One of Monaco’s most cherished musical traditions is set to return this autumn: the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah will take place on Saturday 29th November at 7pm, in the atmospheric setting of St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
Led once again by the esteemed Errol Girdlestone, the evening promises to deliver all the power, beauty, and spiritual intensity of this timeless oratorio. Joining him will be the Ristretto Chamber Choir and Orchestra, along with an impressive line-up of soloists: Felicity Murphy (soprano), Imogen Woodhead (alto), Gavan Ring (tenor) and Simon Bailey (bass).
A limited number of tickets may be available on the night at the door, but early booking is strongly recommended — previous performances have sold out well in advance.
Composed in 1741 and first performed in Dublin in 1742, Handel’s Messiah (HWV 56) has become one of the most enduring and beloved works in the classical repertoire. With arias such as I know that my Redeemer liveth and the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus, the oratorio continues to captivate audiences with its soaring melodies and emotional depth more than 250 years after Handel’s death.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, with its intimate acoustics and historic charm, offers the perfect venue to experience this masterpiece in all its glory.
Rokethon’s second charity walk took place on November 2nd, with Princess Charlene joining participants at the Chapiteau de Fontvielle for the heartwarming event dedicated to combating animal abandonment.
The Princess, who serves as President of the Société Protectrice des Animaux de Monaco (SPA), took part in the solidarity walk accompanied by her eight-year-old Chihuahua Harley, leading the way for a large crowd of participants and their lovely companions for the symbolic walk.
The event, organised by the Rokethon association, aims to raise awareness for animal mistreatment all while promoting responsible adoption and generating donations for animal shelters.
Upon arrival, Princess Charlene also met Lee Ji-yeon, a South Korea representative for Last Chance for Animals. The international organisation helped secure historic legislation in South Korea in 2024 that prohibits the breeding, slaughter, distribution and sale of dogs for consumption.
Following the charity walk, the Princess toured the various workshops and information stands set up by animal welfare organisations. She then watched the adoption parade, where rescue dogs seeking new homes were presented to the public in the form of a fashion show, called ‘Walk me home and love me fur-ever’. They were accompanied by models wearing ethically produced designs.
Rokethon president Sylvia Sermenghi welcomed the Princess’ continued support for the cause, noting her longstanding commitment to animal welfare.
Through events like these, Rokethon continues to advocate its central message: choose adoption over purchasing from breeders.
Beyond the event, the association’s long-term ambition is to be able to acquire property that could serve as a sanctuary for elderly, abandoned and mistreated dogs who struggle to find placement in he already packed existing facilities.
The British Association of Monaco (BAM) celebrated its 90th anniversary on October 30th, with a special event held at the offices of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), the very same venue where the Association’s first official meeting was held back in 1935.
The evening was hosted by Yvonne Bernhardt, President and Community Support Chair of BAM, who led guests through a re-enactment of the Association’s very first committee meeting. Past presidents and former committee members attended as she read extracts from the original 1935 minutes that discussed welfare support, membership, and the newly formed association’s name.
“We wanted to celebrate this milestone in the place where it all began,” said Bernhardt. “Ninety years ago, a group of British residents met here with the idea of creating a community for English speakers in Monaco, and that same spirit still guides us today.”
After the re-enactment, guests enjoyed champagne, gourmet canapés, and a special celebration cake decorated with the Union Flag and the number 90.
Photo by Monaco Life
Among those attending was Dr Mathias Jonas, Secretary General of the International Hydrographic Organisation, who spoke about the IHO’s long history and its close connection with Monaco.
Today, BAM has around 250 members and remains active in welcoming the Anglophone community in Monaco and the surrounding area. The Association organises monthly events and special celebrations, giving members opportunities to meet, connect, and celebrate together.
“The British Association of Monaco continues to go from strength to strength,” said Bernhardt. “We’re proud of our history… and we look forward to carrying that spirit into the future. Our Community Support Team continues the same standards of confidentiality and care that were set out in 1935. That tradition of helping others is what makes BAM so special.”
Ferrari Formula One driver Charles Leclerc has announced his engagement to Alexandra Saint Mleux, marking a new chapter in their two-year relationship and drawing warm reactions from fans around the world.
Charles Leclerc, 28, shared news of his engagement to 24-year-old Alexandra Saint Mleux with his 21 million fans on Sunday 2nd October through a joint Instagram post. The couple, who have been together since early 2023, posted a series of images showing Alexandra’s oval diamond ring and their beloved dachshund, Leo, whose collar tag read, “Dad wants to marry you!”. The understated, playful announcement was accompanied by roses, cakes, and a bone-shaped treat engraved with “She said yes!”.
The post quickly spread across social media, offering a rare and charming insight into the typically private lives of the Monegasque driver and his fiancée.
A quiet rise into the spotlight
Saint Mleux, who has a background in art history and previously worked in the curatorial world, was first spotted with Leclerc during Paris Fashion Week in early 2023. The couple made their public debut that summer at Wimbledon, and she has since become a regular presence in the Formula One paddock.
Her sophisticated, vintage-inspired style and low-key public persona have made her a standout figure on the F1 circuit. Often seen trackside in tailored dresses and subtle designer pieces, Saint Mleux has quietly cultivated a following of her own, establishing herself as one of the most recognised new faces in the Formula One entourage.
Warm wishes from the racing world
The engagement prompted an outpouring of congratulations from fellow drivers, teams, and fans. Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz commented with a string of celebratory emojis, while former world champion Sebastian Vettel reportedly sent his best wishes privately. McLaren’s Lando Norris liked the post and added a simple “Congrats you two” in the comments, and Mercedes’ George Russell responded with: “Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness”.
