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Day: 18 September 2025

US warns of visa revocations for foreigners celebrating Charlie Kirk assassination

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2025

The United States has begun revoking and denying visas to foreigners accused of celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a move that comes only three months after Monaco’s diplomatic services issued urgent warnings about the growing difficulty of securing US entry.

In June, Monaco’s Direction des Relations Diplomatiques et Consulaires urged students to exercise extreme caution with their visa applications, stressing that stricter checks now include mandatory disclosure of social media accounts. That notice, first reported by Monaco Life on 22nd June, underlined that politically sensitive posts could result in visas being denied. The latest crackdown in Washington confirms that US authorities are extending their scrutiny of foreigners’ online behaviour — a trend with direct implications for students, professionals and travellers from Monaco and the French Riviera.

Rubio vows deportations

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a post on X that “visa revocations are under way” and warned: “If you are here on a visa and cheering on the public assassination of a political figure, prepare to be deported.” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau issued a similar warning last week, writing that foreigners “who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”

Policy raises uncertainty

The State Department has not said how many visas have been revoked or denied, nor whether European nationals are among those affected. The new measures follow the killing of Kirk, which has sparked fierce political debate in the US.

Kirk, 31, was shot dead on 10th September while addressing students at Utah Valley University. The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt and charged with murder. Prosecutors allege he fired a bolt-action rifle from a nearby rooftop.

Fallout and free speech debate

The assassination has already led to professional consequences for some individuals in aviation, education and the media who mocked Kirk’s death online. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that American Airlines had grounded pilots for such behaviour, calling it “disgusting”.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has gone further, declaring that “left-wing radicals” would be held accountable and adding: “There’s free speech and then there’s hate speech.” Her remarks have prompted criticism from legal experts who note that the First Amendment does not include an exception for hate speech, raising concerns about government overreach.

See also: 

Student visa alert: Monaco issues warning over new US entry conditions

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Photo: U.S. Senator Marco Rubio speaking with supporters at the Americans for Peace, Prosperity & Security Forum at the Pandora Building at the University of New Hampshire in Manchester, New Hampshire. Credit:  Gage Skidmore

Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie honour Dr Alain Frère’s 90th birthday in Tourrette-Levens

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2025

It was a day steeped in culture, memory and affection as Prince Albert II and Princess StĂ©phanie joined the celebrations for Dr Alain Frère’s 90th birthday in the hilltop village of Tourrette-Levens. The heartfelt reunion highlighted not only the Prince’s commitment to heritage but also the deep, personal bond between the Princely Family and a man who has shaped Monaco’s circus legacy for half a century.

Dr Alain Frère’s name is inseparable from the story of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival. In 1974, Prince Rainier III called upon the doctor — already an impassioned devotee of the circus arts — to help bring the event to life. Frère went on to become a central architect of the festival, which remains one of the world’s greatest celebrations of circus tradition.

His longstanding friendship with the Princely Family was warmly evident as Prince Albert and Princess Stéphanie marked his milestone birthday in the village he once led as mayor.

Prince Albert II watches affectionately as Dr Frère gives a warm embrace to Princess Stephanie. Photo credit: FrĂ©dĂ©ric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

Celebrating a legacy in Tourrette-Levens

The visit began at the MusĂ©e du Cirque, founded by Dr Frère, where the pair – joined by Member of Parliament and Departmental Councillor for the Alpes-Maritimes Eric Ciotti, admired a collection of rare posters, costumes and memorabilia dedicated to legendary clowns. They were greeted by Tourrette-Levens Mayor Bertrand Gasiglia.

The exhibition, Les clowns rois du cirque, runs until 21st September alongside the annual Festival of Magic.

Tourrette-Levens Mayor addressing Prince Albert II, Princess Stephanie, Dr Frère and Eric Ciotti amidst the circus exhibition at the local culture centre. Photo credit: FrĂ©dĂ©ric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

The visit continued at the village church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, also known as Sainte-Rosalie, a baroque gem that has long been at the spiritual heart of Tourrette-Levens.

Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, though the church was expanded over the centuries and is currently undergoing restoration works.

The Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Tourrette-Levens. Photo credit: FrĂ©dĂ©ric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

From there, the Princely guests made their way to the Château de Tourrette-Levens, a medieval fortress that now serves as home to an exceptional natural history museum. Its butterfly and insect collection ranks among the most significant in Europe, admired both for its scientific value and its beauty.

