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Month: October 2025

Pink Ribbon Monaco Gala to light up Hôtel de Paris for breast cancer research

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/10/2025

The 2025 edition of the Pink Ribbon Monaco Gala, held under the High Patronage of Princess Charlene, will take place on Saturday 11th October in the iconic Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, bringing together elegance, solidarity and a shared commitment to breast cancer awareness.

This year’s event will raise funds for research into lobular breast cancer screening, led by Dr Florent Hugonnet with the support of the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. Combining a gala dinner with a charity auction, the evening is set to be one of the highlights of Monaco’s October calendar.

Pink lights for the first time

For the first time since its creation, Pink Ribbon Monaco’s symbolic illuminations of the Principality will coincide with the gala itself. From the Salle Empire, guests will be able to enjoy views of Place du Casino and Monaco’s landmark buildings glowing in pink — a striking symbol of hope and solidarity.

The evening will feature a performance by singer and composer Yana, while Pink Ribbon Monaco’s ambassador Su Park will join guests in celebrating this moment of awareness and generosity.

Auction and raffle prizes

The charity auction will offer exceptional items, including a VIP experience at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, art and design works by Olivia Cognet and Carlo Bruton, a signed jersey from AS Monaco’s Paul Pogba, a Formula 1 race helmet signed by Valtteri Bottas, and an artistic view of Monaco signed by Princess Charlene herself.

A raffle, open until 31st October, allows a wider public to support the cause. Prizes include luxury stays at the Hôtel de Paris and Hôtel Metropole with fine dining experiences, treatments at the Guerlain Spa, an APM Monaco jewellery set, a Versace handbag, and an exclusive “Glass Skin” treatment by Glam Monte-Carlo, valued at €500.

A month of awareness

The gala is part of a broader campaign running throughout October, organised by Pink Ribbon Monaco in collaboration with Segraeti, the Métropole Shopping Centre and the Princess Grace Hospital. Activities and guest appearances will continue to keep breast cancer prevention in the spotlight.

Founded in 2011, Pink Ribbon Monaco has become the Principality’s leading association for breast cancer awareness, organising annual walks and illuminations. Since 2024, it has been under the Honorary Presidency of Princess Charlene, working alongside Monaco’s institutions to promote gender equality and health awareness.

See also: 

Pink Ribbon Monaco names Su Park as ambassador and head of events

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Photo credit: Stephane Dana, Government Communications Department

AS Monaco Rugby launch 2025/2026 season with rooftop celebration

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
03/10/2025

AS Monaco Rugby officially kicked off their 2025/2026 campaign with a season launch event at the Centre Cardio-Thoracique de Monaco on October 2nd, bringing together players, partners and sponsors on the centre’s panoramic terrace. 

The evening combined official photography for all three teams with a champagne reception, celebrating a strong start to the season.

Guy Nervo, delegated president of the Centre Cardio-Thoracique de Monaco, was present at the event and also gave a short speech highlighting the longstanding partnership between the two organisations, which began in 2016. He explained that their partnership is based on their shared values of collective commitment, teamwork and respect.

The club this year has strengthened its squad with players from across France and abroad. “We want to achieve our goal of moving up to Fédérale 1,” explained sports manager David Bolgashvili. “That’s why we’ve reinforced the team and have a very strong squad for this season.”

Nicolas Bonnet has joined as co-coach following Florian Romain’s departure for Grasse. “I’m very pleased with the start of the season,” said Bonnet, who previously worked with Bolgashvili at Nice. “But the hardest part is still to come, particularly the next block with the three teams from Hérault.”

Women’s programme revitalised

Carla Marill also announced a new partnership between AS Monaco’s women’s section and Solea 7. The collaboration has already shown results, with 17 players attending the first training session.

“It’s great to see so many girls starting to play rugby,” said Marill.

AS Monaco’s women’s team, photo by Monaco Life

Perfect start of the season

The first team has recorded three consecutive victories: 43-18 against USM Montélimar, 56-0 at home against St Marcelin Sport, and a win against RC Les Angles. Players however remain cautiously optimistic. “We’ve made a good start, but Fédérale 2 is getting harder and harder,” they explained.

Meanwhile, new signing Lucas Pittavino praised his integration, “we’re having a dream start to the season with strong potential.”

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Main photo of AS Monaco Rugby by Monaco Life.

Monaco’s court marks new judicial year with 2024/2026 recap

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
02/10/2025

The opening of Monaco’s 2025/2026 judicial year kicked off with the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit at Monaco Cathedral on Wednesday morning, before proceeding to the solemn ceremony at the Palace of Justice. 

Prince Albert II attended the ceremony, which was presided over by Francis Jullemier-Millasseau, First President of the Court of Appeal, and Stéphane Thibault, Prosecutor General.

