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Day: 26 November 2025

The story behind the new exhibition that explores the unique relationship between Prince Albert I and King Carlos I

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
26/11/2025

An exhibition honouring Prince Albert I and King Carlos I has opened to mark the first official visit by a Portuguese president to Monaco. 

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa arrived on November 21st for the historic state visit, during which he and Prince Albert II viewed the exhibition at the Saint-Martin Gardens.

The display, titled ‘Sovereign Oceanographers: Albert I, Prince of Monaco and Carlos I, King of Portugal”, chronicles the friendship between the two rulers who shared a passion for marine science.

Prince Albert I was a pioneer of modern oceanography. During his travels, he forged a close bond with King Carlos I, inspiring the monarch’s scientific work and exchanging frequent correspondence.

The exhibition, photo by Monaco Life.

A friendship forged at sea

The two first met in 1879 when Prince Abert I stopped in Lisbon aboard his yacht Hirondelle. The then 16-year-old Carlos sketched the vessel in pencil during the visit.

But their friendship became stronger when both ascended their thrones in 1889, only a month apart. By 1894, when Prince Albert and his second wife Princess Alice visited Lisbon, the bond extended to their spouses as well, since King Carlos had married Marie-Amélie of Orléans in 1886.

The exhibition reveals how Prince Albert encouraged Kind Carlos’s oceanographic work. King Carlos studied Portuguese coastal waters during campaigns between 1896 and 1900 using successive yachts, all named after his wife.

Both rulers also published their scientific findings and created exhibitions of their discoveries. Prince Albert established a modest pavilion at the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition, while King Carlos displayed his collections at Lisbon’s Polytechnic School in 1897.

Their correspondence, counting around 100 letters over more than a decade, focused on oceanographic techniques and discoveries.

Tragedy and legacy

However, the friendship was cut short by King Carlos’s assassination in Lisbon on February 1st 1908. The King and his eldest son, Crown Prince Luís Filipe, were both killed in the attack. In a letter to Queen Amélie, Prince Albert wrote of “the agony that grips me when I think of the tearing of your heart as a mother.”

The tragedy depicted in the exhibition, photo by Monaco Life.

At the 1910 inauguration of the Oceanographic Museum, Prince Albert paid tribute to his fallen friend. Meanwhile, the museum’s façade bears the name ‘Amelia’ in honour of King Carlos’s research vessels.

Prince Albert also made a pilgrimage to Lisbon in 1920, where he spoke at length about King Carlos, describing him as “my student, for it was I who led him to do oceanography on the coasts of Portugal”.

The exhibition, which runs until February 26th, builds upon a show at Lisbon’s Maritime Museum in 2022 that marked the centenary of Prince Albert I’s death.

Now, with the first official visit of Portugal’s president, a bust of King Carlos I was installed in the Saint Martin Gardens opposite a stele dedicated to Prince Albert I, which was unveiled in 1998.

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Main photo by Monaco Life.

Monaco United Women triumph in Mediterranean Cup debut

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
26/11/2025

Monaco United Women kicked off their Mediterranean Cup campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory over FC Carros on Sunday, securing their place in the next round of the competition. 

In the beginning, the match kicked off in the worst possible way for Marco Simone’s team, who conceded from Carros’ first attack. However, the team responded swiftly, with Morgane de Seixas levelling the scores with a stunning direct free kick.

Before half time, Sarah Magnier and Sara Lakhssassi both found the net to give Monaco United a 3-1 lead heading into the break.

Second-half dominance

During the second half, Monaco United came out a different side, showing greater structure and intensity. De Seixas then added her second goal with a powerful strike that sealed the victory, with Monaco controlling the remainder of the game.

“Even if we didn’t deliver our best performance technically, we managed to earn a deserved victory against a very well-prepared team,” said head coach Marco Simone. “This match must serve as a lesson. As the season progresses, we will face other opponents capable of imposing their style.”

De Seixas echoed her manager’s sentiments: “We’re satisfied with our reaction. We conceded early, which created doubt in the first half. But little by little, we managed to regain control and impose ourselves.”

The Mediterranean Cup brings together district and regional-level clubs from the surrounding area, making it a key target for Monaco United this season. The competition offers the newly formed club valuable experience against more established sides from higher divisions.

Monaco United now await the draw for the next round, all while their ambitions remain the same: maintain their league dominance, advance deep in the Mediterranean Cup, and prepare for potential promotion to regional level.

