Prince Albert II inaugurated the 2026 Environmental Photography Award exhibition on the Promenade du Larvotto on Thursday 28th May, presenting diplomas to the winning photographers in person before the show opened to the public.
Thirty-six photographs are on display until 30th July, selected from this year’s edition of the award — an initiative of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation designed to harness the power of documentary photography in raising awareness of environmental issues.
The laureates
Britta Jaschinski was named Environmental Photographer of 2026, winning the Changemakers category for her image Handprint on Sea Turtle. Fernando Faciole took the Humanity versus Nature category with Born for the Ocean, Fated to the Flames. Both had the opportunity to present their work to the Prince at the inauguration.
Prince Albert with Britta Jaschinski, winner of the Environmental Photographer of 2026 Changemakers category for her image Handprint on Sea Turtle. Photo source: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco
Three further photographers from the 2026 selection were also present: Luca Eberle, runner-up in the Forests category with Predator’s Gaze; Lucas Bustamante, runner-up in the Polar Regions category with Penguin Feast and honourable mention in the Forests category with An Explosion of Colour; and Estebane Rezkallah, honourable mention in the Polar Regions category with The Early Bear.
The jury — chaired by conservation and wildlife photographer Sergio Pitamitz, a National Geographic contributor — included journalists, filmmakers and photographers specialising in fields ranging from Arctic documentation to big cat conservation.
Prince Albert II with Fernando Faciole who won the Born for the Ocean category for his work, Fated to the Flames, which documents the Incineration of shark fins after seizure in Brazil, 2025. Photo source: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco
An anniversary edition
This year’s exhibition carries added significance as part of the Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebrations. Several panels have been integrated into the Larvotto route to trace the Foundation’s two decades of work in environmental protection, biodiversity and planetary health.
Four photographs from the 2026 edition are also on display at Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, presented by SNCF Hubs & Connexions, until September. QR codes throughout the Larvotto exhibition link to explanatory texts for each photograph, and a children’s activity booklet has been produced for families.
Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Foundation, said: “The photographs presented at Larvotto bear witness both to the fragile beauty of the living world and to the urgency of the challenges to which we must collectively respond. In this anniversary year for the Foundation, this exhibition resonates particularly strongly with our mission: to inspire, to pass on knowledge and to mobilise in favour of a more sustainable future.”
After closing at the end of July, the exhibition will begin an international tour.
The 2026 Environmental Photography Award exhibition is open on the Promenade du Larvotto until 30 July. Further information at fpa2photoaward.org.
Main photo: Prince Albert II with Luca Eberle and his photograph Predator’s Gaze, depicting a female puma peering through the forest canopy, Costa Rica, 2023, photo source: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco
Women of Monaco Lunch raises funds for education while spotlighting female leadership
A sold-out audience gathered in the beautiful gardens of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo on Tuesday 9th June for the latest Women of Monaco Lunch, an elegant afternoon that brought together philanthropy, luxury, fashion and business leadership while raising €19,300 for Monaco Aide et Présence (MAP).
Organised by Sandrine Knoell of Five Stars Events, and supported by Barclays Private Bank, the annual event welcomed entrepreneurs, executives, philanthropists and businesswomen from Monaco and beyond for what has become one of the Principality’s most anticipated networking gatherings. Set beneath the shade of the Hôtel Hermitage’s lush gardens, guests enjoyed a refined seasonal lunch while connecting with like-minded women committed to supporting both local and international initiatives.
The event sold out well in advance, underlining its growing popularity and reputation as a platform where influential women can exchange ideas, build relationships and support meaningful causes. The afternoon celebrated female entrepreneurship and leadership while raising vital funds for educational projects supported by Monaco-based charity MAP.
Fashion, jewellery and luxury partners add glamour to the event
The afternoon showcased an impressive line-up of luxury partners, including Barclays Private Bank, Breguet, Pasquale Bruni, Arije Monaco and Oriel. A highlight of the event was a fashion presentation featuring creations by Yasmina Al Jaramani and Di Iorio Monaco, with elegant gowns drawing enthusiastic applause from attendees.
