Organised by the association Mon Arc-en-Ciel at Stars of Monaco on Wednesday 8th July, this year’s Monaco Pride served as a major turning point for the Principality’s LGBTQIA+ community. While organisers and guests celebrated the gathering, the primary focus remained on securing fundamental rights for workers and families.
Advocates at the event stressed that the push for equality, specifically for social security and legal protections, is not a request for special treatment, but a demand for non-negotiable rights. Annette Anderson, a key figure behind the iconic Stars of Monaco, called on the Principality to ensure that every resident and worker is included and treated as an equal to any other citizen. In an interview with Monaco Life she described the event as follows: “It’s a call to the Principality to make sure that every person who works and lives here is included and is equal to every other citizen and worker in Monaco”.
Legislative and judicial developments
The push for reform involves a coalition of voices, including those within the legal and political spheres. Monegasque politician Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo highlighted a government announcement, which was made on 29th June, regarding the introduction of a new legal mechanism for same-sex civil unions. While advocates see this as a necessary first step, they remain cautious, with Fresko-Rolfo noting that “the devil is always in the details” when it comes to the forthcoming legislative bills.
Monegasque politician Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo (far left) with Annette Anderson (centre) and Marina Ceyssac, High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and Mediation (second from the right). Photo by Monaco Life
Sarah Filippi, a lawyer at the Monaco Bar, explained that the judicial system has supported their cause despite some institutional resistance. She hopes that local interpretations of ‘public order’—often used to block change—will evolve to match European standards that guarantee rights for foreign nationals. Reflecting on her involvement, Filippi said to the audience: “It was very complicated for me to take the floor in a fight that I did not think I would one day lead by your side”.
In addition, future laws will prioritise the ‘best interests of the child’, a move to give same-sex families protections similar to traditional households.
Co-founders of Mon Arc-en-Ciel, from left to right: Laure Bernardi, Cynthia Salvanhac and Anaïs Berruti. Photo by Monaco Life
Community visibility and continued optimism
Performers and charity volunteers also showed their support. Drag queen Manel Dalgo, a professional performer and long-time volunteer for Fight Aids Monaco (FAM), highlighted the importance of staying visible. Dalgo, who is appearing in a charity cabaret show called ‘FAM’ this December, encouraged the community to keep working toward these goals.
Drag queen Manel Dalgo performing at Monaco Pride 2026. Photo by Monaco Life
As the Principality moves forward with these reforms, activists remain optimistic, with Filippi concluding, “What I hope is that this subject will quickly no longer be one, and that we will finally be in total equality because I believe that is what each of us deserves”.
After 125 years of welcoming royalty, celebrities and discerning travellers, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo has unveiled the latest chapter in its history: a collection of reimagined Diamond Suites that blend Belle Époque grandeur with contemporary luxury, while preserving the character that has made the palace one of Monaco’s most enduring landmarks.
There are luxury hotels, and then there are hotels whose walls tell the story of a destination.
For more than a century, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo has quietly occupied that latter category. Standing above Port Hercule, in the heart of Monte-Carlo, with its unmistakable Belle Époque façade and Gustave Eiffel-designed glass cupola, it has long offered a more intimate expression of Monaco luxury than many of its grander neighbours.
Now, following a major renovation programme launched in 2024 by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, the hotel has unveiled the latest phase of its transformation: 40 redesigned rooms and suites, including seven spectacular Diamond Suites that reinterpret Belle Époque elegance for a new generation of travellers.
Speaking during a tour of the renovated property, General Manager Guillaume Ranvier said the project has never been about reinventing the Hermitage, but revealing more of what has always made it exceptional.
“We often say that you can buy anything except history,” said Guillaume Ranvier. “What we have here is the history of a truly iconic place — not only in Monaco, but in the world of luxury hospitality.”
A hotel built on history
The Hermitage’s story stretches back to the dawn of the 20th century. The hotel was acquired in 1897, opened its doors in 1901, and was taken over by the Société des Bains de Mer in 1920. Throughout its 125-year history, it has continued to grow. “Additional buildings were gradually connected, creating the network of corridors that is now one of the hotel’s defining characteristics,” explained Ranvier.
Those interconnected wings can surprise first-time guests.
“I calculated that it takes between three-and-a-half and four minutes to walk between some of the different areas of the hotel,” he laughed. “But that is also part of what makes this place so unique.”
Rather than seeing those winding corridors as a challenge, the hotel now embraces them as part of its identity.
“There is an incredible story behind the architecture,” Ranvier said. “Through this renovation programme, we want to preserve that heritage and, in some places, make it even more visible.”
One of his favourite details dates back to the Belle Époque itself.
“Women would stroll through these corridors, and because their dresses were so wide, the hallways themselves were designed to be unusually spacious so that their gowns wouldn’t brush against one another.”
