23 ° C
Profile

Month: September 2025

Save the date: Women of Monaco Lunch returns this October with a green focus and charitable heart

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/09/2025

The 13th edition of the prestigious Women of Monaco Lunch will take place at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo’s Salon Méditerranée, in aid of the Fondation Princesse Grace.

The Women of Monaco concept, imagined by Sandrine Knoell of Five Stars Events and supported by Barclays, brings together members of the exclusive Women of Monaco Club — a network of influential and like-minded women from diverse backgrounds, bound by shared values of elegance, purpose and social commitment. This event’s theme spotlights the colour green, symbolising renewal, unity and sustainability.

A showcase of art, couture and craftsmanship

Guests will be treated to a runway presentation by Boutique Allure of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, featuring stunning designs by Elie Saab, Brunello Cucinelli and Magda Butrym. Complementing the fashion show is a curated exhibition by NOA Fine Jewellery, the refined maison founded by Frieda Kaplan Gross, known for its meticulously handcrafted pieces.

Further enriching the event, the FAMM Museum (Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins) will be spotlighted for its work in elevating the contributions of female artists and restoring their rightful place in art history.

A tradition of elegance with a purpose

Beyond its stylish allure, the event remains rooted in philanthropy, with proceeds supporting the Fondation Princesse Grace, known for its enduring commitment to humanitarian and cultural causes in Monaco and beyond.

The Women of Monaco Lunch will be held Tuesday 14th of October at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo’s Salon Méditerranée.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo: Sandrine Knoell, the organizer of the Women of Monaco Lunch, with the women’s team of Barclays Private Bank: Valérie Genin, Montserrat Marchetti, Aude Berrin, Livia Gateva, Juliet Agnew

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene tee off in Casino Square golf spectacle

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
17/09/2025

The Place du Casino was transformed into a striking open-air golf course on 16th September for the fourth edition of the Princess of Monaco Cup, which drew the two day event to a spectacular close.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene led the traditional 19th hole ceremony, taking symbolic shots from the Boulingrins gardens towards Casino Square to the applause and cheers of guests. Their participation set the stage for a playful yet charitable finale, where celebrities, including rising Formula 1 driver Ollie Bearman, took their turns at the symbolic hole. Each attempt carried a donation of €1,000, with all proceeds going to charity.

Waiting just outside was a gleaming Bentley, reserved as the ultimate prize for anyone who could sink the shot. Yet despite the excitement and anticipation, the car remained unclaimed. To ensure safety in the packed square, organisers cleverly swapped traditional golf balls for lighter alternatives, protecting both spectators and the historic windows that frame Monaco’s most famous square.

The evening was also marked by a moving tribute to Eddie Jordan, the former Formula 1 team owner who passed away in March at the age of 76. A Scottish pipe band performed in his honour, offering a heartfelt counterpoint to the evening’s glamour. Adding an artistic touch, renowned street artist Alec Monopoly unveiled a special work created for the occasion, which was later signed by the Princely couple.

Princess Charlene signing Alec Monopoly’s artwork, photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

The charity tournament

The tournament itself unfolded earlier in the day at the Monte Carlo Golf Club, bringing together professional golfers, celebrities, and partners in support of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the organiser of this fourth edition.

Twenty teams competed throughout Tuesday’s tournament in a scramble format designed to be both dynamic and accessible. The morning’s competition included traditional golf challenges such as ‘Nearest to the Pin’ and ‘Longest Drive’ categories, before the action moved to the more ceremonial evening proceedings.

The evening concluded with a garden party reserved for tournament participants, while the symbolic shots and prize-giving ceremony provided an elegant mix of sport, charity and Monaco glamour.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

See more in the photo gallery below…photos credit © Frédéric Nébinger / Michael Alesi – Palais Princier © Manuel Vitali – Direction de la communication © Alain Duprat

SBM strengthens ties with Monaco Basket Association in ambitious new season push

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/09/2025

The Monaco Basket Association (MBA) has launched its 2025‑2026 season with a clear objective: to join France’s top-tier women’s league within three years. Backed by Monte‑Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), the club enters a bold new chapter with Stéphane Valeri, SBM’s President‑Delegate, stepping in as co‑president alongside founder Éric Elena.

Already a key sponsor since 2024, SBM is deepening its support. “We share the goal of building a top women’s club for Monaco,” said Valeri. “Our commitment is long-term, with the Wonderligue in sight within three seasons.” The partnership brings more than funding—it reflects shared values of excellence, teamwork and advancing women in sport, on and off the court.

New coach, fresh talent, rising goals

With promotion to Ligue Féminine 2 (LF2) now behind them, MBA welcomes seven new signings, a tactical new coach, Petros Prekas, and new captain Lysa Millavet. The season’s aim: secure a strong position in LF2 and prepare for the leap to the elite level.

Proudly flying Monaco’s colours

“The story starts now,” said the club’s leadership, promising an exciting season at Salle Gaston Médecin and a growing fan base. “We want to inspire Monaco and promote the game we love,” added Elena.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Alain Duprat, MCSBM

Historic yacht Mariette wins top prize at Monaco Classic Week

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
16/09/2025

A 110-year-old American sailing boat has claimed the top prize at the 17th Monaco Classic Week, which concluded on Sunday after four days showcasing over 150 historic vessels to spectators including Prince Albert II and Formula One driver Charles Leclerc.  