Guests also had the opportunity to admire exceptional jewellery collections from Arije Monaco and Pasquale Bruni, while enjoying an elegant lunch in one of Monaco’s most picturesque settings.
The fashion show featured creations by Yasmina Al Jaramani and Di Iorio Monaco
The combination of luxury fashion, fine jewellery, elegant cuisine and the splendour of the Hôtel Hermitage gardens created an atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Women of Monaco Lunch. Reflecting this year’s floral theme, each table was beautifully adorned with fresh flowers and named after blooms such as Rose and Orchid, bringing colour and charm to the garden setting.
Guests also received a thoughtful keepsake in the form of a scented candle from Pasquale Bruni, providing a stylish reminder of an afternoon dedicated to connection, philanthropy and female empowerment.
Barclays Private Bank’s Montserrat Marchetti and Maja Frenkel, founder of Oriel Women’s Wealth Platform
Barclays and Oriel champion women’s financial empowerment
Alongside the fashion and networking, the event delivered a strong message of financial empowerment. Representing Barclays Private Bank, Montserrat Marchetti reflected on the changing definition of success and the increasingly important role women play in shaping family legacies, business decisions and wealth transitions.
“Today, success is no longer defined only by accumulation, more possessions, more titles, more visibility,” she told guests. “It is increasingly about freedom, purpose and impact.”
Marchetti described women as “bridge builders between generations, between vision and execution, between ambition and meaning”, highlighting the growing influence of women in guiding both families and businesses through periods of change.
Maja Frenkel, founder of Oriel Women’s Wealth Platform, continued the discussion by exploring the emotional and human dimensions of wealth. Speaking to an audience of entrepreneurs, professionals and family decision-makers, she argued that financial planning extends far beyond assets and investments.
“Money is never just the amount. And wealth is never just the number,” she said.
Frenkel spoke about the importance of clarity in financial decision-making and encouraged women to take an active role in discussions surrounding wealth, succession and legacy. She also stressed the importance of passing on values alongside financial assets, noting that strong families transfer meaning, purpose and responsibility from one generation to the next.
MAP launches new fundraising initiative for children in Cameroon
The charitable focus of the luncheon was presented by MAP president Donatella Campioni, who introduced the association’s latest fundraising project in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Following several years of support for educational programmes for girls in Ethiopia aimed at preventing child marriage, MAP is now helping expand a grassroots school initiative that began during the Covid pandemic.
What started with lessons delivered directly on the streets has grown into a small educational shelter serving around 100 vulnerable children. The programme focuses particularly on girls who would otherwise have limited access to education and aims to create long-term opportunities through learning.
“As you know, there are only two ways to give opportunities. One is health and second is education,” Campioni told the audience. “Even €10 changes a life.”
Watch by Breguet, necklace by Pasquale Bruni
Charity auction raises €19,300 for Monaco Aide et Présence
The afternoon concluded with a lively charity auction featuring an array of luxury items and exclusive experiences donated by event partners and supporters. Among the standout lots were a striking red sculpture by internationally renowned artist Laurence Jenkell, a four-person sea excursion aboard a Riva Monaco Boat Service vessel, an 18-carat rose gold diamond and mother-of-pearl bracelet by Arije Monaco, a framed photographic artwork entitled Cobra by Pujan Radoslaw, a Yasmina Al Jaramani gown presented during the fashion show, and a pair of black lace Di Venezia 100” heels by Di Iorio Monaco.
Bidding remained spirited throughout the afternoon, helping raise €19,300 for MAP’s educational work and ensuring that the event delivered tangible support to children and communities in need.
Combining philanthropy, luxury, fashion, entrepreneurship and meaningful discussion, the sold-out Women of Monaco Lunch once again demonstrated the strength of Monaco’s community of businesswomen and its commitment to creating positive impact both within the Principality and beyond.
