13 ° C
Profile

Day: 28 April 2025

Massive power outage hits Spain, Portugal and parts of France, causing widespread disruption

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/04/2025

A large-scale power outage swept across Spain, Portugal and parts of southern France on Monday, crippling public transport, causing flight delays, and prompting emergency government meetings. Residents as far afield as Andorra and Belgium also reported being impacted as authorities raced to restore electricity to millions.

The outage, which struck in the early hours of 28th April, left much of the Iberian Peninsula in chaos. Spain’s Red Electrica and Portugal’s REN, the respective national grid operators, confirmed widespread disruptions and said coordinated plans for the phased restoration of power were being activated in collaboration with European energy authorities. Although France experienced only a brief outage, areas bordering Spain were temporarily affected, while Belgium also reported isolated incidents.

In Madrid, parts of the underground metro system were evacuated, traffic jams clogged the city centre, and police were deployed to direct vehicles through streets where traffic lights had failed. Office workers flooded onto the pavements amid evacuations of high-rise buildings, including one that houses the British Embassy. Local reports detailed dozens of people trapped inside stalled metro cars and elevators as the city struggled to respond.

Portugal faced similar chaos, with traffic lights failing nationwide and metro services grinding to a halt in Lisbon and Porto. Lisbon’s airport operated on backup generators as national airline TAP reported disruptions. Meanwhile, Spain’s airport authority AENA announced delays across its 46 managed airports, deepening travel frustrations for thousands of passengers.

While power was swiftly restored in France, grid operator RTE has launched an investigation into the cause of the outage. REN in Portugal said the reasons behind the failure are still under assessment but assured that energy supply restoration efforts remain ongoing, coordinated closely with civil protection authorities.

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: Fré Sonneveld, Unsplash

Compassion in focus: OTB Foundation brings humanitarian heart to Monte-Carlo Fashion Week

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
28/04/2025

In a week celebrated for its glamour and innovation, Friday morning at Monte-Carlo Fashion Week 2025 offered a powerful reminder that fashion’s influence extends far beyond the runway. At an exclusive Breakfast & Talk held in the Yacht Club de Monaco’s Ball Room, OTB Group Chairman Renzo Rosso and OTB Foundation Vice President Arianna Alessi captivated guests with a heartfelt discussion on the life-changing social projects driven by their foundation.

During the talk, Alessi shared insights about their foundation’s expanding work with women and girls. “Because we already opened two orphanages just for boys, we asked why don’t we open one for women?” she explained. After two years of planning—reflecting their “Only The Brave” mentality—they proceeded with the initiative.

“Now we’ve opened one in Kapisa. And we are going to open another one in Afghanistan,” Alessi revealed. She highlighted a unique aspect of these facilities: “The strange thing is that these girls are not without parents.” Rather, the centres provide education and opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to these young women.

The foundation also funds university education for women pursuing STEM fields. “It’s at Bocconi and other universities in Italy, paying for university and master’s programmes in STEM for women in need,” Alessi explained. In a nod to sustainability beyond fashion, she added, “We asked them to remember that when they become famous, the opportunity we’ve given them today should be passed on to another girl — that’s how we make this project circular.”

100% donation impact

A standout aspect of the OTB Foundation’s approach is their financial transparency. Unlike many charitable organisations that use portions of donations for operational costs, the OTB Foundation ensures that every euro donated goes directly to the cause. As mentioned during the talk, while some organisations keep up to 80% of donations, OTB Foundation’s model ensures that “if you donate one euro, that one euro goes straight to the cause.”

This commitment extends to their personal involvement with beneficiaries. “Now we have 57 people… and we know every single person. We follow these girls,” Alessi stated, highlighting the foundation’s hands-on approach.

The OTB Foundation has invested in over 380 social development projects worldwide, directly benefitting the lives of approximately 380,000 people. The Foundation is active in four main areas: children and youth, women’s empowerment and protection, integration, and emergencies. Each project is evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively, as if it were an investment opportunity in a for-profit company.

Photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou

Fashion Week events 

Following the morning’s session, Monte-Carlo Fashion Week continued with a series of runway presentations throughout the day. Isabel Fargnoli presented at 12:30 PM at the Yacht Club of Monaco, followed by a brunch aboard the M/Y Grand Prix at 1:30 PM. At 3:00 PM, Valtoria, Jiri Kalfar, Abiddikkia, and Mami Okano showcased their collections. Marlea Monte-Carlo took the stage at 4:30 PM, while Leslie Monte-Carlo, Laura Spreti, and Diana Mara presented at 5:30 PM. Polimoda, with Pavillon Bosio scenography, showed at Salle Leo Ferré at 6:00 PM, before the day concluded with a Marlea Monte-Carlo Cocktail & DJ Set at Metropole Shopping Centre at 6:30 PM.

The Yacht Club of Monaco transformed into a stunning showcase of fashion innovation, with designers presenting their unique creative visions on the runway. Guests were particularly impressed by Isabel Fargnoli’s meticulously detailed collection, while the elegant brunch aboard the M/Y Grand Prix provided a sophisticated interlude between presentations. 

The afternoon shows highlighted remarkable diversity, from Valtoria’s boundary-pushing designs to Jiri Kalfar’s commitment to sustainable luxury fashion. Both Abiddikkia and Mami Okano received enthusiastic applause from the audience, with their bold colour palettes and innovative silhouettes captivating attendees throughout the event.

Monaco Life was there! See more of Monte-Carlo Fashion Week in our video reel below… 

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

Photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life 

 

‘Clean up the south’ draws volunteers to Nice coastline 

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
28/04/2025

The third edition of the ‘Clean Up the South’ environmental initiative took place on the weekend, with around 200 volunteers gathering at Nice’s Promenade des Anglais. The event formed part of a widespread regional campaign addressing waste pollution across the south of France. 

At the Nice location, participants gathered at Opera Plage at 10am, where organisers provided them with rubbish bags and protective gloves. Students from Lycée Professionnel Les Palmiers joined families and individuals in the collective effort to remove litter and cigarette butts from the beach area. 

The Nice gathering represented just one of numerous collection points established throughout the southern region as part of the broader ‘Clean Up the South’ campaign. Last year’s regional effort delivered impressive results, with over 85 tonnes of waste collected from more than 300 collection points throughout the south. 

“I took part in the clean up with friends from high school. It didn’t take us very long and frankly it’s super satisfying to see the garbage bags fill up,’’ Enzo, a high school student, told Monaco Life. “There was a good atmosphere and, in the end, we were able to throw away or recycle almost a ton of waste. I’ll be there again next year, although I hope people will stop throwing everything into nature!’’. 

‘Clean Up the South’ forms a component of the region’s ‘Zero plastic waste in storage by 2030’ programme—which has already tripled the amount of plastic collected between 2017 and 2024.

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

Photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life 

 

Princely couple celebrates with cyclists after COCC’S annual charity ride 

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
28/04/2025

With the 11th edition of the Champagne and Oysters Cycling Club’s (COCC) charity ride complete, participants and supporters gathered for the traditional post-event celebration on Sunday at Slammers, which was elevated by the presence of both Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

Prince Albert II, who joined the cyclists for the final stretch from Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Monaco, arrived with fellow cyclists at Slammers Pub around 4pm, still in his cycling gear and visibly energised despite the challenging journey. Shortly after, Princess Charlene made her entrance to enthusiastic applause, creating a memorable moment as the princely couple united in support of the charitable causes. 

Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais princier

“I’m delighted to see the 11th edition of this ride continue to be such a success,” Prince Albert told the gathered crowd. “Your dedication and support open the way for many more editions to come.”

During the closing speeches, a moving tribute was paid to Eddie Jordan, a faithful supporter of the event, who recently passed away.

The street party on rue Suffren Reymond transformed into one of Monaco’s most spirited spring gatherings, with attendees enjoying refreshments and sampling offerings from the Chilli No.5 BBQ station, which proved particularly popular as the afternoon rolled on.

Photo by Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life

Live music from local favourites Caligagan, Blah Blah, and Paul Dobie kept the festive atmosphere throughout the celebration, with many guests—including several resilient cyclists—taking to the dance floor.

The COCC ride continues to support two beneficiary organisations: The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which has impacted over one million people through water safety programmes in more than 43 countries, and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which funds research into motor neurone disease. 

Photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life

The event has firmly established itself as a Monaco tradition that successfully combines sport, philanthropy, and community spirit, bringing together residents and visitors in support of these important causes.  

Monaco Life was there! See more in our video reel below…

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

Main photo by Monaco Life 

Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline reconnect with ancestral roots during visit to the Ardennes

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/04/2025

In a moving tribute to Monaco’s centuries-old ties with the Ardennes, Prince Albert II and Caroline, Princess of Hanover spent two days revisiting key sites linked to the Principality’s history, deepening the bonds between past and present.

On Thursday 24th April, the pair began their visit at the Musée de l’Ardenne in Charleville-Mézières, where they explored the new exhibition ‘Counts of Rethel, Dukes of Mazarin, Princes of Monaco. An Ardennes Story (10th–19th Centuries)’, curated in collaboration with the Palace Archives. Despite the mourning period following the death of Pope Francis, the Prince chose to honour this longstanding engagement, although he shortened the final day to travel to Rome.

Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

Later that day, Prince Albert II addressed dignitaries at the Hôtel du Département des Ardennes before travelling to La Cassine to witness the restoration of the historic Cordeliers convent.

The first day concluded in Lametz, once part of the Duchy of Rethel, where Prince Albert II and the Princess of Hanover paid tribute at the tomb of Princess Caroline’s mother and stepfather, a gesture steeped in family history.

Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

On Friday 25th April, the Princely Couple continued their journey to Rethel, the final leg of their visit. After a heartfelt welcome by the local community, Prince Albert II delivered a final speech from the steps of the Hôtel de Ville, reaffirming Monaco’s deep-rooted connections to the Ardennes region.

Organised with the support of the Departmental Council and the Departmental Archives of the Ardennes, the visit offered a powerful reminder of the Principality’s rich European heritage and the enduring importance of historical memory.

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

Main photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

Princely couple celebrate sporting spirit at the 13th Tournoi Sainte Dévote

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/04/2025

The 13th edition of the Tournoi Sainte Dévote turned the Stade Louis II into a vibrant celebration of youth rugby over the weekend, with Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène of Monaco lending their support to a global gathering of young athletes.

On Saturday 26th April, Montpellier Hérault Rugby secured a 2-0 victory against England’s Cobham FC in a thrilling final. Princess Charlène, President of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby, also awarded the national team of Monaco the Sainte Dévote Trophy, a prize that has symbolised the enduring friendship between Monaco and Rugby Club Lucciana since 2011.

Photo source: Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation

This year’s tournament welcomed 24 teams from 21 countries, underlining the Tournoi Sainte Dévote’s evolution into a premier international rugby event for players under the age of 12.

The awards ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of Tendai Mtawarira, known as “The Beast”, who served as the tournament’s patron, while Xavier Papp of Rugby Vaudois was recognised as best player of the competition.

Photo source: Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation

Beyond the matches, the tournament promoted inclusivity and community spirit through initiatives such as ‘Rugby for All’ workshops for children with disabilities, ‘Rugby Tots’ sessions for young beginners, and the playful ‘Ninja Box’ obstacle course, ensuring that the event was welcoming and accessible to all.

Organised by the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby in collaboration with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the Tournoi Sainte Dévote once again highlighted Monaco’s dedication to promoting the values of discipline, tolerance, and respect through the power of sport.

See also:

Photos: Princess Charlene leads day of aquatic awareness at Louis-ii Stadium

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