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Day: 11 February 2025

Prince Albert II joins Donald Trump at New Orleans Super Bowl

by: Stephanie Horsman
11/02/2025
Monaco Donald Trump

Prince Albert II made a notable appearance at the Super Bowl in New Orleans over the weekend, where he was photographed with US President Donald Trump, and also visited the Sankofa Wetland Park, a 40-acre site revitalised as an environmental education and relaxation zone after Hurricane Katrina.

Prince Albert II and US President Donald Trump clearly have one thing in common: both are avid sports fans. This tie was on full display during New Orleans’ Super Bowl LIX on 9th February, when the two heads of state came together to pose for a photograph that was later shared by the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco in Washington, D.C.

While Prince Albert attended the high-profile game at Caesars Superdome, Princess Charlene, also a keen supporter of sport in all its varied forms, was unable to join him. Instead, the Prince was accompanied by Mike Powers, the director of luxury real estate agency Powers Properties and the brother of the late businesswoman and philanthropist Kate Powers, who famously ran Stars’N’Bars in Monaco’s Port Hercule for many years.

Social media users were quick to react to the Sovereign’s presence at the game, with one fan commenting, “Awesome! Anyway, enjoy the match. Cheers guys!”

Others, meanwhile, pointed to the strong links between Monaco’s Prince Albert and the United States. The Super Bowl matchup saw the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles, with Philadelphia securing victory. Though it has not been officially confirmed, it is believed that Prince Albert was supporting the winning team given that their city was the birthplace of his late mother, Princess Grace, who was born and raised in Philadelphia.

Prince Albert II has previously expressed a deep connection to his mother’s roots. In 2023, he visited Philadelphia, taking time to stop by his mother’s childhood home—a storied address he reportedly purchased around a decade ago. Speaking to People Magazine at the time, Albert described the house as “very beautiful and very special to our family,” noting that it was filled with cherished memories.

Meanwhile, Trump’s appearance at the Super Bowl was historic, as it makes him the first former US president to attend the event in person.

Beyond the sporting event, Prince Albert took time to explore the city of New Orleans and its Sankofa Wetland Park and Nature Trail, a 40-acre ecological restoration project in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward that was developed by the Sankofa Community Development Corporation in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It features native flora, provides a habitat for wildlife and helps absorb stormwater to reduce flooding risks. The park serves as a community space for environmental education, recreation and resilience-building.

Read related:

Photos: Prince Albert walks in his mother’s footsteps in Philadelphia

 

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: Embassy of the Principality of Monaco in Washington, D.C.

Monaco to strengthen international presence in Italy with key initiatives in 2025

by: Stephanie Horsman
11/02/2025

The Embassy of Monaco in Italy has laid the groundwork for an ambitious year ahead, unveiling a series of high-profile initiatives at its annual consular meeting in Rome designed to enhance the Principality’s influence in Italy and beyond. The meeting, held at the end of January, focused on bolstering diplomatic ties, supporting cultural heritage projects such as the Grimaldi Historic Sites network and promoting Monaco’s international appeal.

A major highlight for the coming year will be the continuation of visits from Prince Albert II to Italy. Building on last year’s engagements in Tuscany, Rome and Sicily, the Prince will revisit Italian municipalities that are members of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025. These visits, coordinated with the mayors of the participating municipalities and the Italian association Siti Storici Grimaldi di Monaco, aim to reinforce the Principality’s deep-rooted connections with Italy.

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

In parallel, Monaco will launch a special initiative in collaboration with Monaco Private Label, an association that connects nearly 2,000 investment members and business leaders from over 60 countries through global networking opportunities. This joint effort will focus on promoting the Principality’s economic appeal, with the aim of attracting investors, entrepreneurs and high-profile individuals to explore Monaco’s unique advantages.

The promotion of the French language abroad will remain a priority for Monaco in Italy this year. Following the renewal of Ambassador Anne Eastwood’s mandate within the Executive Committee of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF), the Principality will actively contribute to initiatives supporting multilingualism and cultural diversity. A key event in this effort is the annual Rome Francophone Film Festival, which continues to celebrate French-language cinema and culture.

Monaco’s diplomatic engagements will also expand in 2025. With Ambassador Eastwood now accredited to six countries—Italy, Malta, San Marino, Croatia, Romania and Slovenia—the Embassy is set to intensify efforts to foster economic and cultural exchanges across its jurisdiction.

These priorities were reinforced during the annual consular working meeting convened by the Embassy of Monaco in Italy. The gathering brought together the Consuls of Monaco in Italy and several other accredited nations, providing a platform to coordinate strategies for the year ahead.

