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Month: September 2024

F1’s Fernando Alonso joins Prince Albert II at 15th Monaco Private Label Summit

by: Niki Borisova
17/09/2024

Two-time Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship title winner Fernando Alonso and Monaco’s own Prince Albert II were among the key speakers at the 2024 Monaco Private Label Summit, an event that highlighted the strengths of the Principality as a nation, from its strong sense of community to its commitment to nurturing innovation and positive change, and its stability, both economically and politically.

The 15th Annual Monaco Private Label (MPL) Summit was held at the Fairmont Hotel on Tuesday 17th September, and it brought together a diverse mix of individuals from the worlds of sport, business, technology and politics with the overarching goal of discussing the Principality’s developing role in global leadership.

Established in 2009 by the Prince’s Government, MPL is an exclusive international club that counts among its members hundreds of high-profile decision-makers and business leaders from more than 40 countries worldwide. Alongside dynamic networking opportunities, MPL provides its members with lifetime access to a comprehensive concierge service that has been designed to enhance their day-to-day experience in Monaco. Through its connections with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, MPL also enables members to engage in the many philanthropic and environmental projects run from the Principality.

Taking to the stage to address those in attendance, Chloé Leclercq, the director of MPL, said, “I am so proud to have you all here and to see this unique community gather together and have the support of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.”

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

During the event, Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 World Champion and a Monaco resident for the past four years, gave a presentation on ‘Pioneering Excellence in Sports’, focusing on the intersection of sports, innovation and leadership.

Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 World Champion, speaking at the Monaco Private Label Summit on 17th September. Photo by Monaco Life

“Monaco is such a special place,” said Alonso. “I’ve only lived here for four years, but I can already say that Monaco has significantly impacted me, as the Principality gives me the energy to dream for a future life. Most importantly, it provides stability. You need to invest where you live, and Monaco is a great place to invest and do business. I can say that here I find the best expertise in all fields, such as lawyers, finance and so on.”

Prince Albert II addressing the audience at the 15th Monaco Private Label Summit. Photo by Monaco Life.

As the event came to a close, Prince Albert took his turn on stage, saying, “I want people to know that Monaco is not just a place to live; it’s also a place to thrive and be a part of an incredible community.”

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Main photo source: © Philippe Fitte

Train service restored for AS Monaco vs. FC Barcelona match despite ongoing construction

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/09/2024

In light of ongoing discussions about the railway construction project between Nice and Ventimiglia, officials have confirmed that train services will continue uninterrupted for the upcoming Champions League match between AS Monaco and FC Barcelona on Thursday.

A crucial meeting was held last night, attended by Céline Caron-Dagioni, Monaco’s Minister of Infrastructure, Environment and Urban Development; Jean-Pierre Serrus, Vice-President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region responsible for transport and sustainable mobility; and representatives from SNCF Réseau. The gathering was focused on evaluating the impact of SNCF’s proposed construction plan on commuters and major events, such as football matches.

The stakeholders agreed to suspend the scheduled railway works on 19th September to ensure smooth travel for fans and workers heading to the Principality for the high-profile match.

In a press statement Tuesday, the government revealed that a follow-up meeting is scheduled for Friday afternoon, where SNCF Réseau will present alternative construction scenarios. These proposals will be reviewed by both the Monaco government and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, with the aim of minimising disruption while continuing necessary infrastructure improvements.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo of the Stade Louis II by Monaco Life

 

Photos: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene inaugurate Monaco’s new animal shelter

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/09/2024

Monaco’s commitment to animal welfare reached a new milestone as Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene inaugurated the Principality’s new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Peille.

On Monday 16th September, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene officially opened Monaco’s new animal shelter. The Princely Couple unveiled the commemorative plaque, with local and Monaco authorities in attendance. Abbé Pasquale Traetta performed the blessing of the facility.

The 1,675m² shelter, located in a protected natural area, will house up to 40 dogs and 50 cats, reflecting Princess Charlene’s dedication to animal welfare as the new President of Monaco’s Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA).

