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Month: September 2026

Thierry Lacoste, Prince Albert II’s former lawyer, charged in Monaco corruption inquiry

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/09/2026

 

Thierry Lacoste, the former personal lawyer of Prince Albert II, has been charged by a Monaco investigating judge with criminal conspiracy, organised bribery of a national public official, organised influence peddling and money laundering, the Principality’s public prosecutor has announced.

In a statement issued on 5th September, the Parquet Général said Lacoste had been placed in police custody on 2nd September and questioned several times by investigators from the Sûreté Publique. After two extensions of his custody, he was brought before an investigating judge on the morning of 5th September, charged and placed under judicial supervision.

Lacoste contests the allegations and remains presumed innocent. The judicial investigation is continuing.

The charges are criminal conspiracy, active bribery of a national public official as part of an organised group, passive influence peddling as part of an organised group, and money laundering.

Part of a wider investigation

The charges form part of a broader judicial investigation into active and passive influence peddling, the illegal taking of interests, active bribery of a national public official and passive bribery by a national public official – all allegedly committed as part of an organised group – as well as laundering the proceeds of an offence and criminal conspiracy.

It was in the same investigation that Didier Linotte, the former president of Monaco’s Supreme Court, the Tribunal Suprême, was charged in June 2025, as Monaco Life reported at the time.

The Esplanade des Pêcheurs

The investigation followed a complaint by Monaco property developer Patrice Pastor concerning the Esplanade des Pêcheurs, a major development planned for Port Hercule.

The project, led by Caroli Immo, did not proceed after the State withdrew from the agreement. Monaco’s Supreme Court subsequently found the State’s decision unlawful and, in 2020, ordered it to pay Caroli Immo €136.992 million plus capitalised statutory interest dating from 23rd February 2018.

Prince Albert II, acting in a personal capacity, and the Monegasque State later joined the criminal proceedings as civil parties.

‘Dossiers du Rocher’

The wider affair became public in 2021 through an anonymous website known as the Dossiers du Rocher, which accused four former figures close to Prince Albert II – including Lacoste and Linotte – of collusion.

Linotte became the first of those figures to be charged by the Monegasque authorities when he was placed under formal investigation in June 2025 for offences including organised unlawful taking of interests and passive bribery.

Reaction

According to the French news agency AFP, the Prince’s lawyer, Cyril Bonan, said those who had taken part in the alleged conduct — and against whom the courts considered there to be serious and corroborating evidence — would have to answer for their actions and could no longer pass themselves off as victims.

Lacoste’s lawyers, in a statement reported by AFP, called the indictment shameful, dismissing what they described as a jumble of unfounded accusations and arguing that the Monegasque justice system had, since 2023, been used to serve the powerful.

Meanwhile Pastor’s lawyers, Antoine Vey and Richard Malka, said the criminal charges confirmed the seriousness of the conduct their client had denounced for years, AFP reported.

Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok. 

Photo by Monaco Life

Prince Jacques handed the keys to Les Baux-de-Provence

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/09/2026

Prince Jacques, the 11-year-old heir to the Monegasque throne, was symbolically handed the keys to Les Baux-de-Provence on Friday, during a visit by the Princely Family to the French village that carries one of his hereditary titles.

The Prince was accompanied by his parents, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, and his twin sister, Princess Gabriella, for the public visit to Les Baux, a member of Monaco’s network of Grimaldi Historic Sites. The family was received by Anne Poniatowski, mayor of Les Baux-de-Provence and vice-president of the French association of Grimaldi Historic Sites, for an official ceremony held on the esplanade of the old château in the presence of local officials and residents.

A title dating to 1642

The visit celebrated a link stretching back nearly four centuries. Under the Treaty of Péronne, agreed between King Louis XIII and Prince Honoré II, which shifted Monaco from Spanish protectorate to French protection, the seigneury of Les Baux was raised to a marquisate in 1642 and granted to Hercule Grimaldi, son of the Monegasque sovereign.

The title of Marquis des Baux has since traditionally been borne by the heir to the Monegasque throne, and passed to Prince Jacques at his birth in 2014. In handing him the keys to the town, Les Baux repeated a gesture made in 1982 for his father — then hereditary prince — during a visit in the company of Princess Grace.

