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Month: November 2024

They Are The Champions hosts adrenaline-filled day for disadvantaged youth

by: Stephanie Horsman
13/11/2024

With sunny skies and a vibrant atmosphere, the fourth edition of the They Are The Champions charity event was an unforgettable day of excitement and joy for over 80 children from the south of France and Monaco.

Hosted on a circuit in the Var that was privatised specially for the event, 2024’s They Are The Champions was a rousing success.

The yearly karting event, organised by Philippe Demanet and his Monaco-based team with the support of Riviera Sécurité, allowed disadvantaged children from the region to spend a day on the track and experience the thrill of high-performance cars driven by professional drivers.

The event was full of inspiring moments, with drivers, staff, and attendees alike demonstrating warmth, kindness and dedication. This year’s event was made even more special by the presence of former karting champion Gregory Bakian, who brought a touch of magic and glamour to the day, and a thrilling motorcycle demonstration by Thibaut Nogues, with lively commentary provided by YouTuber Adyx.

Many participants arrived the day before and were treated to the generous hospitality of the Mercure Hotel in Brignoles.

Every child present was given the opportunity to experience the thrill of circuit racing. Photo supplied

The event was made possible through collaborations with local associations, Les Enfants de Frankie, who have been supporting sick, disabled, and disadvantaged children in Monaco and throughout the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region since 1997, and Les Voiles Blanches, which delivers gifts to young patients under the medical care of the Lenval Foundation. The event was organised with the help of Marie Dubos, Thierry Revel and Georges Olivier Kalifa.

Looking ahead, the fifth edition of They Are The Champions promises even more surprises and excitement for a new group of young champions, ensuring that this incredible tradition continues to grow.

 

 

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. 

 

Photos supplied

Largest-ever collection of Grace Kelly letters and memorabilia heads to New York auction

by: Stephanie Horsman
13/11/2024
Grace Kelly

An extensive collection of Princess Grace’s personal letters, photographs and memorabilia is heading for auction at Doyle’s Stage & Screen event in New York City. This rare archive, spanning 1949 to 1968, chronicles her close friendship with personal secretary Prudence “Prudy” Wise and includes items from her time in Hollywood, New York, Cannes and Monaco. Highlights also include a Darth Vader costume and materials from Truman Capote’s 1954 musical House of Flowers.

The public fascination with Grace Kelly, the Academy Award-winning actress who became a real-life Princess upon her marriage to Monaco’s Prince Rainier III in 1956, is as strong as ever. Doyle Auctioneers & Appraisers in New York City is well aware of this fact, and has made a collection of items that belonged to the late Princess part of their Stage & Screen auction on 14th November at 4pm CET. 

Held in conjunction with the Entertainment Community Fund, the sale will feature a selection of meticulously curated letters, photographs and personal memorabilia that bring to life the Princess’s incredible journey from her youthful days at the Barbizon Hotel for Women in New York to the grand halls of Monaco. 

The Doyle Auctioneers & Appraisers collection is the largest trove of personal Grace Kelly letters to come to market. Image source: Doyle Auctioneers & Appraisers

This rare collection reveals an intimate portrait of Kelly’s world, capturing her friendships, early ambitions and the dramatic evolution of her life. Among the treasures are handwritten letters to her confidant, Prudy Wise, in which Kelly shares insights from her early days in acting, unforgettable moments from film sets, her fateful meeting with Alfred Hitchcock and her adjustment to life as a European royal. 

Also featured are family snapshots, royal invitations and mementos from her iconic journey. For collectors, historians and fans, this archive offers an unprecedented look into the life of one of the most captivating figures of the 20th century.

DARTH VADER AND MORE

Also up for grabs are a rare Darth Vader promotional touring costume, crafted circa 1980 by N.J. Farmer Associates in the United Kingdom, as well as musical manuscripts, lyrics and promotional materials from Truman Capote and Harold Arlen’s 1954 musical, House of Flowers.

The Darth Vader costume, commissioned by Lucasfilm, is seven-feet-tall and was initially part of the promotional kit used for Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. It was later reused for Return of the Jedi.

The House of Flowers collection includes Capote’s original lyrical sketches, over 100 pages of Arlen’s musical drafts and the complete piano-vocal manuscript score. Among the highlights are the workings form ‘A Sleepin’ Bee’, a song now considered as an integral part of the American Songbook.

To bid on the Princess Grace collection, and for more information on all the pieces going under the gavel for this sale, click here.

 

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 image source: Doyle Auctioneers & Appraisers

 

Fairy tales and magic at Les Enfants de Frankie’s Once Upon a Kids Nite Time

by: Niki Borisova
13/11/2024

Les Enfants de Frankie’s 2024 Kids Nite in December promises to be an enchanting, magic-filled evening inspired by a fairy tale theme. Here is everything you need to know about Once Upon a Kids Nite Time, including how to reserve tickets.