It is these seemingly small details, he believes, that give the Hermitage a personality that cannot be recreated.
From left to right: Head of the design department of the Bureau d’Études et de Design Stephanie Rainaut, Architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, and Interior Architect Karine Bouaziz
Reimagining the Diamond Suites
The centrepiece of the renovation is undoubtedly the hotel’s new Diamond Suite collection.
Originally created in 2004 during an extension of the property, the apartments have now been completely reimagined by internationally acclaimed French architect Pierre-Yves Rochon in collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s Bureau d’Études et de Design.
Flooded with Mediterranean light and overlooking the sea, the redesigned suites combine the refinement of Belle Époque interiors with contemporary comfort. Versailles parquet flooring, Calacatta marble bathrooms, handcrafted mouldings by Auberlet & Laurent, bespoke carpets and rich natural fabrics create an atmosphere that is both grand and understated, finished in soft palettes of water green, pale blue and warm beige.
“The suites are entirely new in the way they’re presented,” Ranvier explained. “These are signature suites that didn’t exist before. They are connected, meaning they can be sold individually or combined to create one exceptional residence.”
The dining room in the ‘Prince’s Diamond Suite’ at the Hôtel Hermitage.
The most impressive is the Diamond Princely Suite, a 283-square-metre residence overlooking the Mediterranean. Three private terraces frame panoramic views across Port Hercule towards the Prince’s Palace, while generous reception rooms, a library, private office and dining room create the atmosphere of an elegant Monaco apartment rather than a hotel suite.
Its principal bathroom is almost a destination in itself. Clad in white onyx and flooded with natural light, it features a freestanding hydrotherapy bath with chromotherapy, a private sauna, hammam shower, Baccarat crystal fittings and bespoke Lalique lighting designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon.
Alongside it sits the Diamond Presidential Suite, offering 151 square metres of luxurious living space across two terraces overlooking Monaco’s harbour. Organised around a spacious central salon, it includes two bedrooms and exceptional marble bathrooms featuring sea-facing whirlpool baths, Calacatta Oro marble showers and intricate mosaic flooring inspired by flower petals.
When combined, the two residences create a remarkable 434-square-metre private apartment with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two reception rooms, office, dining room and expansive terraces — one of the most prestigious accommodation offerings in the Principality.
The bathroom is a sensory overload in itself
Designed by one of hospitality’s leading names
For Ranvier, the choice of Pierre-Yves Rochon was never in doubt.
“Pierre-Yves Rochon is one of the greatest interior designers in the world,” he said. “I worked with him previously at the Martinez and the George V, where he oversaw major renovations, and his portfolio also includes La Mamounia and outstanding properties in Florence.”
The Hermitage’s renovation, he says, reflects Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s commitment to working with internationally recognised leaders across every discipline.
“We are incredibly proud to have worked with him. He is one of our own experts, and just as our employees create the guest experience, we also collaborate with masters of their craft.”
Luxury through the senses
Although the architecture is striking, Ranvier insists that luxury is ultimately about something far less tangible.
“In a palace hotel of this calibre, wellness is increasingly important,” he said. “Gastronomy is fundamental, accommodation is essential, but it is the combination of all these elements, together with the service delivered by our teams, that creates the experience.”
He believes that philosophy extends beyond design into every aspect of the hotel. Even sound has become part of the luxury experience, with bespoke playlists created specifically for the property, while a signature fragrance is now being developed in collaboration with a master perfumer.
The view from the Diamond Suites is breathtaking
Looking ahead without losing the past
The Diamond Suites form just one part of a wider transformation that will continue over the coming years, with expanded wellness facilities and upgraded event spaces also planned. Yet throughout the redevelopment, preserving the hotel’s character has remained central to every decision.
“We’ve spoken a lot about history, and we are committed to preserving it, showcasing it and treating it as an exclusive heritage,” Ranvier said. “At the same time, we are focused on the present — creating exceptional guest experiences — while also preparing for the future.”
The Prince’s Government is widening its scheme to give a second life to digital equipment from Monaco’s schools, this time turning to teachers’ devices as they are replaced. The second phase covers more than 650 computers and tablets, with 38% of the reconditioned equipment set to be donated to disability sports clubs in the neighbouring Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
An initial operation had already given a second life to the computers used by pupils in the Principality’s secondary schools. The new phase turns to the equipment used by their teachers, which will be put to fresh use as it is renewed, part of an approach the government frames as combining digital transition, inclusion and responsible reuse.
A three-way partnership
The initiative has been formalised through a joint commitment between the Monegasque State, represented by the Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, the supported-employment company EVA, which specialises in sustainable IT reuse, and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Olympic and Sports Committee (CROS PACA), which coordinates the region’s disability sports clubs. Under the agreement, 38% of the equipment collected will go to those clubs, giving them reconditioned tools to strengthen their organisation, keep in touch with their members and develop their activities.