During his speech, Stéphane Thibault revealed a staggering 34% increase in complaints and reports over the past two years, highlighting Monaco’s focus on financial crime as the Principality works to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)  grey list.

Money laundering convictions have surged from just four in 2022 to 29 in 2024 and with 28 already recorded in 2025. The Prosecutor’s Office is currently managing assets worth nearly €120 million seized in ongoing cases, in addition to €531 million seized in investigation chambers.

Thibault noted that Monaco completed its second cycle of the FATF action plan last month, with the final third cycle due in January. Additionally, the FATF General Assembly acknowledged in June the significant resources and measures deployed by the Principality during the first cycle.

After the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit at Monaco Cathedral, photo by Monaco Life.

Courts handle increased workload

The Courts of Appeal delivered 135 civil rulings during 2024-2025, up 10% from the previous year, while criminal appeals remained relatively stable with 44 correctional rulings and two criminal court judgments.

However, the most striking was the doubling of cases completed by the three investigating chambers from 46 to 96. Thibault reported that the Prosecutor’s Office resolved 10% more cases at the investigation stage, processing nearly 300 volumes.

Meanwhile, despite this increased workload, Jullemier-Millasseau proudly stated that processing times remain reasonable at approximately four months across different chambers, though additional hirings may become necessary soon.

On his part, Jullemier-Millasseau devoted much of his address to judicial independence as a cornerstone of democracy, drawing on Montesquieu’s principle of separation of powers.

“Judges must act with integrity, probity, and professional conscience,” he said. He described the rule of law not as abstract principles but as “a shield for our freedoms” and “a form of moral contract” that supports democratic society.

Regarding sentencing, the number of imprisonments increased by 10%. Monaco’s prison has 92 places with an occupancy rate below 50%, “the envy of our close neighbours”, Thibault remarked.

During the solemn ceremony, photo by Monaco Life.

Priorities for 2026

Thibault outlined three key objectives for the coming year: continued focus on financial crime, more rigorous prosecution of violence against women and vulnerable people, and modernisation of the criminal records system, which currently issues nearly 4,000 records annually from a paper-based registry of 10,000 files.

He also mentioned forthcoming procedures including plea bargaining and deferred prosecution agreements pending National Council approval, which should accelerate certain procedures.

The ceremony formally closed the 2024-2025 judicial year and opened 2025-2026 with all courts resuming full operations

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Main photo by Monaco Life.

Prince Albert II joins European leaders for Copenhagen state dinner

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/10/2025

Prince Albert II was among the distinguished guests at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen on Wednesday 1st October, where King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark hosted a dinner for heads of state and government attending the European Political Community Summit.

The gathering, which drew leaders from nearly 50 nations, was the latest chapter in the European Political Community (EPC) – a forum created to strengthen dialogue and cooperation across the continent. The evening reception offered a symbolic reminder of unity, with monarchs, presidents and prime ministers seated side by side beneath the gilded ceilings of Denmark’s royal palace.

Monaco’s voice in European affairs

The Prince’s participation highlighted Monaco’s active engagement in Europe’s diplomatic conversation, despite the Principality’s small size. The EPC has quickly become a stage where countries work together on issues ranging from security to climate, migration and economic stability.

By joining the Copenhagen summit, Prince Albert underscored Monaco’s commitment to collective solutions. The Principality’s priorities – environmental protection, stability, and prosperity – align closely with the themes of the EPC, where collaboration between EU members and their neighbours is increasingly vital.

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Photo credit: Ida Marie Odgaard – Sebastian Elias Uth – Emil Helms – Mads Claus Rasmussen

Football: Eric Dier helps Monaco pull off astonishing comeback against Manchester City

by: Luke Entwistle
02/10/2025
Eric Dier celebrates his equaliser for Monaco against Manchester City by waving to the home fans

A dramatic late equaliser from Eric Dier secured a hard-fought draw for AS Monaco against Manchester City, as Adi Hutter’s side earned their first point in this season’s Champions League at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday (2-2).

Hutter said that his side would have to “suffer a lot” against Manchester City, and he was proven right in what was an attritional, confidence-boosting win for the Principality club. The Monaco manager has bemoaned performances all season, even when there has been the result to soften the blow. And whilst Les Monégasques didn’t secure the win against their Premier League opponents, it almost felt as though they did.

“A big, big praise for every single player. We never gave up. We left our heart on the pitch and this also makes us proud […] It was our most complete 90 minutes [of the season],” said Hutter. Much of the game was spent without the ball. Manchester City, as they so often do, dominated possession, and they weren’t lacking in incision either.