The team return to league action on November 30th, with a figure in Cagnes-sur-Mer

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Main photo credit: Monaco United

AS Monaco Rugby claims stunning double victory over league leaders Avignon Le Pontet

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/11/2025

It was a dramatic and action-packed weekend on the road for AS Monaco Rugby. The club’s senior squads travelled to face Avignon Le Pontet — the undefeated leaders of the table — and returned home with not one, but two thrilling wins. Meanwhile, youth teams were in action in Corsica, the Rugby School continued its activities, and all eyes are turning to the club’s upcoming trip to Stade de France for the France v England showdown.

In the opening game, AS Monaco Rugby’s Espoirs team delivered a gritty performance that saw them overturn a halftime deficit. Trailing 13–7 at the break, the young Monegasque side showed character and unity, battling back to clinch a narrow 23–20 victory in a tense encounter.

First Team pulls off last-minute triumph

The senior team’s clash with Avignon Le Pontet was equally dramatic. Facing the top team in the division, AS Monaco’s First XV found themselves down 12–6 at the interval. But the second half brought a renewed sense of determination.

In the 79th minute, Mathias Bevis crossed the try line to bring Monaco level. Then, in the final moments of the match, Tom Michelucci stepped up to slot the match-winning penalty, securing a nail-biting 24–23 victory.

This extraordinary finish ended the hosts’ unbeaten streak and confirmed AS Monaco Rugby’s credentials as true contenders. It was a hard-fought success that highlighted the squad’s resilience and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

What’s next

Following this landmark weekend, AS Monaco Rugby turns its focus to the next major event on the horizon: an exceptional group trip to the Stade de France for the much-anticipated France vs England clash in March.

The momentum is building — both on and off the pitch — for the Principality’s rising rugby force.

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Photo source: AS Monaco Rugby

New: Live music adds extra flavour to nights at The Niwaki

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/11/2025

As the winter chill sets in, one of Monaco’s most popular Japanese restaurants is turning up the heat this season. The Niwaki, known for its refined fusion of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine, is now offering live music evenings from Thursday through to Saturday, bringing fresh energy to the quieter nights of the season.

The introduction of live music – as well as DJs on Thursdays – adds just the right note of atmosphere to the evening — subtle enough not to intrude, yet present enough to change the mood. It softens the edges of the room, encourages diners to settle in, and gives the space a rhythm that complements the flow of service.

The Niwaki’s signature starter – Crunchy Tuna Aburi – with the Chef’s Sushi Selection. Photo credit: Nico Timmermans

To accompany the new mood, The Niwaki has introduced a Live Music Set Menu (€95), which includes a glass of Champagne, water and coffee. It’s a curated mix of favourites — like the Crunchy Tuna Aburi, a standout dish that perfectly balances texture and depth of flavour — Rock Shrimp Tempura, the Chef’s Sushi Selection, and and Salmon Teriyaki. The menu is generous and elegant, much like the restaurant itself.

If you’re going à la carte, it’s hard to resist the Omakase Discovery Menu (€155) which includes the restaurant’s signature dishes like the Crispy Nori with Short Ribs Bōru and the Marinated Baby Chicken, rich with umeboshi soy butter. The Grilled Broccoletti, brightened with miso and lemon, is a quiet triumph. And the dessert — a Sobacha Caramel Pecan Roll — manages to be both indulgent and surprisingly light.

The creative force behind the menu is Corporate Chef Shahar Dahan, working alongside Executive Chef Gian Piero Mascia. The sushi counter, meanwhile, is helmed by Executive Sushi Chef Wagner Spadacio, whose precision and artistry bring another layer to the experience.

Grilled Turbot, seaweed butter and edamame and Rōru Sobacha Caramel Pecan Rolls to finish. Photo credit: Nico Timmermans

Live music evenings feel like a seamless evolution of The Niwaki’s ethos — creating an experience that’s elevated but unpretentious. The atmosphere remains refined yet relaxed, striking that rare balance between special and effortless. Whether you’re marking an occasion or simply looking for a quieter alternative to Monaco’s festive whirlwind, it’s one of the most considered and enjoyable nights out this winter.

Adding to the charm is the unmistakably personal touch from the team behind the concept. On any given night, you’re likely to find one of the owners — whether it’s Samy Sass or Melissa and Dean Carr — greeting familiar faces or introducing themselves to new guests. There’s a sense of ease in the way they move through the room, creating the kind of warmth and attentiveness that feels more like being welcomed into a family home than dining out. It’s that combination of hospitality, atmosphere and flavour that keeps people coming back — and newcomers quickly feeling like regulars.

