairie, which is celebrating 50 years; Carrie Preston, who is playing the lead in a new series titled Elsbeth; Kelly Rutherford, who features in the steamy Escort Boys; Rachel Griffith from the series Madam; and many cast members of NCIS.

In his opening speech, Prince Albert II of Monaco said, “It is a pleasure to celebrate such an exceptional and diverse array of television from around the world here in Monte-Carlo. Now, more than 60 years on, our Festival continues its commitment to showcasing programmes that tell captivating stories created to entertain and educate in equal measure.”

*Cast of Little House on the Prairie giving media interviews during the TV Festival. Photo by Monaco Life*

The Monte-Carlo Television Festival is an annual event in Monaco that features an opening ceremony, red carpet events, award presentations, business seminars and opportunities for networking among television industry professionals.

“We are incredibly proud of the longevity and significance of our Festival within the global entertainment events calendar,” said Laurent Puons, CEO of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. “Alongside delivering incredible access to some of the world’s hit programmes for so many fans, our extensive Business Content sessions, led by international media experts, will give invaluable insight into the entertainment industry. Our line-up is truly outstanding across all genres – this week in Monaco is going to be the best yet.”

Monaco Life was there! See more of opening night in our Instagram reel below…

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Main photo of Prince Albert II with Morgan Freeman (right) and Laurent Puons (left), by Monaco Life

Monaco Economic Board completes ‘Operation Seduction’ in London

by: Elsa Carpenter

17/06/2024

A delegation from the Principality, including representatives from the Monaco Economic Board, Monaco Private Label, the Monaco Association for Financial Activities, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and the Monaco Government, recently embarked on a multifaceted mission to London that has been dubbed ‘Operation Seduction’.

Earlier this month, the 60-person group travelled to the UK capital with three objectives in mind: to promote the Principality not only as an attractive place for investment, but as a stable and quality destination for long-term residency; to meet with those leading investment funds and banking institutions to whom Monaco could be a place of interest; and to speak with lawyers and tax advisors on the benefits the Monegasque nation could offer their clients.

These missions were played out in a series of meetings and events hosted and attended by the delegation on 12th and 13th June.

Yacht clubs, universities and head offices

Among them was a private dinner organised by Monaco Private Label for 30 VIP guests recommended by current Monaco residents and heads of business. The guests were selected based on their interests in investing in Monaco or in founding new businesses or branches in the Principality.

Another part of the visit saw members of the delegation head to the Royal Thames Yacht Club Limited in Knightsbridge for a meeting with around 60 figures from the London world of banking, finance, accountancy and law in the presence of Evelyne Genta, Monaco’s Ambassador to the UK.

The group also toured the London School of Economics and Political Science, the Royal Automobile Club, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the head offices of Savills.

“London is an extremely attractive centre for the Principality, hosting world-class entrepreneurs and investors who are naturally interested in the Principality,” said Frédéric Genta, Monaco’s Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition, who led the mission. “Once again, the common approach with Monaco Private Label, the Monaco Economic Board, the Monegasque Association of Financial Activities, and the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group has proven its effectiveness.”

Among the Monaco population, around 7% of residents are of British nationality.

“It is a dynamic community of investors, entrepreneurs and sporting talent,” said Genta, adding that the two countries share numerous points of commonality, including the importance of the financial sector in the economy.

“London is Europe’s leading financial hub,” he continued, “and it is a crossroads for the global community.”

Read related:

Interview: Monaco Private Label’s Chloé Leclercq and her vision for the global elite club

Photo credit: Monaco Economic Board

Day: 17 June 2024

Women of Monaco Lunch raises nearly €20,000 for Monaco Aide et Présence