Haaland with 52 goals in 50 Champions League games

Erling Haaland, in his 50th Champions League appearance, netted with the Cityzens’ first real chance, latching onto a Josko Gvardiol dink over the defence and finishing with a deft chip. However, Monaco immediately came out of their shell and equalised just three minutes later through Jordan Teze, who scored the best goal of his career, rifling an effort into the top corner from the edge of the box.

But once Manchester City refound their rhythm, their possessional and territorial dominance resumed. Phil Foden hit the crossbar, Tijjani Reijnders dragged a shot just wide, Nico O’Reilly forced Philipp Kohn into a save, and the Swiss goalkeeper was busy again as half-time approached, as he palmed a Reijnders shot out but straight to the predatory Haaland, who couldn’t turn home the rebound from a tight angle.

But two minutes later, and with just his seventh touch of the game, he did get his second, outjumping Mohammed Salisu and putting a bullet header past Kohn.

It was more of the same in the second half. Maghnes Akliouche forced former PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into a strong save, low to his left, but the majority of the chances came for Pep Guardiola’s men. Reijnders struck the woodwork, and Haaland, on a hat-trick, forced the busy Kohn into action once again.

A surprise penalty taker for Monaco

However, in failing to put Monaco away, Manchester City were always vulnerable, and the visitors were then made to pay for their missed chances. Dier received a shin in the face inside the box. To the surprise of everyone, it was the Englishman who dusted himself off to tuck away the penalty himself. “I don’t think that Donnarumma expected it to be Dier who took the penalty. He is a safe kicker with his age and experience,” said Hutter post-match, revealing that Dier was the second-choice penalty taker, behind Ansu Fati, who had already come off.

“We deserved the point,” said a contented Hutter. The victory is not only important for Monaco’s hopes of progressing in the Champions League, for their confidence heading into the Côte d’Azur derby, but also for Hutter’s own job security amid questions around his future at the club. “I can understand the criticism… but on the other hand, I am convinced that my players are behind me,” said the Monaco manager. That was certainly evident against Manchester City.

 

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Photo source: AS Monaco

Louis Starck appointed to lead Monaco’s Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/10/2025

Louis Starck, one of the Principality’s most respected hoteliers, has taken over as General Manager of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the landmark palace that has defined Monaco’s luxury scene for more than 160 years.

Louis Starck officially assumed his new role on 29th September, succeeding Olivier Thomas, and now leads a team of nearly 500 at the legendary property on Place du Casino. For Starck, the appointment marks both a professional high point and a considerable responsibility. “This is a moment of great pride, and at the same time I fully realise the responsibility and expectations that come with this position,” he said.

The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, photo credit: MCSBM

A palace with global prestige

Long considered the flagship of Société des Bains de Mer, the Hôtel de Paris is internationally recognised as one of the world’s great luxury hotels. With its Michelin-starred restaurants – Louis XV-Alain Ducasse, Le Grill and Em Sherif – and the recent arrival of celebrated pâtissier Cedric Grolet, the hotel remains a touchstone of gastronomy. Its Palace designation, 3 Michelin Keys and Forbes Five-Star status further underline its reputation. Yet, as Starck acknowledges, “there is still room for improvement” – and his mission is to nurture the heritage of the hotel while keeping its promise of always striving to surpass itself.

From Hermitage to Hôtel de Paris

Starck arrives at the Hôtel de Paris after seven years at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, where he gave the property a new identity as “the connoisseurs’ hotel”. He oversaw its cultural revival, introduced bold culinary ventures with chef Yannick Alléno, and navigated a major renovation programme. The success of that vision has been reflected in international recognition and the loyalty of guests who sought its distinctive blend of history and modernity.

His career began with international postings in Paris, London, Muscat and Athens before he joined the Fairmont Monte-Carlo in 2008, where he spent a decade shaping his managerial style. A graduate of Strasbourg’s hotel school with an Executive MBA from Henley Management College, he is now regarded as one of Monaco’s most personable and forward-thinking hoteliers.

The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, photo credit: MCSBM

Looking to the future

Albert Manzone, CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, described Starck as “a man whose knowledge of the Monegasque ecosystem, rich hospitality experience and competitive spirit will ensure the Hôtel de Paris continues to shine on the global stage of luxury hospitality.”

For Starck, the challenge is clear: to build on the legacy of a hotel that has hosted royalty, artists and statesmen, while ensuring its relevance for a new generation of travellers. The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, often described as Monaco’s living room, now begins a new chapter under a manager who has already left his mark on the Principality’s hospitality landscape.

See also: 

Chef Yannick Alléno brings two-starred Japanese dining to Monaco with l’Abysse Monte-Carlo

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Main photo source: MCSBM