The château also houses dioramas of exotic animals, many once belonging to Prince Rainier III’s menagerie, creating a poignant bridge between Monaco’s past and the cultural wealth of its neighbouring valleys.

Looking over Tourrette-Levens from the chateau. Photo credit: FrĂ©dĂ©ric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

Honouring a life of passion and service

In 2023, Prince Albert elevated Dr Frère to the rank of Grand Officer of the Order of Saint-Charles in recognition of his devotion to Monaco’s cultural life.

Monday’s celebration, attended by current mayor Bertrand Gasiglia, was as much a tribute to Dr Frère’s achievements as to the affection that binds him to the Principality.

See more in Cassandra Tanti’s video below…

 

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A post shared by Cassandra Tanti (@cassandratanti)

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Main photo credit: FrĂ©dĂ©ric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

 

New ambassadors from Latvia, Slovenia, Switzerland and Australia accredited to Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2025

Four newly appointed ambassadors have presented their credentials to Prince Albert II, marking a fresh chapter in Monaco’s diplomatic relations with Latvia, Slovenia, Switzerland and Australia.

Following the morning ceremony at the Prince’s Palace, the ambassadors were welcomed at a luncheon hosted at the Hôtel Hermitage by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

Attending the event were Alise Balode, Ambassador of Latvia and personal representative of the Latvian President to the International Organisation of La Francophonie; Renata Cvelbar Bek, Ambassador of Slovenia, who has previously served in Madrid and London and is Slovenia’s permanent representative to UNESCO; Tania Cavassini, Ambassador of Switzerland, who recently directed the resources division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs; and Lynette Margaret Wood, Ambassador of Australia.

Strengthening ties of cooperation

Also present were Ludmilla Raconnat Le Goff, Delegate for Attractiveness and Secretary General of the Strategic Council for Attractiveness, and Guillaume Rose, CEO of the Monaco Economic Board. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation, deepening existing partnerships, and strengthening Monaco’s presence on the international stage.

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From left to right: Lynette Margaret Wood, Ambassador of Australia; Alise Balode, Ambassador of Latvia; Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; Renata Cvelbar Bek, Ambassador of Slovenia; and Tania Cavassini, Ambassador of Switzerland. Credit: Stéphane Danna – Direction de la Communication

AS Monaco Basket targets European Glory after star signing Mirotic

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
18/09/2025

AS Monaco Basket has officially kicked off their 2025/2026 campaign, coming back with bold championship ambitions and a reinforced squad. 

The Roca Team, who fell agonisingly short in last season’s EuroLeague final, gathered at the CafĂ© de la Rotonde on Tuesday morning to present this year’s line-up, headlined by new signing Nikola Mirotic and the return of Matthew Strazel.

Nikola Mirotic, the former NBA, has joined Monaco Basket with one burning objective in mind.

“I chose Monaco because I see this team, this squad as very ambitious, with big goals. This is a squad that wants to build something special,” said the 34-year old Montenegrin born naturalised Spanish international. “When you see those things, you want to be part of it. This is the reason I joined the team – to help achieve those goals.”

The experienced forward, who swapped the NBA for European basketball, acknowledges the expectations that weigh on him but relishes the challenge ahead.

“I like pressure, you cannot hide from the pressure, the expectations are big,” Mirotic explained. “If we work in the same direction, we trust each other and we are humble, I think we can do something special.”

Strazel ready after injury setback

Matthew Strazel is now back in full strength after his frustrating injury that forced him to miss EuroBasket – a rare setback in his career.

“I am very rarely injured and to have been through that for the first time was complicated,” Strazel reflected. “I found myself in a place that was not my destiny. I was complicated, I had to find motivation to continue.”

Now fully recovered, the French guard has his sights on a leadership role within the squad as Monaco Basket prepares for another European campaign.

While new coach Vassilis Spanoulis, is still to arrive, Alpha Diallo praised the squad’s preparation under interim coaching staff.

“I think the preparation was good, we have a good presence in the locker rooms,” said Diallo. “With the team we have come together and we know what to expect. We have all come back with the same mindset: stay in shape and when the coach comes, he beings his philosophy.”

General Manager Oleksiy Yefimov also talked about last season’s achievements, despite falling short of silverware.

