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Day: 16 March 2026

110 Michelin-starred chefs under one roof as Monaco stages luxurious culinary evening

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/03/2026

Prince Albert II joined 110 Michelin-starred chefs at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo on Sunday evening for an extraordinary Chefs’ Dinner, held on the eve of the Michelin Guide France & Monaco Awards Ceremony — the first time the ceremony has been staged in the Principality.

The dinner, held in the Salle Empire and the Louis XV-Alain Ducasse restaurant, was conceived by Alain Ducasse and inspired by the new Dom Pérignon vintages. Drawing on his culinary philosophy of ‘Mediterranean Naturalness’, Ducasse created a menu built around the produce of the Riviera — chickpeas, red mullet, citrus fruits and other ingredients from the Mediterranean terroir. In keeping with his Naturalité approach, the menu centred on plant-based ingredients with only a small number of fish, all from sustainable sources.

“A long time ago, I put down roots on the shores of the Mediterranean,” Ducasse said. “With Naturalité, it inspires me to create contemporary, sustainable, and delicious cuisine. Last night, I had the great pleasure of sharing it with my colleagues and friends.”

The exclusive dinner took place in the Salle Empire of the Hotel de Paris. Photo credit: Florian Jeffroy – Space Visuals

The evening was attended by around 250 guests including chefs, culinary professionals, journalists and dignitaries, and was held in the presence of Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, and Gwendal Poullenec, International Director of the Michelin Guide. Also present were SBM chefs Yannick Alléno, Marcel Ravin and Dominique Lory.

Guests in the lobby of the Hotel de Paris. Photo credit: Florian Jeffroy – Space Visuals

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, described by Michelin as the world’s most starred resort, served as hospitality partner for the ceremony. Valeri said hosting the gathering was a point of pride for the group. “This evening underscores our Group’s ongoing commitment to making the Principality of Monaco one of the international capitals of gastronomy and the Art de Vivre,” he said.

The Michelin Guide France & Monaco Awards Ceremony takes place Monday 16th March at the Grimaldi Forum.

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Main photo credit: Florian Jeffroy – Space Visuals

 

 

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene support rugby charity gala in Paris

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/03/2026

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attended the second edition of the Provale Solidarité charity gala in Paris on Friday 13th March, lending their support to an organisation dedicated to helping professional rugby players facing sudden career endings, financial hardship or difficulties in transitioning to life after sport.

The evening, held at the Four Seasons Hôtel George V, fell on the eve of Prince Albert’s 68th birthday. The Sovereign Prince and Princess Charlene serve as patron and godmother of the event. Princess Charlene is also President of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby.

Princess Charlene’s speech

Delivering a speech at the gala, Princess Charlène drew on her own experience as a former elite athlete to speak to the realities faced by players when their careers come to an abrupt end. “Behind every career, there are years of commitment, devotion, self-surpassing and sacrifices,” she said. “Few people understand what rugby demands of a player’s body and life. And I know how much the transition after a brilliant sporting career requires courage and support.”

Princess Charlene speaking at the charity gala. Photo credit: Sara Steck/Palais princier

She invoked the words of Nelson Mandela to underline sport’s broader role in society. “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite people in a way that is almost unique. Sport can create hope where there is only despair.”

Affirming the Princely couple’s commitment to the cause, she closed with a call to action. “I appeal to your solidarity and your generosity, because in rugby as in life, together we go further.”

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene with the association president Malik Hamadache. Photo credit: Sara Steck/Palais princier

About Provale Solidarité

Founded in 2023, Provale Solidarité is a dedicated fund for professional rugby players in difficulty and has French-Algerian rugby union player Malik Hamadache as its president. It provides emergency financial assistance, social support, psychological care — including help for those suffering from depression — and programmes promoting gender equality within the sport. Its work addresses a reality that rarely makes headlines: the abrupt endings that injury, illness or other circumstances can force on careers built over years of sacrifice.

Former French international Philippe Sella, who earned 111 caps for France, was also present at the gala. “Getting involved with Provale Solidarité means thinking about those whose careers have been cut short by injury or other circumstances,” he said. “Breaking with rugby from one day to the next is hard. Solidarity in life is a human commitment.”

The evening’s programme

The gala brought together leading figures from French and international rugby for a programme that included a gastronomic dinner prepared by three-Michelin-starred chef Christian Le Squer and a charity auction of lots connected to rugby history. All proceeds go directly to funding the organisation’s emergency aid, social support and psychological assistance programmes.

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Main photo credit: Sara Steck/Palais princier

Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix cancelled amid Middle East conflict

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/03/2026

Formula 1 has confirmed that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt the sport’s 2026 calendar.

The decision, taken in full consultation with the FIA and the respective race promoters, also affects the Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 Academy rounds scheduled to run alongside both events. No replacement races will be added to the calendar in April.

Formula 1 CEO responds to cancellation

In a statement released on 14th March, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said the decision, while difficult, was the right one given the circumstances. “I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion,” he said. “We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow.”

FIA places safety first

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem framed the decision around the safety of those involved in the championship. “The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first,” he said. “Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow.”

Promoters back the decision

Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit, said the circuit fully supported the decision and looked forward to welcoming fans back when F1 returns. Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, said Saudi fans had been looking forward to the Jeddah race but that the federation understood the considerations behind the decision and remained in close partnership with Formula 1.

What happens next

The cancellations leave a gap in the early part of the 2026 season. No timeline has been given for when either race might be rescheduled.

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Photo of the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, Source: Ferrari Media Centre