The project was first launched in September 2020 when Prince Albert and Princess Charlene laid the foundation stone. The SPA, which has been active in Monaco since 1903, had long sought a modern space that would allow them to care for animals in an environment prioritising well-being and respect for nature​

See more photos from the inauguration in the gallery below. Photos credit: Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace…

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Prince Albert II extends warm welcome to Italy’s new Ambassador to Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/09/2024

Manuela Ruosi, the new Italian Ambassador to the Principality, was warmly welcomed at the Palais Princier de Monaco by Prince Albert II at the start of this week. Alongside the formalities of presenting her letters of credence, the Neapolitan diplomat enjoyed a serenade from the United States Sixth Fleet and an introduction to the Carabiniers du Prince de Monaco.

On Monday 16th September, Prince Albert received Italy’s new Ambassador to the Principality of Monaco at the Palace for a full day of activities and introductions.

The day began for Manuela Ruosi with a review of the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince de Monaco alongside Vincent Floreani, the Prince’s Chamberlain, before she was escorted to the Salon des Glaces for the formal presentation of her credentials to Prince Albert.

Ruosi has been in the diplomatic corps since 1992. Photo credits: Axel Bastello / Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

Also at the ceremony were: Yvette Lambin-Berti, Secretary of State; Christophe Steiner, Chief of Staff; Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; and Giuseppe Folino, Attaché in charge of Administrative, Consular and Social Affairs at the Italian Embassy in Monaco.

In the afternoon, the Prince invited the new Ambassador to join him on the Palace balcony to watch a special performance by the United States Sixth Fleet, held in the context of the Changing of the Guard.

The Italian diplomat joined Prince Albert on the Palace balcony to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Photo credits: Axel Bastello / Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

Ruosi, who hails from Naples, has been in the diplomatic corps since 1992. She first served as Deputy Director at the General Directorate for Cultural Relations’ Section for Cultural Events Abroad, followed by a stint at the Italian Embassy to the Holy See as First Secretary in 2000.

In 2011, she was transferred to the Italian Embassy in Tunis, before being brought back to Italy to work as Head of Office at the Directorate General for the Promotion of the Country System, Section for Cultural and Multilateral Cooperation (UNESCO) and Archaeological Missions.

She has also held positions as Embassy Counsellor and Head of Office at the Diplomatic Protocol of the Italian Republic before taking on the Ambassadorship to Monaco.

Read related:

Italy’s Via Appia becomes newest UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo credits: Axel Bastello / Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

Prince Albert II speaks of his hopes for peace “in a world plagued by conflicts” during visit to Rondine

by: Elsa Carpenter
17/09/2024

During his recent visit to the Rondine Cittadella della Pace international peace mission in Tuscany, Monaco’s Prince Albert II shared his hopes for a world of “tolerance, dialogue, trust, reconciliation and lasting peace.”

Over the weekend, Prince Albert headed to Tuscany for a tour of the Rondine Cittadella della Pace campus near Reggio Emilia. Founded in 1998, Rondine has grown from humble beginnings in the medieval town of the same name to become a wide-reaching international organisation dedicated to reducing armed conflicts and promoting a culture of peace worldwide.

Monaco has maintained a partnership with Rondine since 2015 and has lent its support to an array of globally minded projects, as well as acting as a sponsor to three students at the organisation’s World House, two of whom were there to meet with the Prince during his visit on Sunday 15th September.

Clearly impressed with the work being done by Rondine, Prince Albert said, “I am delighted to be here with you this morning and have taken great interest in visiting the campus facilities and listening to your explanations and testimonies. I am impressed by Rondine’s unique setting and by the creative tool it represents for supporting conflict transformation on a global scale.

I wish to commend Rondine for its exceptional initiatives and commitment, here in Italy and advancing peace worldwide… Rondine contributes to tearing down barriers, biases and misconceptions. We [the people of Monaco] welcome all initiatives promoting a culture of tolerance, dialogue, trust, reconciliation and lasting peace… I concur, ‘If war is a choice, peace can be too’. I would even add that, more than a choice, peace – like environmental sustainability – is a duty to humanity, and our responsibility.”