Photo credit: Michaël Alesi/Palais princier

An ‘ambassador of goodwill’

Addressing the gathering from the château esplanade, Prince Albert II presented his children to the village and reflected on 384 years of ties, recalling his own earlier visits in 1982, 1991 and 2012. “Princess Charlène and I are particularly moved to present to you today our son Jacques, whom I wished, at his birth, to link to your commune — as I myself was, by my father, in 1958 — and our daughter Gabriella,” he said, noting that Gabriella is herself connected to another French region, the Carladès in Auvergne.

The Prince was keen to stress that the title looks forwards rather than back. It was, he said, “in no way a matter of recalling, through the title of Marquis des Baux, a bygone age and regime, but of offering an ‘ambassador of goodwill’ who embodies roots and ensures continuity”.

A house for the princes at Les Baux

Prince Albert II also used the occasion to announce that Monaco is buying a property in the village. “I am very happy to announce today the ongoing acquisition, from your commune, of a house in the village: the house known as the Connétable de Montmorency house, on the edge of the old ramparts,” he said, adding that it would be restored under an ambitious project in the months to come.

He framed the purchase as an inheritance for his son. “This house will be his — that of the princes of Monaco at Les Baux — but also a symbol and a showcase for the whole French network of Grimaldi Historic Sites,” he said, describing it as a “new relay” in a family attachment he was passing to Prince Jacques.

Stained glass and a stamp

The Monegasque delegation also visited the church of Saint-Vincent, which houses contemporary stained-glass windows created in 1962 by the master glassmaker Max Ingrand, a gift from Prince Rainier III following the birth of his son, Albert.

To mark the visit, Monaco’s stamp office is issuing a postage stamp depicting one of the windows. The marquisate of Les Baux was also the subject of a Monegasque €2 commemorative coin in 2025.

Prince Albert II closed by pledging that the bond would endure. “We will always be — I assure you — Baussencs among the Baussencs,” he said, using the local name for the people of Les Baux.

Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok. 

Main photo credit: Michaël Alesi/Palais princier

 

Football: Monaco end turbulent week with spectacular PSG win

by: Luke Entwistle
05/09/2026
A smiling Idumbo is followed by his Monaco teammates as his side take the lead at the Parc des Princes

A turbulent week had a silver lining for AS Monaco, who, by beating reigning champions PSG (1-2) on Friday night, retain top spot in Ligue 1. 

Monaco made headlines for the wrong reasons in midweek. The Principality club were involved in two high-profile sagas on transfer deadline day. Both deals would fall through, with Lamine Camara not joining Chelsea and Folarin Balogun opting against making a big-money move to Everton. It was a complex situation for Les Monégasques to contend with. Desperate to keep Camara but needing to raise funds, Balogun’s exit was prioritised. That broke down late on Tuesday night, opening the door for Camara to move to Stamford Bridge. But when Balogun’s move to Everton was reignited at the final hour, that door was firmly closed once more for Camara, despite the midfielder asking Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro to facilitate a move.

Balogun’s move to Merseyside then also fell through in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with the USMNT international opting against the switch. Scuro would later explain that Balogun felt “uncomfortable” after doubts were raised by Everton during the medical. Both remain at the club. Speaking on Wednesday, Scuro batted away the perception that Monaco were the “bad guys in the room”. In any case, it is a suboptimal scenario for all parties and particularly Monaco, still needing to raise funds and cut the wage bill.

Camara “affected” but imperious against PSG

Camara, according to Filipe Luís, was “probably affected” by the saga. The Monaco manager added, however, that there was no question of the Senegal international missing Friday night’s trip to the Capital. “He needs to play. His head needs to be where he loves, on the pitch,” said the Brazilian.

If Camara wanted to refocus on on-pitch matters, then so did the rest of the club, and there was no better way to put a turbulent week behind them than by beating the reigning French and European champions; Camara, played a big part in Friday night’s success, imperious in the middle of the park once again. Monaco have become PSG’s bogey team, and on Friday, they became the first Ligue 1 team to beat PSG in three consecutive games since the arrival of the Parisian club’s QSI owners in 2011.