“We want to prove that Monaco has everything to be competitive and to fight for the highest goals,” Yefimov stated. “Yes, unfortunately in the past year people may say that we ended up without a title, but I think runner-up of EuroLeague is a huge achievement. It’s not easy to be the second best team in Europe.”

Will Mike James be this season’s captain?

The question of team captaincy remains unresolved, with Mike James’s leadership role still to be determined by the squad itself.

President Alekszej Fedoricsev maintained the club’s democratic approach: “I have said it before and I’ll say it again, this is never my decision, it’s always the decision of the captain.”

However, Yefimov expressed confidence in James’ commitment to the squad: “I think he is fully committed. He is hungry, he is motivated, he is ready. There was no need to convince him to wear the ASM jersey. The entire locker room thinks the same thing, we all have the same goal.”

Beyond the court, Monaco continues to develop plans for a new multi-functional arena, with discussions ongoing with local government officials about the project.

Monaco Basket begins their competitive season this weekend in the inaugural SuperCup against Boulazac, before the EuroLeague returns to Gaston-MĂ©decin on 1st October against Kaunas.

See also:

Interview: Oleksiy Yefimov, General Manager of AS Monaco Basket

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life.

Prince Albert II Foundation pays tribute to Robert Redford’s environmental legacy

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2025

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has paid tribute to actor, director and activist Robert Redford, honouring his lifelong commitment to the environment and his role in inspiring global awareness of the planet’s fragility.

Redford, whose career spanned cinema and activism, was recognised in Monaco for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the natural world. In 2019, during the 3rd Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean, Prince Albert II presented him with the Foundation’s Special Prize for Environmental Leadership.

He returned to the Principality in 2021 for the Foundation’s 15th anniversary, which featured The Way of the Rain – Hope for Earth, a multi-disciplinary performance created by his wife, Sibylle Szaggars Redford. His presence at the event, the Foundation recalled, was a reminder of “the power of art and advocacy in service of nature”.

Photo credits: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier, JC Vinaj / FPA2

An enduring influence

Robert Redford passed away on 16th September, aged 89. In its tribute, shared on social media channels, the Prince Albert II of Foundation praised Redford for leaving “an enduring legacy of environmental action that will continue to inspire our collective efforts”. His decades of activism, from championing clean air to supporting marine conservation, reflected a deep conviction that culture, policy and grassroots movements could work together to safeguard the planet.

“Our thoughts are with his wife, family and loved ones,” the Foundation added.

See also: 

Stars gather for Prince’s Ocean Gala

 

Photo credits: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier, JC Vinaj / FPA2

 

Stelios Foundation charity dinner raises €570,000 to protect Mediterranean marine life

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2025

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, in partnership with WWF International and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, has raised an impressive €570,000 at its 13th annual charity fundraiser dinner. The event took place at the Stelios Foundation Conference Hall in Monaco in the presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Dr Kirsten Schuijt, Director General of WWF International.

More than 60 philanthropists and environmental supporters gathered to support the Mediterranean’s marine wildlife, from dolphins and turtles to monk seals and the fragile ecosystems they depend on. The evening featured speeches by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Dr Schuijt, and Prince Albert II, as well as a charity auction that helped push the fundraising total to €570,000.

Doubling the impact

All donations made during the evening were matched euro-for-euro by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, doubling the impact of the generosity shown. Proceeds will be shared equally between WWF International and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to fund critical marine conservation work in the Mediterranean.

“Thanks to the generosity of our philanthropist guests, and with the support of HSH Prince Albert II and Dr Kirsten Schuijt, tonight we have made another important step in protecting our Mediterranean Sea,” said Sir Stelios. “By matching the funds raised and directing them equally to WWF and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, we are making sure that every euro given goes twice as far.”

Dr Schuijt added: “The Mediterranean is one of the most biodiverse yet most threatened seas in the world. Tonight’s generosity, magnified by the Stelios Foundation’s matching, will allow us to protect dolphins, turtles, monk seals, and the ecosystems on which we all depend.”

A legacy of giving

Including this year’s result, the annual dinner has now generated around €3.5 million since its launch 13 years ago.

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Photo: Prince Albert II with, from the left, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Dr Kirsten Schuijt. Source: Stelios Philanthropic Foundation