On Saturday 7th December, the Sporting Monte-Carlo venue in Larvotto will host Les Enfants de Frankie’s Once Upon a Kids Nite Time from 6pm.

Under the High Patronage of Princess Caroline of Hanover, this special gala event will offer an evening of entertainment and activities for children while also raising funds for vulnerable and sick children supported by the charitable association founded by Francine Giraudi.

The theme chosen for this year’s event is fairy tales, and guests can expect a spellbinding evening featuring beloved characters and timeless stories from this cherished childhood realm of literature.

There will be a live performance followed by a gourmet buffet and a children’s fashion show, as well as fun and engaging games and activities for the younger guests, including face painting, a bouncy castle, a smoothie bar, and a chemistry workshop. A Lucky Number raffle will also give families a chance to win exciting prizes.

See more: Les Enfants de Frankie’s latest initiatives supporting kids in need

As the evening progresses, the event will take on a more spirited tone with the Ball of the Fairies at 9.30pm. DJ Valao, known for his energetic mixes, will set the tone for this lively part of the event.

The evening will also feature performances by artists from various countries, including Italy, Slovakia, France and Monaco. One of the highlights will be Tron Girls, a dance troupe known for their innovative use of LED lighting and UV effects.

Tickets start at €220 per person. The price for a table of 10 in the premium seating area is €2,500. For more information and reservations, click here.

Read related:

Les Enfants de Frankie’s Christmas ornament sale marks 20 years of Red Nose Day in Monaco

 

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 source: Les Enfants de Frankie

Prince Albert II visits the Glade of the Armistice on Remembrance Day

by: Elsa Carpenter
13/11/2024

Standing side by side with a host of French dignitaries in the Forest of Compiègne, Monaco’s Prince Albert II joined the solemn commemorations of the signing of the Armistice that heralded the end of WWI on 11th November 1918.

Earlier this week, Prince Albert travelled to the city of Compiègne in the Oise region of northern France in anticipation of Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day or Veterans Day, on 11th November.

The city, along with the nearby town of Rethondes, is historically linked to the signing of the Armistice by the Allies of World War I and Germany. It was in a railway carriage between the two communes that French military leader and Allied supreme commander Marshal Ferdinand Foch, the Allied delegation and the German plenipotentiaries met to sign the document.

Prince Albert, who was accompanied by his nephew Pierre Casiraghi, began his day with lunch at the Compiègne town hall before travelling out to the Glade of the Armistice for the more formal remembrance ceremony.

The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Philippe Marini, mayor of Compiègne and Honorary Senator of the Oise; Marie-Claire Carrère-Gée, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister of France for Government Coordination; Catherine Séguin, prefect of the Oise; and Renaud Girard, a journalist and geopolitics expert who was the event’s guest of honour, as well as numerous civilian and military figures from across the country and 400 children from surrounding towns and cities.

All had gathered to pay tribute to the soldiers and victims of the Great War, which ended 106 years ago.

Following the ceremony, Monaco’s Prince Albert paid a visit to the Armistice Memorial war museum, where he signed the tribute books of the city and the site. Fifty-one years ago, Princess Grace of Monaco, Prince Albert’s mother, had signed the same treasured pages of the Armistice Memorial book.

Prince Albert II of Monaco is pictured displaying the pages signed by his late mother, Princess Grace, in 1973. Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

Writing in the Memorial’s book, Prince Albert penned: “In the wake of my centenary-year visit on 6 December 2018, and as a sign of family loyalty and personal attachment to the memory of the Great War, the crucible of the 20th century, I wished to attend an 11th November commemoration in the clearing of Rethondes. The significance of the date undoubtedly enhances the symbolism of this place of remembrance.”

His words in the book dedicated to Compiègne read: “To the city of Compiègne, which history has shaped as one of the great symbols of France, from the monarchy to the Republic, through the Second Empire. With my gratitude for its continued hospitality, which allows us to remember the centuries-old shared destiny that binds the Principality of Monaco to your country.”

Prince Albert’s day concluded with a ceremony at the Memorial of Internment and Deportation, located at the Royallieu Camp, where he laid a wreath in tribute to the victims of internment.

In a statement released by the Palais Princier de Monaco, the Prince’s team noted that the visit would have been deeply personal to Prince Albert, whose great-grandfather, Prince Louis II, voluntarily joined the French army in 1914 and distinguished himself as a liaison officer on the General Staff of the 5th Army, notably during the battle of Chemin des Dames, one of the deadliest episodes of WWI.

To see more photographs from Prince Albert’s visit, click on the images below:

Read related:

Prince Albert II takes leading role at 80th anniversary commemorations of Monaco’s 1944 Liberation

 

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. 

