From the roar of engines on the circuit to the elegance of the Grand Prix Gala, the Monaco Grand Prix has been immortalised through the lens of Palace photographers Axel Bastello and Michaël Alesi in a stunning photographic tribute to the Principality’s most iconic event.
The impressive collection of images captures the weekend in all its splendour, offering an intimate look at both the thrilling race action and the uniquely Monegasque traditions that distinguish this event from any other. Among the highlights are photographs of Prince Albert II and son Prince Jacques during their customary tour of the track, a time-honoured tradition that underscores their deep connection to the world of motorsport.
Princess Charlène and Prince Albert II feature prominently throughout, including on the winners’ podium, where they presented trophies to this year’s top drivers before a sea of fans and flags. The collection also provides a glimpse into the glamour of the Grand Prix Gala, where the Princely couple joined distinguished guests for an evening of celebration following the high-octane weekend.
Through the expert eyes of Bastello and Alesi, these photographs present a rich visual narrative of the Monaco Grand Prix – a seamless blend of excitement, heritage, and elegance captured in every frame.
Alter unveils ‘Pool Position’ capsule collection at Hôtel de Paris pop-up
Alter, the fashion brand founded by Pauline Ducruet, unveiled its latest swimwear capsule collection ‘Pool Position’ on Thursday evening during an exclusive pop-up at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo courtyard.
Guests were greeted with champagne and gourmet bites as they arrived at the elegant open-air venue, where Pauline Ducruet welcomed attendees personally. The designer and daughter of Princess Stéphanie of Monaco acted as hostess for the evening, introducing the new collection and engaging directly with guests.
Princess Stephanie was present to support her daughter, alongside Alexandre Grimaldi, son of Prince Abert II.
ALTER collection. Photo by Monaco Life
The collection featured vibrant tones including pink, green, red, blue and classic black and white, offering a bold and diverse palette. Each piece was designed with versality and individuality in mind, aligning with the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and personal expression.
A sign at the event highlighted ALTER’s guiding principles: ‘Inclusive, Responsible, Evolutive’—a statement echoed in the atmosphere of the launch. Guests enthusiastically explored the collection with many lining-up to try on the pieces in on-site dressing rooms.
Ducruet was actively involved throughout the evening, assisting with sizes and offering her thoughts on fit and styling.
Photo by Monaco Life
Founded in 2018, ALTER has established itself as a label dedicated to promoting a more inclusive and responsible vision of fashion. Ducruet created the brand with a mission to celebrate diversity and freedom of self-expression, values that remain central to her work.
The ‘Pool Position’ capsule is now available in ALTER’s boutique in Paris and Monaco at the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo, as well as online through their website: https://alter-designs.com/
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Main photo, from left to right: Princess Stephanie, Pauline Ducruet, and Alexandre Grimaldi. Credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life
Young designers bring sustainable fashion to Cannes Red Carpet
Eight student designers from across Europe transformed waste into wearable art at the Cannes Film Festival, proving that sustainability can steal the spotlight on La Croisette.
Junk Kouture, the global youth fashion movement, brought head-turning couture to the iconic red carpet with designs fashioned entirely from repurposed waste. The young eco-couturiers from Ireland, the UK, Italy and Monaco made their statement alongside the festival’s glitz and glamour, turning crisp packets, coffee pods, and sea glass into conversation-starting fashion.
From aluminium coffee pods transformed into metallic magic to milk bottle caps sculpted into striking silhouettes, the collection showcased the creative potential of waste reimagined.
Designs that stopped traffic
Leading the charge was ‘Marée Noire’ by Daniela Pagotto and Nathanaël Sargenti from Lycée Albert 1er in Monaco. Built from sea glass, plastic bottles, and buttons, the design was a big hit at the festival, capturing attention with its ocean-inspired aesthetic
Photo credit: Troy Armour
Irish creativity shone through ‘Nespresso Yourself‘ by Jamie O’Grady and Nichola Fitzpatrick from Presentation College, Tuam, crafted from aluminium coffee pods and bags. Lara Keena and Hannah Martin from Moate Community School in Westmeath created ‘Silver Lining’ from discarded crisp packets.
The UK contingent delivered equally impressive works. ‘End of an Era’ by Carys Clutterbuck, Hannah Pugh and Chiedza Makuto from Marling School in Stroud incorporated over 1,500 plastic milk bottle caps into a sculptural statement. From Glasgow, Ella Sharp of Hillhead High School presented ‘The Joanie,’ designed from foil blankets and race numbers.
Italy’s representatives brought drama to the collection. Malak and Sabrine Abouelouafa El Idrissi from Istituto Arturo Checchi in Florence created ‘Girl on Fire,’ a blazing creation incorporating cotton, 1,800 feathers, and iron wire. From Rome, Irena Donato of Istituto Maria Immacolata presented ‘Fenice,’ rising from CDs, glass bottles, and black bags.