Motivation was high for Les Parisiens, playing in front of their fans for the first time this season and still in search of their first win in Ligue 1. They looked on course for it. Marquinhos’ chested finish was the difference between the two sides at the break. PSG had looked the better side in the first half and deservedly led a Ligue 1 match for the first time all season.

PSG “the best team in the world” – Luís

But, unlike in yesteryear, there is a vulnerability at the back, and it was exploited. The space came down Achraf Hakimi’s wing. First it was Nazinho who popped up at the back post, just before the hour mark, to head home his first goal since joining from partner club Cercle Brugge over the summer.

And it was down the same side that Stanis Idumbo created space in the box before finishing at Matvey Safonov’s near post. The Russian should have done better with the Belgian’s effort. The Principality club were made to cling on. PSG had the ball in the net in the dying stages, only for the close-range effort to be ruled out for offside, and Ousmane Dembélé, off the bench, went close twice in stoppage time. The Ballon d’Or winner’s second effort required a spectacular fingertip save from Lukas Hradecky.

Monaco clung on (1-2) to register their fifth win in five under Luís. Olympique de Marseille were posited as the first major test last weekend. Luís passed that one with flying colours; PSG, “the best team in the world”, in Luís’ words, was a much sterner challenge, especially given the context around the game. But at the end of a week that could so easily have derailed the positive momentum that Luís and his young squad were building, Monaco sit atop the tree in Ligue 1. There was plenty of noise around Monaco this week, but on Friday, they did their talking on the pitch.

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Photo credit: AS Monaco

Xiaoxin Yang claims Mediterranean Games silver in Taranto

by: Kayla Sauceda
04/09/2026

Xiaoxin Yang has successfully secured her third consecutive Mediterranean Games table tennis medal, claiming silver in Taranto after winning gold in Oran in 2022 and silver in Tarragona in 2018.

Throughout the tournament, Yang remained undefeated heading into the quarterfinals, where she overcame France’s Camille Lutz 4-1. The semifinal brought another 4-1 victory over Serbia’s Izabela Lupulesku to take her to the final. Despite winning the opening game 12-10, Egypt’s Hana Goda came back to win the next four games and claim the gold medal.

The result comes less than one year after Yang returned to competition following a maternity break. Although she was initially disappointed not to win gold, further reflection left her positive about the result and her progress. She shared, “It’s a good comeback and good progress. With two years to go until the Los Angeles Olympic Games, it’s a good sign.”

With this third consecutive medal added to her record, Yang’s Taranto performance marks another promising step in her return to competition. With Los Angeles 2028 approaching, the Monégasque table tennis player will look to build on this momentum and continue to progress over the next two years.

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Photo credit: Comité Olympique Monégasque

Rare Bond car and Prince Albert’s collection to headline Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Prestige

by: Cassandra Tanti
04/09/2026

A rare Toyota 2000GT associated with the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and a vehicle from Prince Albert II’s private collection will be among the highlights of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Prestige on 12th and 13th September.

The free two-day event will turn Place du Centenaire and the port into an open-air display of historic cars, rare models and competition vehicles.

Now in its 13th edition, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Prestige combines its temporary automotive museum, Prestige Patrimoine, with parades and a Concours d’Élégance.

Japanese motoring takes centre stage

Japan will be the focus of the 2026 edition, with displays devoted to road-going versions of successful rally cars and some of the country’s best-known coupés.

The centrepiece will be a Toyota 2000GT, one of the most celebrated Japanese sports cars of the 1960s. A specially adapted convertible version appeared alongside Sean Connery in the 1967 Bond film You Only Live Twice.

A separate Monaco pavilion will feature the car, while another dedicated space will present a vehicle from the private collection of Prince Albert II. Its identity is being kept under wraps until the event.

Single-seaters associated with major international races will be displayed in the motor sport pavilion. Visitors will also be able to watch upholsterers, coach-trimmers and vehicle restorers demonstrate the specialist skills involved in preserving historic cars.

Concours d’Élégance returns to the port

The weekend’s Concours d’Élégance will be reserved for selected coupés and convertibles, judged on their design, authenticity and historical interest.

Former Formula One driver and Monaco resident Thierry Boutsen will preside over the jury. The public can also vote for a favourite vehicle, with ballots available at the exhibition welcome desk.

