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Day: 24 April 2026

Barbagiuans reach Prince Rainier III Challenge final to face SBM at Stade Louis II

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/04/2026

Louis Ducruet’s Barbagiuans of Monaco have qualified for the final of the Prince Rainier III Challenge after defeating the Hospital team on penalties in a tightly contested semi-final, setting up a showpiece match against Société des Bains de Mer at the Stade Louis II on 11 May.

The semi-final ended 1-1 after two 40-minute halves, with the Barbagiuans showing considerable character after falling behind, equalising through collective momentum before holding their nerve in the shootout. Every penalty was converted, with the decisive kick coming from Olivier Veigneau — a former professional who played for AS Monaco and remains an active member of the squad.

The result is particularly significant as this is the first season the Barbagiuans have competed in the 11-a-side format of the Prince Rainier III Challenge, having previously participated in other categories of the competition.

Founded in the early 1980s by Prince Albert II and a close circle of friends, the Barbagiuans are one of Monaco’s most recognisable amateur clubs — known internationally for their involvement in events such as the Fight Aids Cup and the Racing Stars Football Cup, but rooted in a weekly rhythm of training sessions and inter-company competitions that reflects the spirit in which the club was created.

“Today, through our participation in inter-company events and regular training sessions, I feel a real sense of pride seeing the Barbagiuans continue a tradition started several decades ago by my uncle and his friends,” said Ducruet. “What matters most is the everyday life of the group: commitment, camaraderie, and the strong bond between generations.”

The final takes place on 11 May at the Stade Louis II.

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Photo provided

Jordan Bardella confirms relationship with Monaco-connected Princess Maria Carolina de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/04/2026

French political figure Jordan Bardella has confirmed he is in a relationship with Princess Maria Carolina de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles, a 22-year-old royal with longstanding ties to Monaco, after photographs of the couple were published by Paris Match following a trip to Corsica.

Bardella, president of the Rassemblement National and a widely discussed potential candidate in the next French presidential election, confirmed the relationship during an appearance on France 2 this week, saying sustained paparazzi attention had made further discretion impossible.

“When you are involved in politics at the level I am, it is very difficult to keep a private life,” he said. “We were being tracked by paparazzi — so we decided together to stop hiding and to acknowledge what, for us, has become obvious in our private lives. I can tell you one thing tonight — I am very happy.”

The Monaco connection

Princess Maria Carolina is the daughter of Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro, and Princess Camilla, Duchess of Castro. The family belongs to the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, the historic royal dynasty that once ruled parts of southern Italy, and maintains a residence in Monaco. The Bourbon-Two Sicilies family is a familiar presence in the Principality’s social and philanthropic circles, regularly attending major events and participating in charitable and cultural initiatives.

French media report the couple first met at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix last year. Until this week, Bardella had kept his personal life entirely out of the public eye, and the confirmation of the relationship has generated significant coverage across France.

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Photo of Princess Maria Carolina, far right, attending the 20th anniversary of the Bal de la Rose in 2025, beside her mother Princess Camilla, Duchess of Castro. Photo courtesy of Five Stars Events

 

Champagne Telmont confirmed as Official Champagne Partner of E1 World Championship

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/04/2026

Champagne Telmont has been named Official Champagne Partner of the UIM E1 World Championship, formalising an association with the all-electric powerboat series. The upgraded designation will be marked at the E1 Lake Como GP 2026 presented by Villa d’Este, which takes place on 24th and 25th April.

Telmont’s presence at E1 race weekends spans both podium celebrations and the E1 Ocean Club, the championship’s premium hospitality offering. The new official partner status elevates the house’s role across the series.

Aligned on sustainability

The two organisations share a broad commitment to environmental responsibility, which both cite as central to the partnership’s logic.

Founded in 1912 in Damery, near Épernay, Telmont is pursuing the conversion of 100 per cent of its estate and partner vineyards to organic and regenerative agriculture by 2031. Seventy per cent of all vines are already certified organic. In January 2026, Maison Telmont became the first Champagne house to be awarded Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) status, at Bronze level, for its organic certified vineyards. Longer-term, the house has set a net zero target for 2050.

The UIM E1 World Championship, sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique, is the world’s first all-electric international offshore powerboat racing series. The championship positions ocean conservation and low-emission racing as core to its identity.

E1 chief executive Jamie Copas said the partnership reflected converging values. “Telmont takes the partnership to a new level. From our E1 Ocean Club hospitality through to podium celebrations, Telmont enhances the luxury experience for guests and fans at an E1 race weekend.”

Lake Como this weekend

The E1 Lake Como GP 2026, presented by Villa d’Este, opens the latest chapter of the season on Friday, with racing concluding on Saturday. Lake Como featured on the E1 calendar for the first time in 2024 and has established itself as one of the series’ marquee venues.

See also: 

Interview: Ludovic du Plessis on why Telmont ditched gift boxes, hired DiCaprio and became Champagne’s greenest house

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Photo provided

Monaco expands diplomatic reach with first Ambassador to Sweden

by: Kayla Sauceda
24/04/2026

Stéphanie Vikström formally presented her credentials to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf during a ceremony held at the Royal Palace Stockholm on Wednesday 16th April.

The moment marks a significant step for the Principality, as Vikström becomes the first Ambassador appointed by the Prince to the Kingdom of Sweden. This milestone reflects Monaco’s ongoing efforts to broaden its diplomatic footprint and deepen its engagement across Northern Europe.

While Monaco and Sweden may differ in size and geography, the two countries share key international priorities. Their shared commitment to ocean preservation, marine research, and environmental sustainability continues to shape their presence within global initiatives.

The meeting between Stéphanie Vikström and the King also provided an opportunity to explore avenues for future cooperation, particularly in areas where both nations have demonstrated leadership on environmental and global policy issues.

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Photo credit: Palais Princier