Junk Kouture positions itself on a mission to empower young people to embrace circular thinking and sustainable living through creativity and action. The movement challenges students to reimagine waste as the resources of tomorrow, spotlighting the environmental toll of fast fashion while promoting circular solutions where nothing is wasted and everything has value.
As part of a growing global movement, these young designers become changemakers, proving that the next generation is ready to revolutionise how the world thinks about fashion, waste, and sustainability.
The success at Cannes demonstrated that environmental consciousness and high fashion are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they represent the future of an industry increasingly scrutinised for its environmental impact, with these young voices leading the way toward meaningful change.
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Photo credit: Troy Armour
Princely couple share touching moment with fans at Monaco Grand Prix
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene surprised spectators with a heartfelt visit and a special gift from Charles Leclerc during the 82nd edition of the Monaco Grand Prix.
On Saturday 24th May, the Monaco Grand Prix took a heartwarming turn as Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene stepped away from the roar of the track to bring joy to fans in one of the most meaningful corners of the circuit.
The princely couple visited the grandstand of the Association Monégasque des Handicapés Moteurs, perched along the ramparts of Monaco-Ville. Specially designed for spectators with reduced mobility, the location offers an unrivalled view of the action — and on this occasion, an unforgettable experience.
Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier
In a moment of generosity and connection, the couple personally handed out signed caps from Monegasque F1 star Charles Leclerc. Their visit sparked smiles and warm applause, highlighting once again their dedication to inclusivity and the community spirit that defines the Principality.
Earlier in the day, Prince Albert II was present in the pits during the third practice session, greeting team members and observing the behind-the-scenes operations from Race Control. His presence highlights the special bond between Monaco’s leadership and its most iconic sporting event.
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Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier
Heartbreak in Abu Dhabi: Roca Team fall short in historic EuroLeague final
AS Monaco Basket’s fairy-tale run in the EuroLeague came to a bittersweet end on Sunday 25th May, as the Roca Team were defeated 81-70 by Fenerbahçe in their first-ever championship final.Despite a commanding start and a valiant effort throughout, Monaco were ultimately outpaced by the Turkish side’s second-half surge, led by Final Four MVP Nigel Hayes-Davis.
In front of a packed Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, Monaco burst out of the gates with a 13-4 lead, fuelled by Alpha Diallo’s relentless energy and Mike James’ early offensive spark.The Roca Boys dominated the first half, at one point stretching the advantage to nine points.However, Fenerbahçe clawed back with a 12-1 run before halftime, entering the break ahead 35-33.
The momentum shift proved decisive.Monaco struggled to regain their rhythm in the third quarter, while Fenerbahçe tightened their defence and capitalised on second-chance opportunities.Hayes-Davis, who finished with 23 points and nine rebounds, was clinical from the free-throw line, converting all 14 attempts.Devon Hall and Wade Baldwin added crucial baskets as the Turkish side pulled away in the final quarter.
Monaco’s captain Mike James, despite his leadership, found himself heavily guarded and was unable to turn the tide. Alpha Diallo’s standout performance, including 17 points, kept the Roca Team within reach, but Fenerbahçe’s composure under pressure sealed their second EuroLeague title, following their 2017 triumph.
Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis, in his debut season, reflected on the narrow defeat: “We fought for 40 minutes. The difference came down to turnovers. We started well, but their defence and offence were better in the end. Congratulations to Fenerbahçe.”
Despite the loss, Monaco’s journey to the final marks a historic achievement for French basketball, becoming the first French side to reach the EuroLeague final since Limoges in 1993.The Roca Team will now regroup as they prepare for the Betclic Elite quarter-finals against Le Mans on Wednesday.
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Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball
Monaco’s fire service unveils new insignia in official ceremony
The Corps des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Monaco has formally received a new insignia, first introduced by H.S.H. Prince Albert II during the Sainte-Barbe celebrations on 4th December 2022. The emblem was officially presented to members of the Corps on Monday 19th May during a ceremony held in the courtyard of the La Condamine fire station, presided over by Lieutenant-Colonel Maxime Yvrard, Chief of the Corps.
Since the founding of the fire service by Prince Albert I in 1909, insignia have played a symbolic role in its identity. The first badge appeared in 1949 to mark the accession of Prince Rainier III, followed by a second in 1958 by sovereign decision. Although created for Monaco’s firefighters, that version bore close resemblance to the insignia used by French fire services.
The decision to redesign the emblem was made in 2022, in conjunction with the centenary commemorations marking the passing of Prince Albert I. The initiative sought to reaffirm the distinct identity of the Corps by introducing a badge that reflects both its historical legacy and its ongoing commitment to the Principality.
The newly adopted insignia embodies more than a century of service and tradition, while honouring the values and mission that continue to define the Sapeurs-Pompiers de Monaco today.
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Photo credit: Stephane Dana, Government Communication Department
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