Les Roues de Noël: Monaco’s supercar parade to raise support for Princess Grace Foundation

09/12/2024

Later this month, a dazzling parade of supercars will drive through the streets of Monaco in a bid to raise important funds for the Princess Grace Foundation’s programme benefiting hospitalised children. The organiser behind Les Roues de Noël, an event that aims to become an annual Christmastime occurrence in the Principality, is automotive influencer Armand Mazloumian.

The second edition of Les Roues de Noël is set to take place on Saturday 21st December. Beginning at 5pm in front of the Hôtel de Paris, the parade of participating supercars and their drivers will embark on a journey through the famous avenues and boulevards of the Principality, handing out treats donated by the Chocolaterie de Monaco to passersby as they go.

The goal of Les Roues de Noël is to raise funds for and awareness of the Princess Grace Foundation’s support programmes for hospitalised children. The foundation in Monaco is chaired by Princess Caroline of Monaco, with Prince Albert II serving as its Vice-President.

Among those set to join in and support this year’s parade are Swedish actress, model, TV host and entrepreneur Victoria Silvstedt, French actress Célyne Durand and a Ferrari driver. All those who take part in the parade by showcasing their vehicle are asked to make a donation to the foundation as a symbol of their support. Participants are also welcome to attend a cocktail at 6pm in the Boghossian store in the Hôtel de Paris.

Members of the public are encouraged to make a donation directly to the Princess Grace Foundation’s website.

For more information about the event, click here.

Read related:

Key dates for Christmas in Monaco: snow globes, Santa and seasonal cheer

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: Les Roues de Noël

Monaco creates high-level steering committee to advance anti-corruption measures

by: Cassandra Tanti

09/12/2024

Monaco has formalised the creation of a high-level Steering Committee to guide its efforts in tackling corruption, marking a significant step forward in response to the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) recommendations.

The decision, revealed in a government statement Monday, follows a strategic meeting presided over by Minister of State Didier Guillaume which took place ahead of International Anti-Corruption Day on 9th December.

The Steering Committee will develop a national anti-corruption strategy and an accompanying action plan, focusing on GRECO’s 5th evaluation cycle, which examined executive-level governance and law enforcement practices. Implementation is set to begin in 2025 and will continue through 2028.

GRECO’s findings and recommendations

GRECO, the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body, evaluated Monaco’s frameworks for combating corruption in June 2024. The report commends existing measures, such as the creation of an ethics committee, a risk mapping strategy, and draft legislation on whistleblowers. However, it calls for stronger laws and oversight to ensure integrity in high-ranking positions and transparency in areas such as government procurement, residency permits, and state-controlled businesses.

Recommendations include extending ethics rules to advisers and senior officials, improving integrity checks, and introducing stricter conflict-of-interest policies, including for Prince Albert II in his executive functions. The report also highlights the need for whistleblower protection, transparency in interactions with lobbyists, and enhanced monitoring of the police force, including its power to issue residence permits.

A unified approach to reform

The recent meeting brought together key stakeholders, including members of the government, the Secretary of State for Justice, representatives of the Sovereign Prince’s Cabinet, and officials from Monaco’s administrative and legal departments. According to the government, discussions focused on concrete actions tailored to the Principality’s specific needs.

The Steering Committee, as announced, aims to ensure a cohesive and strategic approach to addressing GRECO’s recommendations, focussing on legislative reform, institutional transparency, and robust governance practices.

“Monaco remains committed to advancing its anti-corruption legislation in line with its institutional framework. This dedication aligns with over a decade of consistent efforts and improvements in anti-corruption measures,” said the government in its statement.

Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti for Monaco Life

Monegasques will need an ETA to travel to the UK from April 2025

by: Stephanie Horsman

09/12/2024

As of next spring, Monegasque nationals planning trips to the United Kingdom for business, tourism or even airport transits will need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation, known as the ETA, before departure. This new requirement aligns Monaco with other visa-exempt nations adapting to the UK’s growing digital entry system. Here are all the details.

The Monaco Government has confirmed that, as of 2nd April 2025, all Monegasque nationals will need a valid ETA prior to travel to the UK.

The requirement of an ETA, a digital document that grants entry for short-term visits to the UK, will come into effect for all European nationals on the same date.

Although it does not replace a visa, the ETA acts as a pre-approval for citizens from visa-exempt countries such as Monaco.

ETA applications will open on 5th March 2025, ahead of the official implementation on 2nd April. Non-European travellers must apply earlier, with the application process for concerned parties open since 8th January 2024.

The ETA is required for anyone visiting the UK for stays under six months, including those from the European Union, European Economic Area and other eligible countries. This includes Monegasque nationals of all ages, including infants and children. Parents or guardians can complete applications on behalf of minors. Those holding UK visas, residence permits, or intending to stay longer than six months on specific work or study visas do not need an ETA.

How to apply

Applying for an ETA is a simple, digital process and costs £10. You can submit your application via the official portal here or download the UK ETA app on Apple or Google Play. The process requires basic personal and passport details, and applications are generally processed quickly, though it’s advisable to apply several days in advance.

Each ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. A new passport will require a new ETA.

For further information on how to apply and additional details, visit the official UK government website by clicking here.

Read related:

All European visitors will need an ETA to travel to the UK from April 2025

Photo credit: Henry Ren, Unsplash

Monaco shopping districts spread the holiday cheer with festive programme of events

by: Niki Borisova

09/12/2024

From the streets of La Condamine and the Boulevard des Moulins to the Rock and the Larvotto seafront, Monaco’s main shopping districts will host an array of family-friendly events throughout the Christmas period.