Mariette of 1915, designed by renowned naval architect Nathanaël G. Herreshoff, won the Monaco Classic Week Trophy. The jury, chaired by sailing veteran Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, praised her “perfect combination of quality restoration, elegance and yachting spirit”.

During the week, Prince Albert II also visited the harbour, meeting crews and owners. “These boats have stories to tell and I think we must continue to share this passion,” said Yacht Club de Monaco General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.

Several vessels drew particular attention. Partridge celebrated its 140th anniversary, having been rescued from River Blackwater mud and restored for over 17 years. The motor yacht Kalizma, once owned by Hollywood couple Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, was also among the glamorous entries.

The event, organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco since 1994, brought together 40 classic sailing yachts, 70 vintage powerboats, and a dozen period motor-yachts. Half of the sailing fleet were over 100-years-old.

Meanwhile, a record 50 Riva powerboats created the largest gathering of the Italian marque ever seen in Monaco, drawing particular attention from Charles Leclerc who was among the spectators admiring the fleet.

The event combined heritage with competition. Yacht chefs competed using organic ingredients, with Oriole’s chef Jaime Queipo Del Lano winning the culinary contest. An elegance competition judged by Allegra Gucci assessed both boat aesthetics and crew presentation.

Next year two Monaco yachts, Viola and Tuiga, are scheduled to cross the Atlantic to mark America’s 250th independence anniversary, strengthening ties between Monaco and US yacht clubs.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video reel below…

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: Yacht Club de Monaco

Zondacrypto partners with Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka, boosting its presence in cycling

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/09/2025

Digital currency exchange Zondacrypto has announced Polish cycling champion Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka as its newest brand ambassador, deepening the company’s ties to professional cycling and its Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto team.

The partnership adds Skalniak-Sójka to a growing list of world-class riders already aligned with the exchange, including her Canyon//SRAM teammates Tiffany Cromwell and Katarzyna Niewiadoma. As title sponsor of the team, Zondacrypto has been steadily expanding its profile within the sport, using the visibility of elite cycling to connect its innovative financial services with a global audience.

Shared values of performance and innovation

“We are so pleased to welcome Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka to the Zondacrypto family, which includes a number of other immensely talented cyclists,” said Przemysław Kral, CEO of Zondacrypto. “Agnieszka’s dedication to her sport, her pursuit of excellence and pushing boundaries, perfectly mirrors our own mission to deliver for our users.”

For Skalniak-Sójka, the fit was equally natural. “Becoming a brand ambassador for Zondacrypto feels like a perfect fit,”she said. “I’ve seen firsthand their dedication to the Canyon//SRAM team and wider cycling world, where they are making a tremendous impact. I look forward to joining the rest of my team as Zondacrypto ambassadors, working to connect the worlds of professional cycling and digital assets.”

A growing presence in sport

The announcement highlights Zondacrypto’s growing investment in cycling. The exchange is the official crypto sponsor of Strade Bianche, Milano-Sanremo, Giro d’Italia and Tour de Pologne, and also supports the annual St Tropez to Monaco Charity Bike Ride. Beyond cycling, Zondacrypto has built a significant portfolio across European sport, sponsoring Bologna FC, Atalanta BC, Parma Calcio, AS Monaco and AS Monaco Basket.

The exchange’s ambassador line-up not only cyclists Andrea Pusateri, Szymon Ładniak, Cromwell and Niewiadoma, but also Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari Driver Academy racer Arthur Leclerc, and football stars Giorgio Chiellini and Mattia Perin.

See also: 

AS Monaco Basketball’s VIP courtside zone renamed Zondacrypto Lounge

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo provided

Princess Charlene visits CHPG maternity ward to meet Monaco’s newest families

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/09/2025

Princess Charlene visited the maternity ward of the Princess Grace Hospital (CHPG) on Tuesday morning, where she met five mothers and their newborn babies. Accompanied by members of the Monaco Red Cross, the Princess spent time speaking with the families and presented small gifts for both parents and children.

The visit took place in a relaxed and personal atmosphere, with the Princess taking time to listen to the experiences of the new parents. According to the Palace, her presence was warmly received in the ward, where the conversations touched on the first days of life with a newborn and the support available to families in the Principality.

Focus on first aid for infants

During the visit, Princess Charlene also inaugurated a new series of first aid workshops for parents of infants and young children. The programme, organised by the Monaco Red Cross in partnership with CHPG, aims to provide families with the knowledge and confidence to act in emergencies.

The first session, held in her presence, introduced practical techniques such as recognising warning signs and carrying out essential first aid. The workshops will now be rolled out more widely, giving parents access to training within days of their child’s birth.

Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Palais princier

Strengthening prevention and support

The programme highlights Monaco’s focus on prevention and practical support for families. With CHPG and the Monaco Red Cross working together, the aim is not only to care for parents at the time of birth but to prepare them for the demands of life with a newborn.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Palais princier