The meeting concluded with a dinner at the Ambassador’s Residence, attended by Philippe Orengo, Ambassador of Monaco to the Holy See, who is overseeing Monaco’s participation in the Jubilee celebrations this year. With a clear roadmap in place, Monaco is poised to strengthen its global standing through strategic diplomacy, cultural engagement and economic initiatives in the year ahead.

Read related:

Diplomatic ties reinforced as Prince Albert II hosts Italy’s Foreign Minister 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: Monaco Communications Department

Hundreds join Pink Ribbon Walk to promote breast cancer awareness in Monaco

by: Niki Borisova
11/02/2025

Over the weekend, Monaco Life joined hundreds of other Pink Ribbon Monaco friends and supporters, from members of the public to town hall officials, at the charity’s annual Pink Ribbon Walk.

Taking place on Sunday 9th February, the 13th edition of the walk coincided with Monaco Run 2025. This pairing has become a popular fixture on the Principality’s winter sporting calendar by offering a different event or course for everyone, regardless of ability.

The Pink Ribbon Walk itself follows a leisurely five-kilometre route around Monaco, passing notable landmarks such as the Prince’s Palace, the Cathedral of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum and the terraces of the Casino de Monte-Carlo. The event, organised in partnership with the Monegasque Athletics Federation (FMA), aims to encourage regular screenings and promote early diagnosis.

Among those who assembled at the start line alongside Natasha Frost, the founder and president of Pink Ribbon Monaco, were Nada Lorenzi and Nathalie Vaccarezza, both councillors with the Mairie de Monaco. There were also countless families and friends of breast cancer sufferers, as well as a strong contingent of survivors.

Participants dressed in pink or incorporated pink elements into their outfits, creating a sea of colour along the route. Spirits were high as walkers made their way through Monaco, with many exchanging words of encouragement and solidarity. Some even brought their pets along, dressed in pink accessories such as bandanas, ribbons or coats to show their support for the cause.

See more: Pink Ribbon Monaco donates €10,000 to CHPG

Unlike typical races, participants did not wear numbered bibs, but instead wrote personal messages of support or tribute to those affected by breast cancer. Raffle tickets were available for purchase at €10 for three, with funds raised from this year’s walk set to go towards a study in Monaco focused on the early detection of lobular breast cancer.

Speaking to Monaco Info after the event, Frost said, “It’s a cause that unites, and it’s important for everyone—women, children and men. We focus on breast cancer, but also on all cancers. Awareness is key because the sooner you find out about it, the more treatable it is.”

Read related:

Monaco Run 2025: record numbers and world-class performances

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: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department

Princess Grace Academy’s Hector Jain wins coveted Prix de Lausanne Jeune Étoile scholarship

by: Stephanie Horsman
11/02/2025

The prestigious Prix de Lausanne once again shone a spotlight on the world’s most promising young dancers, among them an 18-year-old American dancer, Hector Jain, who is currently a student at Monaco’s renowned Princess Grace Academy. His remarkable talent and dedication have earned him the coveted Jeune Étoile Scholarship.

Now in its 53rd edition, the Prix de Lausanne is an international ballet competition for young dancers aged 15 to 18 years that helps discover, promote, and support the finest talents from around the world. The event took place between 2nd and 9th February in the Swiss city that gives its name to the competition, and once again, a student from the Princess Grace Academy secured a coveted bursary.

Since 2014, the Princess Grace Academy has had 15 students selected to compete in this internationally acclaimed event. Their collective achievements have been impressive, with 23 awards claimed, including four prestigious gold medals. This time, it was the turn of Hector Jain, who earned the Jeune Étoile Scholarship.

The scholarship is routinely given to an exceptional young dancer, usually in recognition of their remarkable talent, performance and potential for a successful professional career in ballet. It is intended to provide the recipient with the opportunity to further their training by giving them access to a scholarship at one of the world’s leading ballet schools or professional ballet companies, helping them take the next step in their development as a dancer.

The continued success of students from the Princess Grace Academy reflects the exceptional instruction provided under the guidance of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, led by Jean-Christophe Maillot. This remarkable track record is also a testament to the dedication of Luca Masala, the Academy’s Artistic Director, along with his team of expert instructors.

The Princess Grace Academy has several upcoming events scheduled for the 2024/2025 season. From 17th to 22nd February, the academy will host its Winter Internships and Auditions, where aspiring dancers will have the opportunity to train with the academy’s distinguished teaching staff. Later in the year, on 20th and 21st June, students will take the stage at the Salle Garnier for the Annual Gala Performance, an event that showcases their exceptional talent and progress. The season will conclude with the Summer Intensive, running from 7th July to 2nd August, featuring both the academy’s faculty and esteemed guest instructors.