 

Photos credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

No Finish Line: Monaco’s non-stop charity race aims for record-breaking year 

by: Stephanie Horsman
13/11/2024

Since 1999, No Finish Line Monaco has seen more than 175,000 participants cover over 4.8 million kilometres—equivalent to 120 laps around the planet—and raise more than €5.1 million for children in need. What began as a local charity race has grown into a global movement, and in celebration of its 25th anniversary, event patron Princess Charlene will be on hand to launch the much-anticipated race later this week.

No Finish Line began as an event organised by the Junior Economic Chamber of Monaco to promote the first Monegasque Children’s Rights Day. Over the last 25 years, it has evolved into something truly extraordinary. In its first year, the 750 participants walked or ran 9,000 kilometres, but by 2023, No Finish Line had blossomed into an event with over 10,000 people covering some 315,500 kilometres. This year’s event promises to be even bigger.

The race has become an iconic event, blending individual and team challenges with a strong sense of community spirit. People of all ages participate, walking or running to support Children & Future, a charity aiding sick and underprivileged children. Since 2015, the race has expanded internationally, with events in Paris, Oslo, Athens, Nice, Bratislava and Bolivia. Altogether, these 50 No Finish Line events have raised nearly €6.7 million for children’s causes worldwide.

The local 25th-anniversary edition, running from 16th to 24th November, invites participants to take on the scenic 1,100-metre circuit around Monaco non-stop for eight days and nights. For each kilometre completed, €1 goes to charity, and this year, racers can look forward to exciting new additions.

First, Princess Charlene, the event’s patron, will personally open the race at 2pm on 16th November.

See more: Princess Charlene named Ambassador of No Finish Line’s 25th anniversary edition

There will also be new features, including a certified six-day race from 17th to 23rd November, where 40 participants will compete in an endurance test in which only the kilometres covered during these six days will count towards the challenge.

This year’s race will include a Sponsors Day to honour supporters, a retrospective exhibit in the Fontvieille marquee, and the release of a special anniversary stamp.

Additionally, No Finish Line will host the 24-Hour Trophy, an official race in the French Athletics Federation’s calendar. This endurance event will start at 9am on 23rd November and conclude the following morning. There will also be an eight-day ultra-challenge where motivated individuals can attempt to beat the current men’s record of 1,041 kilometres or the women’s record of 924 kilometres.

Throughout the week, daily themed evenings, live music and celebrity appearances will create a festive atmosphere, encouraging participants as they push themselves to achieve personal and collective goals.

Organisers hope to reach new heights in 2024, aiming to surpass 330,000 kilometres with a target of welcoming 12,000 participants.

There is still time to register to be part of the fun. Fees are €15 for adults and €8 for children over 10. For more information or to sign up, click here.

 

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 source: No Finish Line

French pilots to strike on Thursday over planned airline tax hike

by: Stephanie Horsman
12/11/2024

France’s National Union of Airline Pilots has called for a strike on Thursday after the National Assembly voted to triple air transport taxes, which they say is a threat to job security and the future competitiveness of the industry whilst putting more than €1 billion into state coffers. 

The National Union of Airline Pilots (SNPL) is mobilising on 14th November in protest of a recent ruling by France’s lower house of parliament to substantially increase the Solidarity Tax on Air Tickets (TSBA). 

This tax could generate an enormous sum for the government but is causing alarm in the air transport sector amid concerns that the additional taxes will lead to a loss of attractiveness to consumers.

In a joint press release released on 10th November, several unions in the sector, including UNSA-Transport, and FEETS-FO, announced that they were calling on “all employees in the aviation sector to come and demonstrate their disagreement with this job-killing tax before the National Assembly on 14th November,” adding that, “This project is an unprecedented attack on the aviation sector in France, its jobs, its competitiveness and its sustainability.”  

€1 BILLION POTENTIALLY RAISED FOR GOVERNMENT

The new amendment triples the current tax for a one-year period from 1st January and is expected to raise €1 billion in revenue. It excludes the French overseas territories and Corsica. 

Air passengers will bear the brunt with economy class flights rising from €2.60 to €9.50 per passenger for a European destination, from €7.50 to €15 for intermediate destinations, and from €7.50 to €40 for long-distance destinations. 

The SNPL, who say they were not consulted, denounce the decision, saying, “While many players in the aviation sector are barely recovering from the prolonged effects of the Covid-19 crisis period, this additional tax will ultimately lead to tens of thousands of job losses in France.”

The Minister Delegate for Transport, François Durovray, defended the tax, telling FranceInfo, “This tax has both the virtue of contributing to the restoration of the state’s accounts, but also an environmental aim,” which he says will occur via airlines being encouraged to use sustainable fuel sources. 

How this eco-initiative will be realised remains uncertain, though, as the availability of these greener fuel sources is still in question.

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: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life