See more of Cassandra Tanti’s experience in the video below…

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Main photo credit: Fabbio Galatioto

Chloé Boscagli appointed new Director of MonacoTech

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/11/2025

MonacoTech has announced the appointment of Chloé Boscagli as its new Director, effective 1st December, succeeding Sandrine Sauval-Chanteloube who has led the Principality’s startup incubator for the past four years.

In her new role, Boscagli will oversee the next stage of MonacoTech’s development, with a strong focus on expanding its international reach and continuing to drive innovation within Monaco’s growing startup ecosystem.

Founded in 2017 by the Prince’s Government, Monaco Telecom and entrepreneur Xavier Niel, MonacoTech has become a cornerstone of innovation in the Principality. To date, it has supported 68 startups, leading to the creation of 30 active companies and around 60 jobs. The incubator currently supports 25 startups.

Chloé Boscagli brings a rich background in business strategy and international development. A graduate of HEC Paris and holder of a Master’s degree in Business Law and International Taxation from the Sorbonne, she began her career at CMS Bureau Francis Lefebvre. She later joined Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer as Project Director to the Deputy Chairman, contributing to strategic initiatives for the Group.

In 2023, Boscagli joined the Prince’s Government during the creation of the Attractiveness Unit, where she served as Director of Monaco Private Label — a prestigious network of nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs and investors from over 60 countries. She is also currently Deputy Mayor of Monaco, with a portfolio covering early childhood, youth, and gender equality.

MonacoTech has praised the work of outgoing Director Sandrine Sauval-Chanteloube, under whose leadership the incubator was successfully structured and expanded. Her tenure saw accelerated value creation and new employment opportunities within the local economy. She now moves on to become Director of Innovation at SMEG.

See also: 

Interview: Monaco Private Label’s Chloé Leclercq and her vision for the global elite club

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Photo: Chloe Boscagli (left) with outgoing MonacoTech Director Sandrine Sauval-Chanteloube. Photo provided

Monaco’s SBM reports strong half-year earnings, boosted by hospitality and real estate

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/11/2025

Monaco’s state-linked hospitality and gaming group, Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), has posted robust earnings for the first half of its 2025/2026 financial year, with revenue climbing 10% year-on-year to €542.5 million.

The performance, announced by SBM on 25 November, reflects a buoyant summer season and the early returns of an ambitious investment strategy that includes high-end renovations, new luxury offerings, and expanded retail space in the heart of Monte-Carlo.

Operating profit rose to €105.4 million, while net profit reached €127 million, up from €119.7 million in the same period last year.

Hospitality and retail drive growth

The group, which owns and operates Monaco’s most iconic assets — including the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Hôtel de Paris, and the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort — saw its hotel revenues jump 13% to €326.8 million. Executives cited higher average room rates and strong demand in its restaurants over the summer period.

Real estate revenue also reached a record €77.8 million, driven by the progressive leasing of new commercial units at the recently renovated Café de Paris complex and standard rent increases.

Gaming revenues rose 6% to €134.7 million. Table games performed strongly, although machine revenue dipped slightly due to what SBM called “an unfavourable variance”.

Investment and international outlook

Speaking after the group’s board meeting, SBM President-Delegate Stéphane Valeri said the numbers reflected not only solid demand but also the success of recent investments:

“These results confirm the strength of our economic model and our ability to generate growth through dynamic activity and ongoing investment,” he said.

Among the key projects cited were renovations at the Hôtel Hermitage and Monte-Carlo Bay, the continued repositioning of Monte-Carlo Beach, new ultra-private clubs, and the addition of celebrated chef Cédric Grolet to SBM’s culinary portfolio.

The company also continued its international expansion during the period, with work beginning on the One Monte-Carlo Courchevel project.

Strong cash position amid sector uncertainty

SBM reported a positive net cash position of €244.2 million as of 30th September 2025, compared to €192.2 million at the end of the previous financial year. Capital expenditure during the six-month period totalled €67.6 million.

While the group struck a confident tone overall, it acknowledged the unpredictable nature of gaming revenue, which can fluctuate significantly and make full-year forecasting difficult.

The results were published alongside SBM’s half-year financial report, filed with the Monaco Financial Markets Authority and available via the group’s corporate website.

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Photo source: MCSBM