For more information on the Academy and its programmes, 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 credit: Gregory Batardon  

Say goodbye to giant billboards: Mairie unveils new advertising strategy

by: Cassandra Tanti
11/02/2025

The Mairie de Monaco is transforming the city’s advertising landscape with sleek, eco-friendly digital displays. This modernisation aims to cut visual clutter, enhance urban aesthetics, and generate more revenue to support local initiatives.

The project was announced to the press on Friday 6th February by Mayor Georges Marsan and Georges Gambarini, Municipal Councillor and Delegate to the Signage and Advertising Department. It includes a large-scale reduction of traditional paper advertising billboards, with 600 square metres of advertising space removed as part of the depollution efforts. 

By 2026, there will be only 350 square metres of advertising space in the Principality, primarily on Princess Charlotte Boulevard, Boulevard d’Italie, Avenue du Port, and Boulevard Rainier III. The plan involves the phased dismantling of large-format billboards, with 17 taken down in January 2025 and six more scheduled for removal in 2026.

To compensate for the revenue loss, the Mairie is introducing new, more efficient digital advertising formats. New pedestrian-friendly digital displays will be strategically placed, including a 4.6m² LED screen at the eastern entrance of Monaco near Testimonio II and a 1.7m² double-sided LED display on Rue Princesse Caroline. These installations are designed to optimise communication while consuming significantly less energy than traditional digital media.

Left to right: Municipal Councillor in charge of Living Environment, Environment and Sustainable Development Marjorie Crovetto, Mayor Georges Marsan, and Municipal Councillor and Delegate to the Signage and Advertising Department Georges Gambarini. Photo by Monaco Life

Sustainability is at the core of the project, with the Mairie adopting a new environmental charter in alignment with the vision of Prince Albert II and the Communal Council. The updated advertising strategy prioritises energy-efficient solutions, including advanced LED technology that consumes less power, has a lower carbon footprint, and offers a longer lifespan compared to traditional LCD screens. These digital displays feature automatic brightness adjustment to minimise light pollution and modular repairability to extend their usability. New advertising spaces within underground pedestrian galleries are also being introduced to further reduce visual clutter at street level.

“The Mairie remains the guarantor of the quality of life of Monegasques and residents,” said Mayor Georges Marsan. “As such, the harmonious integration of signage into the urban landscape is a priority. That’s why the Mairie is pursuing a proactive policy of visual decontamination. We are aware of the brightness of the signage and we are moving towards less energy-consuming LED panels.”

New digital advertising panel on Avenue Prince Pierre in Monaco. Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

Municipal advertising generates approximately €2 million annually, providing essential funding for local services, including elderly care, cultural institutions, and community initiatives. As part of Monaco’s long-term vision, the modernisation effort aims to create a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment while ensuring that advertising remains an effective communication tool for businesses, associations, and public services.

“Advertising signage is an important reference for community and local life,” said Georges Gambarini. “The revenues from the service contribute to the municipal budget and provide vital finances Monaco’s day-to-day projects. Additionally, we are introducing dedicated advertising spaces for local associations to ensure that community initiatives receive the visibility they deserve.”

To ensure clarity, community announcements will feature distinct signage, setting them apart from commercial advertisements.

“We want advertising to be a useful, community-oriented, and environmentally responsible medium that supports the city’s overall vision,” concluded Gambarini.

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 of new digital advertising panels on Avenue Prince Pierre in Monaco. Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

Property prices climb to record heights in Monaco

by: Elsa Carpenter
11/02/2025
property price monaco

Buying a home in Monaco has never been more expensive. The average price per square metre now stands just shy of €52,000, an increase of nearly 45% over the last decade.

According to the latest figures released by IMSEE, Monaco’s dedicated statistical agency, the average price per square metre for property sold in 2024 was an incredible €51,967, surpassing the previous all-time record set in 2021.

The most astounding figures were recorded in Larvotto, where IMSEE reports that the average price per square metre could be as high as €97,563, an almost unbelievable 48% year-on-year growth in prices.

As previously reported by Monaco Life, sales in Larvotto, which is experiencing a boom following the completion and inauguration of the new Mareterra eco-district at the end of 2024, were also among the most impressive of the year.

See more: Monaco’s real estate market soars to €5.9 billion amid surge in new property sales

Outside of Larvotto, Monte-Carlo is the next most expensive part of the Principality when it comes to buying a new and existing home. Here, the average price per square metre reached €53,911 in 2024. Fontvieille is just €3 behind at €53,908, while properties in La Condamine rank third at €53,801 per square metre.

The Jardin Exotique also stands out, largely for its impressive 36.4% growth in price per square metre. IMSEE points to three exceptional property sales in the neighbourhood in 2024 as the reason for this sudden spike in value.

Read related:

Europe’s hottest property markets to watch in 2025

 

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