Cars entered in the competition will parade along Quai Virgile Allari at 3.30pm on Saturday. The main concours will begin at 3pm on Sunday, followed by the presentation of trophies and the Public Prize at 4.40pm. A final parade around the port is scheduled for 5.30pm.

Free activities for children

The Prestige Kids Village at the Théâtre sur la Mer will include an inflatable circuit with electric cars for children aged five and over, remote-controlled miniature cars for those aged three and above, and creative workshops.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Prestige will run from 9.30am to 6pm on both days, with free admission to the displays, concours and activities.

Free shuttle buses will connect Le Cap with the village every 20 minutes, operating from 10am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. Visitors can also reach the event on bus line 15, using the Port de Saint-Jean stop.

Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok. 

Photo source: St Jean Cap Ferrat Prestige

 

 

Two decades of rhythm and elegance: The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival unveils its line-up for its 20th anniversary

by: Virginia D’Umas
04/09/2026

Marking its prestigious 20th anniversary this autumn, the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival returns to the legendary Salle Garnier of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo from 18th to 29th November. Under the inclusive concept of pure elegance, this special edition promises an immersive melodic journey bridging decades of jazz heritage and modern innovation.

Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and Managing Director of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), reflected on this significant anniversary during a press conference held at the Casino de Monte-Carlo on Thursday 3rd September.

He questioned whether the late Jean-René Palacio could have ever imagined such an adventure when he first conceived the event, while praising current SBM Artistic Director Alfonso Ciulla for brilliantly carrying the torch.

Youn Sun Nah. Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

A star-studded line-up bridges decades of tradition and innovation

Put together with an eclectic eye by Ciulla, the 20th-anniversary line-up will kick off on 18th November with a free opening show featuring young musicians from the Académie Rainier III.

The momentum will build on 20th November as South Korean vocalist Youn Sun Nah will bring 25 years of experience to the stage, followed by Grammy-winning superstar Gregory Porter.

Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival co-programmer, Reno Di Matteo, captured the feel of Porter’s participation, saying: “His performance is full of jazz, soul, and velour, promising to take audiences by the ears and guard them by the heart.”

Selah Sue & The Gallands. Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Melody Gardot, Tyreek McDole, and The Brand New Heavies to headline at the 20th anniversary festival

The festival energy will continue on 21st November when the Thanda Choir will make its international tour debut, followed by Melody Gardot, who filled eight shows at the Olympia in Paris last July and will present a career-spanning performance. “It is a true honour to welcome an artist of Melody Gardot’s caliber to our magnificent Opéra Garnier for a career-spanning performance featuring a personal curation of her greatest works,” said Di Matteo during the press conference.

Celebrating the link between jazz and film, 22nd November will bring a special screening of Otto Preminger’s 1955 classic The Man with the Golden Arm, starring Frank Sinatra, in partnership with the Institut audiovisuel de Monaco.

On 25th November, Haitian-American prodigy Tyreek McDole will share the schedule with Belgium’s Selah Sue and the father-and-son duo The Gallands, a special coup de cœur for Di Matteo. “The father on drums and the son on keyboards wanted to accompany and present something entirely new alongside Selah Sue,” he explained, adding: “They worked, produced, and wrote together, and the result is simply incredible.”

On 26th November, Gogo Penguin will present Necessary Fictions alongside Daudi Matsiko, followed by acid jazz pioneers The Brand New Heavies. Ciulla praised the legendary band, saying: “The Brand New Heavies bring pure groove, funk, and soul with energy that hasn’t aged a bit. They still serve up a spellbinding musical mix. Their gear is totally vintage—pure 1990s style—and they remain an extraordinary English band that completely defined that era.”

Marillion. Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Rock, pop, and grand finales

British rock pioneers Marillion will perform a unique date on 27th November, with Ciulla sharing that rock is not very far from jazz and reminding us that jazz is never a straight line. 

The final days will feature 19-year-old viral sensation Lila-May and Thomas Dutronc on 28th November, before closing on 29th November with the three-time Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir in their show JOY. 

“These are voices that are powerful, generous, and terribly human,” Ciulla concluded. 

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From left to right: Reno Di Matteo, Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival Co-programmer, and Alfonso Ciulla, Monte Carlo SBM Artistic Director. Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer