Prince Albert II officially inaugurated the Belvédère building at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) on the morning of Tuesday 22nd April, marking a significant milestone in Monaco’s healthcare development.The new facility houses the Maison du Don, a dedicated blood donation centre, and the Anatomopathology Laboratory, now equipped with advanced molecular biology capabilities.
Accompanied by Government Ministers Céline Caron-Dagioni and Christophe Robino, as well as CHPG Director Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges, the Prince toured the new spaces, which represent the first phase of the broader New CHPG project. The Maison du Don offers an enhanced environment for blood donors and introduces plasma donation services, reinforcing Monaco’s commitment to life-saving medical practices.
The Anatomopathology Laboratory’s new molecular biology unit enables rapid gene sequencing, significantly improving the diagnosis of various diseases, including infectious, inflammatory, and cancerous conditions.
The inauguration of the Belvédère building signifies a pivotal step in Monaco’s ongoing efforts to modernise its medical infrastructure, ensuring that residents and visitors alike have access to state-of-the-art healthcare services.
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Photo credit: Stéphane Danna, Government Communication Department
Monaco and Order of Malta reaffirm centuries-old ties during official visit
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène welcomed Fra’ John T. Dunlap, Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, to the Prince’s Palace on Tuesday 22nd April, as Monaco marked a symbolic moment in its longstanding relationship with the Catholic lay order.
The visit came just a day after the passing of Pope Francis, casting a solemn tone over the occasion. Prince Albert paid tribute to the late pontiff, describing him as a man of faith and peace whose legacy would have a lasting impact on both the Church and international diplomacy.
Following a formal welcome in the Cour d’Honneur, Fra’ John T. Dunlap was received in private audience by the Sovereign Prince. In a ceremony held at the Palace, Prince Albert awarded the Grand Master the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles, one of the highest honours in the Principality. In return, the Prince was decorated with the Cross of Knight of Justice, while Princess Charlène received the insignia of Dame of Honour and Devotion from the Order of Malta.
At a luncheon following the exchange of honours, Prince Albert spoke of the values shared by Monaco and the Order, including a mutual commitment to humanitarian service and Christian ethics. He also announced a new cooperation agreement aimed at supporting patients with sickle cell disease in Burkina Faso. The partnership brings together the Monegasque government, the Monaco Red Cross, the local chapter of the Order of Malta, and two medical institutions in Ouagadougou.
The official visit, the first by a Grand Master in over a decade, was seen as a gesture of goodwill and a reaffirmation of the enduring ties between the Principality and the Sovereign Order of Malta. Their relationship stretches back more than 500 years, built on a tradition of shared values and collaborative humanitarian efforts.
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Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais princier
Monte-Carlo Fashion Week 2025 opens with a celebration of ethics and elegance
Under clear skies on Tuesday 22nd April, the 13th edition of the Monte-Carlo Fashion Week was officially launched in the Cour d’Honneur of the Monaco Town Hall, marking the start of a five-day event focused on sustainable, ethical, and inclusive fashion.
Marjorie Crovetto, Deputy Mayor for Quality of Life, Environment and Sustainable Development, led the opening alongside fellow Deputy Mayor Jean-Marc Déoriti-Castellini. They were joined by Federica Nardoni Spinetta, President of the Chambre Monégasque de la Mode, and Italian designer Elisabetta Franchi, whose evening gown installation lined the grand staircase for the occasion.
The Monte-Carlo Fashion Week, which runs until 26th April, has steadily grown into a key cultural fixture in the Principality’s spring calendar. Speaking at the launch, Crovetto praised the event’s evolution, attributing its success to the energy of the Chambre Monégasque de la Mode and its leadership under Spinetta. The 2025 edition puts a strong spotlight on fashion that not only innovates, but also considers its social and environmental footprint.
A major highlight this year is the 10th anniversary of the Monte-Carlo Fashion Awards, honouring designers committed to both creativity and responsibility. Another anticipated moment is the “Glad you’re awake” fashion performance, curated by students from the École Supérieure d’Arts Plastiques – Pavillon Bosio. This experimental show, merging performance art with fashion, is scheduled for Friday 25th April at 6pm at the Espace Léo Ferré.
The Town Hall, a longstanding partner of the event since its inception in 2013, is also reaffirming its support for the fashion sector through education. For the second year running, the Pavillon Bosio is offering a Master’s-level specialisation in fashion scenography, reflecting Monaco’s broader commitment to nurturing future industry talent.
Follow Monaco Life for our coverage of this important spring event.
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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco
World Yachting Summit sets new course for industry’s future in Monaco
The inaugural World Yachting Summit (WYS) has been launched in Monaco, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to address the future of the yachting sector. Running from 15th to 17th April at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, this groundbreaking event marked a significant departure from traditional boat shows by focusing on dialogue, debate, and actionable strategies for the industry’s future.
Monaco was strategically chosen as the inaugural location. Laurent Perignon, responsible for the development and content of the WYS, explained in an interview with Monaco Life: “Monaco is the capital of advanced yachting, and this is the objective—to have a summit that helps advance yachting and develop it further at the global level”.
Perignon further elaborated on why Monaco appeals to yacht owners: “The success of Monaco and the French Riviera lies in having the perfect recipe. Just like preparing a great dish, it all comes down to the right ingredients — and for years, even decades, this region has consistently brought together all the elements needed to thrive.”
Unlike conventional yacht shows focused primarily on sales, WYS positions itself as a platform for meaningful exchange. As Perignon described it:
“The idea behind the summit draws inspiration from forums like Davos and the COP. The goal is to create a space for meaningful exchange — a platform where key players in the yachting industry can come together, reflect on where we stand across all aspects, share ideas, and collaborate on driving positive change.”
The summit was structured around two thematic tracks: ‘Business and Tourism Development’ and ‘Practical Roadmap to Net Zero’. It featured an impressive lineup of speakers including Francis Lapp of Sunreef Yachts, yacht designers Espen Øino and Dan Lenard, and representatives from leading companies such as Feadship, Volvo Penta, and Rolls-Royce.
Bernard D’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco
Understanding owner preferences
One of the most revealing discussions centred on yacht owner priorities. Matty Zadnikar of SeaNet Superyachts, with extensive experience managing superyachts, shared: “Owners aren’t particularly concerned with infrastructure — which might come as a surprise. When they’re on board, most prefer to be away from the city, not to cut costs, but because they enjoy being at anchor. They don’t want to be packed into a port, surrounded by other boats.”
Zadnikar also noted changing regional preferences: “What I’m seeing now is a clear shift toward the Eastern Mediterranean — and for good reason. One major factor is the freedom to anchor without restriction. These days, being able to drop anchor feels like a privilege. In places like France, not adhering to regulations can cost you up to a hundred thousand euros.”
Environmental considerations also emerged as crucial factors in destination choices. “It’s all about wind and waves,” highlighted Matty Zadnikar. “Believe me, when you’re in Greece around Mykonos during the summer, the weather might look beautiful, but being on a yacht isn’t always enjoyable — the waves can be brutal. It’s far from comfortable. So yes, sunshine is important, but what really matters to most is calm conditions with minimal wind and waves.”
The emergence of slow yachting
An emergent theme at the summit was “slow yachting”—a philosophical and practical approach that encourages more mindful and sustainable experience at sea. Rather than prioritising speed, luxury, or rapid itineraries, slow yachting focuses on taking time to fully engage with destinations, reducing environmental impact, and reconnecting with the essence of being on the water.
Vienna Eleuteri of the Saudi Red Sea Authority explained in an interview with Monaco Life: “The slow movement is important because when we recognise that we are too involved in what we do, forgetting who we are, we miss the most important part of ourselves and the meaning that brings us to do things.’’
This philosophy aligns with the industry’s evolving sustainable goals. It advocates for practices such as spending more time anchored in eco-friendly locations, using hybrid or low-emission propellers and reducing overall consumption onboard. “Sustainable yachting needs to be achieved because yachting is about our love for the ocean. That’s what connects us to yachting,” Eleuteri continued. “We’ve been struggling to get there because some cultural choices didn’t help us stay on the right track, but we are making progress. The yachting industry will become not only sustainable, but even regenerative.’’
Industry insiders also highlighted ongoing operational challenges, particularly in crew retention. Zadnikar explained, “Every time a crew member leaves, valuable knowledge leaves with them. But owners often question why they need key staff like the chief officer or chief stewardess during the off-season. At the same time, they expect top-tier service when the next season begins. Then come the complaints — ‘Who is this new person? I don’t know them, and they’re not up to standard.’ It’s a difficult and frustrating cycle.”
Looking forward
The second day featured a keynote address by Olivier Wenden, Vice President and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, on harmonising yachting with environmental preservation—a theme increasingly central to the industry’s future.
Wrapping up the summit, Bernard D’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco, delivered an aspirational keynote that echoed the event’s core message. “When we are in the ocean, we ought to respect it,” he said. “Because we are its guests.”
The summit demonstrates a commitment to internationalisation, with plans to alternate between Monaco and Dubai in future editions. The 2026 event is already set to take place in Dubai, reflecting the growing importance of Middle Eastern markets in the yachting industry.
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All photos by Monaco Life
Leclerc shines in Jeddah as Ferrari shows form and Verstappen rages over penalty
Charles Leclerc delivered a composed and strategic drive at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on 20th April to clinch his first podium of the 2025 Formula 1 season, finishing third behind Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen in a dramatic and controversy-filled race. The result marked a significant milestone for the Monegasque driver and a crucial turnaround in form for Scuderia Ferrari HP, who topped the weekend points tally for the second race running.
Starting fourth on the grid, Leclerc executed a patient and intelligent race strategy that allowed him to briefly lead before a well-timed pit stop on lap 30 brought him back into the fight. With fresher tyres and cleaner air, he hunted down George Russell and pulled off a decisive overtake on lap 38 to reclaim third. Leclerc then had to manage pressure from Lando Norris in the final laps but kept his composure to secure his 44th career podium and Ferrari’s 830th in the sport.
Leclerc’s performance stood in contrast to his team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who struggled to find consistent pace and spent much of the race battling in traffic. He crossed the line seventh, still contributing valuable points as Ferrari continues to make headway in race conditions, even as qualifying form remains a focus area for improvement.
The race itself was packed with drama from the outset. Polesitter Max Verstappen found himself in hot water after forcing Oscar Piastri wide at turn one, a move that saw the Red Bull driver handed a five-second penalty. The penalty, served during his pit stop, ultimately cost him the win as Piastri took advantage of clean air and a strong McLaren strategy to pull clear. The Australian’s assured victory — his third of the season — pushed him to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings. Verstappen, visibly agitated post-race, refused to comment on the penalty, citing fears of FIA repercussions for expressing criticism.
Further down the field, Norris mounted a spirited recovery from P10 to finish fourth, just shy of Leclerc. Mercedes’ George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli rounded out the top six, while Hamilton trailed behind. Williams also had reason to celebrate, with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon finishing eighth and ninth respectively, in the team’s best collective result this year. Isack Hadjar claimed the final point for Racing Bulls, holding off a determined Fernando Alonso, who remains without points in 2025.
Off-track tensions simmered as Verstappen and Red Bull questioned the severity of his penalty, while McLaren stood firm, with team boss Zak Brown calling the decision “appropriate”. Verstappen, meanwhile, criticised the lack of freedom to speak openly in modern F1, stating that expressing honest opinions can now “put you in trouble”.
With a brief pause before the next round in Miami, Ferrari will focus on carrying this momentum into the American double-header. For Charles Leclerc, the Jeddah podium represents more than just points — it’s a signal that he and Ferrari are finding their rhythm again.
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Photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre
Football Legends to Unite in Osaka for Monaco National Day Celebrations
Monaco’s international day celebrations at Osaka World Expo 2025 will kick off with a star-studded football gala as the United through Legends match brings together international football icons. Set to take place on Friday 27th June at the Panasonic Stadium Suita in Osaka, in Japan, the event will see the Barbagiuans de Monaco face the Japan All Star Team.
Organised under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, the match represents another chapter in Monaco’s ongoing relationship with Japan. Prince Albert II, who will be attending the event, continuously highlightes the importance of strengthening relationships between the Principality and Japan, with sport serving as a universal bonding language.
Louis Ducruet, President of the Barbagiuans, has assembled an impressive lineup of international football legends to represent Monaco, including Robert Pirès, Ludovic Giuly, Marcel Desailly, Rivaldo, Clarence Seedorf, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Patrice Evra.
The Japanese team will showcase local heroes and celebrated talents with confirmed participants including Daisuke Matsui, Shoji Jo, Hisato Sato, Yoshito Okubo, Takayuki Suzuki, Kazuyoshi Miura, Hidetoshi Nakata, and Keisuke Honda.
The modern Panasonic Stadium, which regularly hosts Gamba Osaka’s J1 League games, can accommodate up to 40,000 spectators who will witness this unique sporting spectacle. Beyond sporting action, the event also carries a humanitarian aspect, with all profits raised from the match and the dinner afterwards, going to Fight Aids Monaco association, led by Princess Stephanie, and several Japanese charities.
This high-profile sports event shows how Monaco combines international friendship, charity work, and cultural exchange – all while celebrating its National Day in Japan.
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Photo source: Monaco Government
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