Over the coming weeks, the Union des Commerçants et Artisans de Monaco (UCAM), with financial support from the Monaco Government, will put on a host of different events in La Condamine, Monaco-Ville and Larvotto, as well as on the Boulevard des Moulins.

See more: Monaco’s Christmas Village embraces festive gingerbread theme for 2024

A centerpiece of the programme is the installation of an enchanting carousel at the Larvotto seaside complex, which will operate daily from 10.30am to 7pm.

Beginning 11th December, children will be able to send their wishlists to Santa Claus by depositing their letters in a magical mailbox located near the Christmas chalet in Larvotto.

Between 14th December and 4th January, Father Christmas and his elves will make regular appearances in these shopping hubs with the aim of encouraging residents to shop locally this Christmas and support the many artisan and independent shops of the Principality. There will also be magic shows and urban circus performances across the city.

For the full schedule of events, click here.

Read related:

Key dates for Christmas in Monaco: snow globes, Santa and seasonal cheer

Photo by Monaco Life

Princess Charlene and twins shine at Monaco’s enchanting Christmas Village launch

by: Niki Borisova

09/12/2024

Princess Charlene of Monaco, accompanied by her children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, had the honour of formally inaugurating the Christmas Village in Port Hercule, an occasion that officially kicked off the festive season in the Principality.

Though Prince Albert II was unable to join his family for the evening of fun and festivities on Friday 6th December—the Prince was likely making his way to Paris for the grand unveiling of Notre-Dame the following day—the presence of Princess Charlene and the twins more than made up for his absence.

See more: Prince Albert II among world leaders invited to grand reopening of Notre-Dame

There were smiles all-round as the trio, joined by Mayor Georges Marsan and other members of the Mairie de Monaco, made their way through the Christmas Village.

They were accompanied inside the fairground by a troupe of traditionally dressed Palladienne dancers, and Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, who will turn 10 on 10th December, were seen beaming as they climbed aboard one of the many rides on Quai Albert Ier.

This year, Monaco’s Christmas Village is embracing a warm and enchanting gingerbread theme. Alongside the many fairground rides and attractions, visitors can enjoy festive food and beverages from nearly two dozen food stands and peruse chalets selling a wide variety of holiday gifts.

Adding to the festive spirit, concerts will be held every Friday evening, and there are many creative workshops for children scheduled during the weekends and school holidays of December.

The Christmas Village will remain open to the public until 5th January 2025.

To see more photographs from the inauguration, click on the images below:

Photos credit: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier de Monaco / Ed Wright Images / Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department

Prince Albert II among world leaders invited to grand reopening of Notre-Dame

by: Stephanie Horsman

09/12/2024

Monaco’s Prince Albert II has joined more than 40 global leaders and hundreds of dignitaries in celebrating the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris after five years of restoration work. The ceremony marked the Gothic cathedral’s return to its former glory after a devastating fire in 2019 destroyed large parts of the historic site, including its iconic spire.

The grand unveiling of Notre-Dame took place on 7th December in the presence of thousands of esteemed guests, from heads of state to religious leaders, who had gathered at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron in the cathedral’s pristine and newly renovated interior.

On 15th April 2019, a structural fire broke out under the eaves of Notre-Dame, ultimately engulfing the spire and much of the roof. Now, more than five and a half years later, the French capital has celebrated the culmination of a €700 million restoration effort that saw skilled craftsmen, architects and volunteers from around the world come together to save this historic and religious monument.

Among those invited to participate in the emotionally charged event was Monaco sovereign Prince Albert II, who praised the colossal achievements of all involved and emphasised the importance of preserving cultural treasures as part of our shared human heritage – something he actively supports through the Grimaldi Historic Sites network.

Other important figures in attendance included French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte; US President-elect Donald Trump; American First Lady Jill Biden; billionaire Elon Musk; the UK’s Prince William; and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the latter of whom received a standing ovation upon his arrival.

*Prince Albert II was photographed on the front row of the guests, bookending the prime location with the UK’s Prince William. Photo credit: Philémon Henry / MEAE*

Macron, who is embroiled in a domestic political crisis, used the occasion to highlight French resilience and patriotism, calling the restored cathedral “a beautiful metaphor for what a nation is, and what the world should be”.

Despite uncooperative weather moving part of the ceremony indoors, the event retained its grandeur, blending Catholic tradition with contemporary reflections on history and unity. Pope Francis, while absent, sent a message that was read aloud at the ceremony, describing the reopening as a moment of “joy, celebration and praise”.

For attendees and home viewers alike, one of the most striking aspects of the day was the breathtaking transformation of the cathedral’s interior. The restoration allowed workers to remove centuries of dirt and pollution, unveiling a luminous Gothic masterpiece that appeared both timeless and rejuvenated.

*The exquisite interior of Notre-Dame captivated the 2,000-strong congregation and the millions of viewers watching the ceremony from home. Photo credit: Philémon Henry / MEAE*

As Macron addressed the 2,000-strong congregation, he reflected, “The world will find again this cathedral, rebuilt and embellished. Tonight, we share joy and pride.”

The reopening of Notre-Dame stands not just as the restoration of a landmark, but as a touching testament to solidarity and the enduring power of cultural heritage.

To see more photographs from the ceremony, click on the images below:

Photos credit: Philémon Henry / MEAE

Day: 9 December 2024

Les Roues de Noël: Monaco’s supercar parade to raise support for Princess Grace Foundation