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Day: 19 December 2024

Children of Monaco welcomed to Palais Princier for Arbre de Noël gift-giving party

by: Stephanie Horsman
19/12/2024

As part of the Princely Family’s traditional Arbre de Noël event, almost 700 children from the Principality were invited to the Palais Princier de Monaco to share a special afternoon with Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, their 10-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, and other members of the Grimaldi family.

On Wednesday 18th December, children from across the Principality gathered at the Palais Princier de Monaco for this cherished event, held in the Cour d’Honneur.

The palace forecourt had been transformed into a winter wonderland for the occasion. A forest of illuminated fir trees adorned with sparkling lights and a long table overflowing with gifts set the scene, creating a magical atmosphere for the young guests. Prince Albert, Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques, Princess Gabriella, Princess Stephanie, and Camille Gottlieb welcomed the children into the Palace with warm smiles and festive cheer.

Just weeks ago, this same space hosted the military parade for Monaco’s National Day, but now, for the Arbre de Noël, it radiated holiday magic. Magicians and dancers captivated the children and their families, leaving them amused and awestruck by their enchanting performances.

The Princely Family, stepping into the roles of Santa’s helpers, handed out thoughtful gifts, including magic kits, Playmobil sets, remote-controlled cars, stuffed animals, Frozen costumes, and ninja outfits, ensuring joy for children of all ages.

This cherished tradition, unique among European royals, dates back more than 50 years. Early in her time in Monaco, Princess Grace began the tradition of opening the Palace to underprivileged children for a special holiday celebration. The idea was so well-received that Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III established it as an annual event. Over the decades, it has become a beloved custom that reflects Monaco’s spirit of generosity and community.

The Palace’s preparations for this event begin weeks in advance, with meticulous attention given to every detail, from selecting gifts to organising entertainment. The result is a magical experience that treats Monaco’s youngest citizens like little princes and princesses, ensuring the festive season remains a time of wonder and joy for all.

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

 

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: Eric Mathon / Frédéric Nebinger / Palais Princier de Monaco

Monaco to launch new public TV channel in 2025, merging Monaco Info and TV Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
19/12/2024

Monaco is preparing to unify its public broadcasting landscape with the creation of a single, independent TV channel set to launch in September 2025. The initiative will merge Monaco Info and TV Monaco into one cohesive platform, while also marking Monaco’s exit from the TV5 Monde network.

Prince Albert II first hinted at the decision during an interview with Monaco Matin for Monaco’s National Day celebrations, acknowledging the challenges posed by managing two channels with overlapping content. “We are too small to have two separate channels competing on the same subjects,” he said. 

During a National Council Assembly on 16th December, Monaco’s Minister of State, who has been charged with spearheading the plan, confirmed that a new professional and financially sustainable TV channel with advertising revenue will be established in the Principality.

“This channel will be independent of government communication, led by a professional board of directors, and funded through a mix of public and private resources,” he stated during the budget discussion in the National Council earlier this week. 

A fresh start for public broadcasting

The new channel’s development will begin in January 2025 under the direction of Geneviève Berti, Monaco’s current Director of Communication. She has been tasked with preparing for the transition, which includes navigating Monaco’s exit from TV5 Monde, an international network in which the Principality holds a 5.3% stake.

The channel, which is yet to be named, is expected to be launched on 1st September 2025. It will utilise TV Monaco’s extensive technical means.

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 credit: Cassandra Tanti for Monaco Life

 

Football: Monaco’s Ligue 1 title hopes dealt big blow by PSG

by: Luke Entwistle
19/12/2024
Dembélé swinging a ball into the box at the Stade Louis II during PSG's 4-2 win against Monaco

AS Monaco were dealt a potentially decisive blow in the race for the Ligue 1 title as PSG came to the Stade Louis II and took away all three points (2-4) for the first time in almost five years.

It was an eerie atmosphere at the start of Wednesday’s encounter, the final Ligue 1 game of 2024. Unlike the other 16 clubs in the French top flight, who have all completed their league campaigns in this calendar year, Monaco and PSG were playing on – not that Les Monégasques’ fans were happy about it.

Monaco’s Ultras stage protest

This game was moved due to the scheduling of the Trophée des Champions, which will be contested between these two clubs in Doha, Qatar on 5th January 2025. The game had initially been scheduled to take place in China in the summer before those plans were ultimately foiled. Given PSG’s QSI (Qatari Sports Group) ownership, the decision to host the match in Doha has been met with hostility from Monaco’s fan base and the club’s ultras boycotted the start of this match,

They missed a dominant start from the visitors, who struck the post early on through Achraf Hakimi, whilst Bradley Barcola also forced Philipp Köhn, in for the injured Radoslaw Majecki, into a good save at his near post.

Then came the moment of controversy as Wilfried Singo, already on a yellow card, collided with Gianluigi Donnarumma after being put through on goal. The Monaco defender’s touch was heavy, allowing the PSG goalkeeper to close the angle. Singo got his shot away but the follow-through caught Donnarumma flush in the face. The goalkeeper, bloodied and bruised and requiring staples in his face, came off, Singo, however, stayed on.

Just moments later, Monaco were behind. Hakimi was once again given too much freedom as he drove into the box, cut back and found Désiré Doué, who netted his first Ligue 1 goal for his new club.

Monaco crumble after battling back

Köhn made three more big saves before the break, keeping his side in the game. Those efforts were rewarded early in the second half. Eliesse Ben Seghir tucked home a penalty after Marquinhos was adjudged to have handled inside the box and then just six minutes later, they turned the game on its head.

Maghnes Akliouche, a live-wire throughout the second half, latched onto Aleksandr Golovin’s ball over the top and put a cross to the front post that was flicked in by Breel Embolo. But the lead did not last long – just four minutes in fact.

It was a case of ball-watching as Köhn’s parried save was pounced on by Ousmane Dembélé with the Monaco defenders un-reactive to the situation. Then came the sucker punch as two substitutes, Gonçalo Ramos and Lee Kang-in, combined, the former tucking home the latter’s corner kick with an emphatic header.

Monaco threw attackers on in a desperate attempt to salvage a point. Takumi Minamino almost did so but he struggled to divert Akliouche’s ball past substitute goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.

Dwindling prospect of title challenge

There would be another goal but it would come for PSG as Dembélé beat the offside trap, held off Singo and then chipped Köhn – a moment of quality to wrap up an enthralling game.

Even before the halfway point of the season, it was a game that had the air of a finale, and in the fight for the title, it may be just that. “The question of the title would be difficult [if we lost],” said Akliouche pre-match. With Monaco now 10 points adrift, there is a mountain to climb.

“The Ligue 1 [title race] is still very open,” insists PSG manager Luis Enrique. However, with Les Monégasques having won just two of their last seven in all competitions, they will need an uptick in form in 2025 if they are to challenge PSG’s surpremacy – of the chasing pack, they still look the most likely to do so.

 

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: AS Monaco