Monaco’s rugby sevens team delivered an impressive performance in the opening stage of the European Championship, claiming silver in Croatia behind only Switzerland.
Returning to Europe’s second-tier division, Monaco confirmed their competitiveness at this level, delivering an ambitious style of rugby and emerging as one of the standout teams of the tournament. Despite a first-round loss, Monaco bounced back to finish second in their group and advance to a quarterfinal matchup against Hungary.
In a hard-fought 14-5 victory, the team earned a place in the semifinals against Romania, the same team that defeated them at the start of the tournament. With a united performance, Monaco claimed revenge over the Romanian team, securing a place in the final for the first time in the Trophy competition’s history.
Monaco’s final match against Switzerland proved challenging. Facing a strong and experienced team, Monaco was unable to maintain their momentum or break through offensively. Although the team fell 29-0, the tournament still marked a major success for the Principality, with Monaco securing a silver medal, second place in the overall standings, and 18 points.
The second stage of the European Championship will take place in Chișinău, Moldova later this month from 26 to 28 June. The competition will offer Monaco another opportunity to build on its momentum following a historic opening stage.
After a difficult start to Game 4 in Nanterre on Monday 8th June, Monaco’s 89-78 victory over Nanterre secured their place in the Betclic Elite finals. With the victory, Monaco closed out the best-of-five semifinal series 3-1.
Game 4 began with Nanterre coming out strong, immediately going on an 11-3 run to outplay Monaco. This energy continued throughout the quarter as Monaco’s rhythm missed the mark and they were outrebounded, with Nanterre recording 17 rebounds compared to Monaco’s 10. As only three of those 10 rebounds were offensive, Nanterre received many opportunities for second-chance points. After the first quarter, Monaco trailed Nanterre 24-17. However, an Elie Okobo buzzer-beater to close the opening quarter appeared to spark momentum for the Roca Team.
Fortunately for Monaco, an 11-3 run in the opening minutes of the second quarter, this time favoring the Roca Team, helped Monaco claim the lead. Improved rebounding and far more efficient shooting helped Monaco establish control, allowing the Roca Team to extend their lead heading into halftime up 12 points.
The third quarter saw Nanterre challenge Monaco further, capitalizing on mistakes that began resurfacing as they chipped away at the lead, reducing things to a one-possession game 7 minutes into the second half. However, a timeout for Monaco allowed the team to regroup and respond quickly to halt Nanterre’s momentum.
Although Nanterre came out with an aggressive style of play in the final quarter, it was not enough as Monaco had taken control of the game. Nanterre left everything on the court, knowing their season would come to an end without a comeback, but it was not enough to overcome the Roca Team. Monaco remained victorious over Nanterre 89-78.
Elie Okobo and Matthew Strazel made up over half of the team’s points with 24 and 21 points respectively, while Alpha Diallo led Monaco on the glass with 8 rebounds. Looking ahead, the team will now face the winner of the Paris-Cholet semifinal in the Betclic Elite finals.
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation hosted the 2026 edition of its Re.Generation Future Leaders campus in the Principality from 22nd to 30th May, bringing together ten emerging environmental leaders from across the world for an intensive nine-day programme of leadership training, mentoring and field experience.
Now in its fourth year, the programme targets young people who have already demonstrated exceptional commitment to environmental protection. This year’s cohort spans an unusually broad range of disciplines and geographies — from a Nepalese glaciologist studying climate impacts on mountain ecosystems and a Bolivian Indigenous leader restoring high-altitude wetlands, to a Brazilian entrepreneur developing seaweed-based textile fibres, a French wingfoil world champion and biodiversity expert, and a Kenyan climate-tech engineer.
The full 2026 cohort: Garvita Gulhati (India, water conservation and sustainable finance), Aman KC (Nepal, glaciology), Dayana Blanco (Bolivia, Indigenous regeneration), Flora Artzner (France, biodiversity and wingfoil), Amber Carter (United Kingdom, marine social-ecological science), Grace Cordsen (United States, polar exploration and environmental storytelling), Joseph Nguthiru (Kenya, climate technology), Thamires Pontes (Brazil, seaweed textiles), Ge Yu (China, sustainable fashion) and Fiorella Herrera (Peru, marine biology).