Even Formula One’s official account shared the couple’s post on its Instagram Stories, with the message: “Love is in the air ❤️”. The announcement brought a welcome moment of levity to a sport often dominated by high-pressure headlines and fierce competition.
Looking ahead
While 2025 has been a mixed season for Leclerc on the track, the engagement marks a personal milestone in what has been a steady year for the driver. The couple has not shared further details about wedding plans, but with the racing calendar set to ease following the final races of the season, speculation has already begun about when – and where – the ceremony might take place.
Prince Albert II of Monaco joined over eighty world leaders and dignitaries in Cairo on 1st November for the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, a cultural and architectural landmark set to become the world’s largest archaeological museum.
At the personal invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al‑Sissi, Prince Albert II travelled to Cairo for the inauguration ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a project that has taken two decades to complete and is hailed as a transformative moment in Egypt’s cultural renaissance. Greeted by President Al‑Sissi and the First Lady, the Prince took part in the high-profile ceremony alongside monarchs, heads of state, and global leaders.
A tribute to ancient heritage
The Prince described the moment as a major step forward in the preservation of Egypt’s history, underlining the museum’s importance in passing on the legacy of ancient civilisations to future generations. “The discovery of this museum and its remarkable collections will contribute to showcasing an invaluable cultural heritage,” ” said Prince Albert. His remarks echoed the wider sentiment of those present, who recognised the museum’s global significance as both a scholarly institution and a tourist destination.
Prince Albert was invited to the official museum inauguration alongside other international dignitaries. Photo credit: Michael Alesi, Prince’s Palace
A journey through five thousand years
Following the ceremony, Prince Albert was among the first official visitors to explore the museum’s extensive galleries. Of particular note was the treasure of Tutankhamun, unearthed in 1922 from an untouched tomb in the Valley of the Kings. The museum, dedicated to five millennia of history and 30 pharaonic dynasties, offers sweeping views of the nearby Giza pyramids and provides one of the most comprehensive displays of Ancient Egyptian artefacts ever assembled under one roof.
Photo credit: Michael Alesi, Prince’s Palace
A vision realised
The Grand Egyptian Museum stands as a symbol of modern Egypt’s commitment to culture, education, and heritage. Spanning over 480,000 square metres and built just outside Cairo, the museum houses more than 100,000 artefacts and aims to attract millions of visitors annually, positioning itself as a central hub for archaeology and scholarship.
Photo credit: Michael Alesi, Prince’s Palace
The new face of ancient Egypt
Welcoming visitors in the main atrium is a towering eleven-metre-high statue of Ramses II, a pharaoh whose reign defined an era of Egyptian grandeur. This awe-inspiring figure now watches over the entrance of what has officially become the largest archaeological museum in the world — a new cultural beacon rising from the sands of Giza.
Prince Albert II carried on his mother’s legacy of arts and philanthropy at the Princess Grace Foundation-USA’s annual gala at the Plaza in New York on October 29th.
During the gala, the Prince presented the prestigious Prince Rainier III Award to filmmaker Jon M. Chu, director of Crazy Rich Asians, Wicked and the upcoming Wicked: For Good. This marked a historic moment for the foundation, as Chu became the first artist to receive this top honour after previously winning a Princess Grace Award.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prince Albert II said: “It is a profound honour for my family and myself to uphold my mother’s commitment to the arts and philanthropy. This year marks the 70th anniversary of her Academy Award for The Country Girl. To mark this milestone by presenting the Prince Rainier III Award to Jon M. Chu—whose artistic achievements and generosity are both exceptional—is a fitting tribute. It gives me great joy to preside over this legendary event, celebrating Jon and Princess Grace Award winners whose artistry will shape the future of the entertainment industries.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 29: Jon M. Chu and HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco attends The Princess Grace Awards Gala at The Plaza on October 29, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
The evening also recognised 25 emerging artists across theatre, dance and film. Statue Awards were presented to Isabelle Boylston, principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, and Sky Hopinka, visual artist and filmmaker. Both were previous Prince Grace Award recipients from 2009 and 2015.
Chu originally received a Princess Grace Award in 2001, while still studying at the University of Southern California. In his acceptance speech, he stated: “Over 20 years ago, the Princess Grace Foundation opened a door for me at a time when few others would and, in doing so, made me feel like I was part of a larger artistic family: one built on generosity, grace, and belief in potential. Princess Grace’s legacy of nurturing young artists shaped the very foundation of my career. To now receive the Prince Rainier III Award, which honours not just artistic excellence but a commitment to giving back, is a profoundly humbling reminder that I’m still part of that family and continuing the cycle of support she began.”
The award includes a $25,000 grant for a philanthropic cause, which Chu directed back to the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.
The gala also drew a star-studded crowd, including host Constance Wu, Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell, Emmy-nominated comedian Bowen Yang, composer Stephen Schwartz, and singer Jessica Vosk, who performed during the ceremony. Principal dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia from New York City Ballet were also in attendance.
Diana Kemppaine, president of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, said: “Jon’s work has exemplified a dedication to artistry and storytelling, demonstrating the very spirit of craftsmanship that we celebrate through the Princess Grace Foundation. This marks the first time the Foundation will bestow the Prince Rainier III Award on a previous Princess Grace Award winner—underscoring both Jon’s singular talent and the promise our programme has long nurtured.”
Main photo of Bowen Yang, Paul Tazewell, Jon M. Chu, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Stephen Schwartz, and Constance Wu attending The Princess Grace Awards 2025 at The Plaza on October 29, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
See more of the evening at the photo gallery below…(all photos by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
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