Prince Albert II of Monaco was full of praise for the work being done by the Rondine peace organisation. Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco

In 2023, Monaco became the third country to join Rondine’s Leaders for Peace Appeal, an initiative jointly launched by the organisation’s student body and the United Nations. The Principality was also a key sponsor of an event held in New York in December last year that promoted the ‘Rondine Method’ of fostering coexistence, dialogue, conflict resolution and peacebuilding between young people hailing from nations that have been or are still at war.

“My country will continue to work with Rondine as part of its ongoing commitment to support peace efforts around the globe,” added the Prince, in a speech following his tour of Rondine, which was conducted by Franco Vaccari, the organisation’s president. “In a world plagued by conflicts and where international law and multilateralism are eroding, building bridges between individuals and communities is more important than ever. Rondine is a remarkable organisation, and we are proud to stand by its side.”

La Verna

The Rondine Cittadella della Pace wasn’t the only stop on the sovereign’s itinerary. Prior to his visit to the peace project, he spent the afternoon of Saturday 14th September in the Tuscan province of Arezzo, exploring the La Verna Franciscan sanctuary.

Prince Albert was accompanied by Anne Eastwood, Monaco’s Ambassador to Italy, for this leg of the tour, and the two were greeted at the celebrated site by Brother Guido Fineschi and Brother David Gagrcic.

Prince Albert II of Monaco visited the La Verna sanctuary in Arezzo during his visit to Tuscany, a place of pilgrimage for people the world over, including his own mother, Princess Grace, who travelled to the spiritual site in 1968. Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco

Located in the heart of the Tuscan Apennines, this historic sanctuary has been a place of pilgrimage for people from around the world and is best known as the place where Saint Francis of Assisi received the stigmata on 17th September 1224. Indeed, Princess Grace of Monaco came to La Verna on pilgrimage with Princess Caroline, Prince Albert’s elder sister, in 1968.

Prince Albert was invited by the monks to look through the sanctuary’s archives and browse the photographs that commemorate his late mother’s journey to La Verna. It would have been a poignant experience for the Prince; Princess Grace passed away 42 years to the day of his own visit to the sanctuary.

To see more photographs of Prince Albert’s Tuscan tour, click on the images below:

 

Read related:

Photos: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco named godparents of new Île Saint-Honorat bell

 

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo credits: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco

Football: AS Monaco crush Auxerre with decisive victory

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/09/2024

Ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona, AS Monaco secured an impressive 3-0 away victory over Auxerre over the weekend, extending their undefeated record in France’s Ligue 1 this season.

AS Monaco entered Auxerre’s Stade Abbé-Deschamps on 14th September with high hopes of boosting their points tally in the Ligue 1 table, and they were not disappointed.

The Rouges et Blancs took control from the start, with a spectacular header from Thilo Kehrer only eight minutes in. This was followed in the 25th minute by a goal from Brazilian sensation Vanderson, who scored after a clean pass from captain Denis Zakaria.

In the second half, the team’s goals had all but come to a halt until the very last minute, when Zakaria added a third, cementing AS Monaco’s 3-0 victory.

“I think we played a good game. The only negative point is that we were not able to be more decisive,” said Zakaria after the match. “But we are happy with the final score, and I am pleased to have been able to help the team today by scoring. It is important to be there for the team, and that is what I managed to do along with Thilo, the vice-captain.”

The extra points have put AS Monaco neck and neck with second-placed Marseille in the Ligue 1 standings, and only two points behind the perennial top team, Paris Saint-Germain.

See more: Football: AS Monaco to face Barcelona, Inter Milan and Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League

The win is a real confidence builder ahead of the club’s upcoming UEFA Champions League match, the first of the season, against powerhouses FC Barcelona at Stade Louis II in Monaco on Thursday 19th September.

Read related:

Train service restored for AS Monaco vs. FC Barcelona match despite ongoing construction

Football: AS Monaco to face Barcelona, Inter Milan and Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo credit: AS Monaco