Greener and more inclusive
Reusing the equipment extends its working life and reduces the need to buy new hardware, part of what the government describes as a more responsible use of resources. There is a social dimension too: the reconditioning is carried out by EVA, whose work helps bring people who are far from the job market back into employment. Through the operation, the Prince’s Government says it is confirming its commitment to more responsible digital practices while widening access to digital tools for as many people as possible.
The Espace Lamartine will reopen on Thursday 16th July after several months closed for water damage, and Monaco Town Hall is marking the occasion with three open days from 16th to 18th July. The public is invited to rediscover the venue, an intergenerational space for meeting, leisure and activities in the heart of the Principality, and to see the renovated rooms, meet the teams and hear about its year-round programme.
The centre runs a full calendar of sporting, artistic, cultural and wellbeing activities, open to Monégasques, residents and students enrolled in the Principality aged over 18. Across the three days, visitors can tour the refurbished spaces and find out about the workshops available.
The three open days
The doors open on Thursday 16th July at 2pm, with a tour of the building, a presentation of the workshops and, from 5.30pm, a musical after-work gathering and a reopening cocktail. The centre will then welcome visitors on Friday 17th July from 9am to 7pm, and on Saturday 18th July from 9.30am to 5.30pm, with continuous tours and presentations throughout both days.
The Espace Lamartine is at 19 boulevard Princesse Charlotte. More information is available on +377 93 15 45 01 or at mairie.mc.
At 20, Oban Duncan is already the youngest pilot on the E1 grid and one of the very few women racing at the top level of any motorsport without a separate category of her own. Ahead of Team Monaco’s home race on 17th and 18th July, the Scottish powerboat champion sat down with Monaco Life’s Cassandra Tanti to talk about life in the cockpit of the all-electric RaceBird.
Oban Duncan joined Team Monaco for the 2026 season after two years racing for Team Drogba, becoming the youngest driver in the championship in the process. It has not been a straightforward start. “The season has been tough because we’re a new team and there’s still so much to learn,” she says. “I’ve been involved in E1 since the beginning, but the whole team hasn’t, so it’s taken time to get everyone up to speed.”
Despite the growing pains, she describes the experience as a privilege rather than a burden. “We’ve really enjoyed it, though. We’ve loved the challenge of building something new and fresh, which I think is exactly what E1 needed. It’s been a great learning curve. We’ve had some ups and downs in terms of results, which is a shame because the team has been performing really well. Overall, it’s been a fantastic experience.”
What drew her to Team Monaco in the first place, she says, was a simple desire for a fresh start. “I wanted to join a new team that was genuinely excited about the series and determined to succeed,” she explains, crediting team principals Maxime Nocher and Chris Taylor directly. “Max and Chris were incredibly enthusiastic from the beginning. They wanted the team to enjoy what we were doing just as much as they wanted us to perform well. That level of support from the team owners was something I’d never experienced before.”
Oban Duncan with team mate Max. Photo credit: E1 Team Monaco / Opposite Land Productions
From Loch Lomond to the world stage
Duncan’s path into powerboat racing began almost by accident, at a water safety course her parents enrolled her in as a child. “My mum and dad have always owned boats, so I’ve grown up around the water,” she says. “One day we went to a training session for children that was designed to teach water safety and how to be safe around boats, which my parents thought was really important. Afterwards they told us there was also a junior boat racing competition and suggested I give it a go. It wasn’t something my family knew anything about beforehand, but that’s really where everything started.”
What followed was a rapid rise through the sport. “From there it just snowballed. The more people you meet, the more opportunities come along, and it’s been a complete whirlwind ever since. I still can’t quite believe I’m here racing in E1 with Team Monaco. It feels crazy, but it’s amazing.”
That early experience on traditional boats, she says, has proved unexpectedly useful in adapting to the RaceBird, E1’s electric hydrofoiling racer. “My boating background has definitely helped with the RaceBird. There are a lot of similarities between these boats and the ones I’ve raced before, although there are also plenty of differences. We’re all still learning about the boats, but having that experience on the water has really helped me get the most out of the RaceBird.”
Team Monaco competing in Jeddah. Photo credit: E1 Team Monaco / Opposite Land Productions
Flying on foils
Even with that background, she says nothing fully prepared her for foiling. “Traditional race boats don’t use hydrofoils, so that’s probably the biggest difference. Driving on foils was a completely new experience for me. Max had previous experience with foiling boats, but I hadn’t, so there was a lot to learn.” The electric powertrain added another layer entirely. “The batteries, the electrical systems and the way the boat behaves are all very different from conventional powerboats.”