Training co-designed with INSEAD
The programme curriculum, developed in partnership with INSEAD, focused on leadership identity, decision-making, resilience, public speaking and storytelling. A series of individual masterclasses brought in senior figures from sustainability, business, media and ocean protection, including Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering; Paul Polman, business leader and co-author of Net Positive; Bill O’Dowd, founder and CEO of Dolphin Entertainment; Christine Amour-Levar, entrepreneur and philanthropist; and Nadine Fau, Managing Director of Château Galoupet.
Paul Watson and a day at sea
A highlight of the campus was an ocean-focused day that began with a scuba diving session before a masterclass by Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The session, entitled Activism: The Ocean Is Not Silent, invited participants to connect direct experience of the marine environment with a broader conversation on ocean protection and the defence of marine biodiversity.
A meeting at the Prince’s Palace
The campus also included exchanges with institutional representatives, participation in Foundation activities and a meeting with Prince Albert II at the Prince’s Palace — experiences designed to embed participants in the Foundation’s ecosystem and strengthen their international networks ahead of a year of further support.
“This new cohort brings together remarkable young leaders who combine expertise, courage and a deep sense of responsibility,” said Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Foundation. “Through this campus, we aim not only to strengthen their skills, but also to provide them with the visibility, confidence and network they need to influence decision-making and inspire action far beyond Monaco.”
The Foundation will accompany the 2026 cohort throughout the coming year, supporting their participation in international events, facilitating media exposure and connecting them with partners from its global network.
A charity auction held at the Hôtel Hermitage during Monaco Grand Prix weekend raised more than €500,000 for the Association Antoine Alléno, with 23 lots sold in a live sale conducted with Christie’s in the presence of Prince Albert II.
The event, Formula One for Life, was organised by Yannick Alléno, the three-Michelin-starred chef who founded the association following the death of his son Antoine in a road accident on 8th May 2022. Bringing together Formula 1 drivers, constructors and partners for the first time around a public interest cause, the evening raised money that will be directed entirely towards supporting families of road accident victims.
The standout lots
Two helmets each sold for €85,000. The first was a unique helmet gilded in fine gold, designed by Adrien Paviot and Valentin Belgy and signed by Prince Albert II — described as priceless before the bidding opened. The second was a helmet signed and worn by Lando Norris, the 2025 Formula 1 world champion. A third helmet, a replica signed by Charles Leclerc, was adjudged at €50,000.
The most significant lot of the evening was a Renault RS 19 single-seater in the colours of the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, which sold for €220,000. Other notable results included a unique artwork by Stéphane Gillot for Alpine at €55,000, a photograph of Michael Schumacher entitled Bye bye Barcelona taken by photographer Vanessa von Zitzewitz in Spain in 1998 at €26,000, and a replica race suit signed by Alain Prost. The race suit signed and worn by Pierre Gasly — who was instrumental in creating the Formula One for Life project — also went under the hammer. Further lots continued on The Auction Collective platform after the live evening.
The cause behind the evening
The Association Antoine Alléno was created in the wake of Antoine Alléno’s death, caused by a driver under the influence of nitrous oxide. Since then, the association has become an active force in the campaign against road violence in France. In July 2025 it secured a significant legal victory with the creation of a specific offence of road homicide in French law. It has since launched a class action against producers and distributors of nitrous oxide.
The association noted that since Antoine’s death, nearly 3,000 young people aged 15 to 25 have lost their lives on French roads.
Yannick Alléno said: “I am deeply moved by the mobilisation of the motorsport world at this exceptional evening. Together, we have raised funds that will go directly towards supporting families of victims. Coluche said that in France, the country of good food, we have no right to let people die of hunger. France is also the country of human rights — we have no right to let our young people die on the pavements.”