Now in the championship’s third season, Duncan says the boat still has secrets to reveal. “There are characteristics unique to the E1 RaceBird that you simply don’t find anywhere else. Even though we’re now in the third season, we’re still learning new things about the boat that we’ve never experienced before.” She is conscious of how rare her vantage point is. “That’s one of the reasons it’s such an exciting project to be involved in. Very few people in the world can say they’ve had the opportunity to drive one of these boats.”
On raw speed, Duncan puts the team’s fastest recorded mark at around 98 kilometres an hour, while stressing that velocity is not really the point. “There are certainly boats that go faster, but there aren’t many that can do it while being fully electric and as sustainable as we are. I think that’s a really important point.” She is matter-of-fact about the risks involved in racing this close to the limit. “The racing is still exciting, and the faster you go, the more dangerous it becomes. There’s a balance to strike between performance, safety and creating great racing. I don’t think the speed limits the competition in any way.”
Photo credit: E1 Team Monaco / Opposite Land Productions
A heartbreaking near-miss in Dubrovnik
Team Monaco’s most recent outing, in Dubrovnik, brought the season’s sharpest disappointment. Running in podium position early in the final, the team’s hopes unravelled when rough water tore the screen cover from Duncan’s boat. “On the first straight we were right up there and the boat was performing really well. Then we hit a big wave. The conditions were extremely rough and, when we landed, the tear-off came off the screen, allowing a lot of water into the battery bay, which obviously isn’t ideal.”
She managed to keep racing for a short time before the call came to retire. “There was a fault somewhere in the high-voltage system and everything was starting to overheat. The electrical systems weren’t happy, so we had no choice but to stop.” The result still stings. “It was a real shame because I genuinely think we had a podium within our grasp. Hopefully we’ll save that result for Monaco instead.”
Asked whether Monaco’s home waters will be kinder than Dubrovnik’s, Duncan is careful not to make promises the sea cannot keep. “It depends entirely on the conditions. Monaco can be perfectly flat and provide fantastic racing, or it can be just as rough as Dubrovnik. You never really know until race weekend arrives. It can be one of the best places to race, but it can also be incredibly challenging depending on the weather and sea state.”
Photo credit: E1 Team Monaco / Opposite Land Productions
Racing for something bigger than results
Prince Albert II’s presence at the season-opening race in Jeddah, and his long-standing commitment to ocean conservation through his Foundation, clearly weighs on Duncan as more than ceremonial backing. “It was amazing to have the Prince there in Jeddah. It showed how seriously he takes the project and how much he wants the team to succeed,” she says. “I think it meant a great deal to everyone in the team to meet him. It also reminded us that we’re representing something much bigger than simply racing boats. We’re representing a cause that’s very close to the Prince’s heart, and we want to demonstrate that we’re doing the very best we can, both on and off the water.”
That sense of purpose extends to the wider mission of electric motorsport, which Duncan sees as proof that performance and sustainability are not in conflict. “It’s proving that people can still enjoy all the excitement of racing while reducing the impact on the environment, and I think that’s incredibly important.”
Levelling the playing field
E1’s requirement that every team field both a female and a male pilot, sharing equal driving duties, has placed Duncan at the centre of one of motorsport’s more meaningful experiments in equality. She is unsentimental about what that means in practice. “I’ve always wanted to be seen as equal to the guys, but the reality is there simply aren’t as many women competing. Personally, though, I’ve always wanted to beat everyone I’m racing against. It doesn’t matter who they are, but when you’re often the only woman in a class, it does make you even more determined to prove yourself.”
Watching the racing itself, she says, makes the point better than any statistic could. “When you’re watching the racing you can’t tell the difference between who’s in the boat. That’s exactly how it should be, and I’m really proud to be part of that.”
Asked what she would tell young girls in Monaco who might dream of following her path, she answers: “The biggest piece of advice I’d give is not to be afraid to talk to people. Sometimes that’s the hardest step, but if you’re interested in something, ask questions. Show people you’re excited and that you want to learn. In today’s world, people aren’t going to look down on you for asking. If anything, they’ll be much more willing to help because you’ve shown genuine interest. If you want to do something, just go and do it.”
Photo credit: E1 Team Monaco / Opposite Land Productions
Eyes on the podium
With the season roughly halfway through, Duncan’s ambitions for the Monaco weekend have not shifted despite Dubrovnik’s setback. “The plan was to get a podium in Dubrovnik and then win in Monaco. Unfortunately Dubrovnik didn’t work out the way we’d hoped, but the goal for Monaco hasn’t changed. We’re still aiming for the top step.”
Looking further ahead, she sees both the series and her own career still gathering momentum. “I see E1 continuing to expand by bringing in more countries, more venues and greater awareness of what the championship can achieve. I hope more people invest not only in the sport itself but also in everything it stands for, particularly sustainability and gender equality. We’re not just another sports team. We’re trying to represent something much bigger and make a positive impact beyond racing.”
