Prince Albert II has paid tribute to his long-time friend and Monaco devotee Flavio Briatore at the Monaco Ambassadors Club’s annual gala, a dazzling evening dedicated to the man who calls the Principality “the best place to live in the world”.
The Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris was awash with glamour, music and heartfelt tributes on 4th April as the Monaco Ambassadors Club celebrated Flavio Briatore, the 2025 recipient of the Goodwill Ambassador Award. With the theme ‘It’s Good to Be Flavio’, the night was a grand tribute to a man who has not only helped shape Monaco’s vibrant business and hospitality scene but who has also shown unwavering love and loyalty to the Principality.
Leading the celebration was Prince Albert II, who took to the stage as Honorary President of the Monaco Ambassadors Club to personally present the award to his close friend.
“We are here to celebrate this wonderful man, Flavio Briatore, who has been a great friend of the Principality for many years,” said the Prince. “He has been so active in Monaco, setting up great business, entertainment entities, and we thank you so much for that – for bringing people together in the Principality. So it is with great pleasure that we present this award to you.”
The moment was lightened by the Prince’s good-natured humour as he added with a grin, “Flavio has agreed to be Monaco’s Ambassador to the Heard and McDonald Islands,” referencing a humorous error from the Trump administration, when tariffs were mistakenly applied to the remote, uninhabited Australian territory. The inside joke drew warm laughter from the room.
Briatore, aged 74, was visibly moved and delivering a rare emotional speech. “I want to thank Prince Albert, whom I have known since 1993. Thank you for choosing me as the Goodwill Ambassador – it is an honour for me, and very emotional as well,” he said.
“I am not usually emotional, but tonight I am. Monaco is my hometown. My son was born in Monaco, and I am very proud to live here. For me, it is the best place to live in the world. In Formula One, for 20 years we went to every country and saw it from every angle, and I have never seen any place like Monaco. It is safe, clean, the weather is good – it is a paradise. And thank you, Prince Albert, for making it like that for us.”
Briatore’s remarkable career spans the worlds of Formula One, luxury hospitality and global entrepreneurship, making him one of Monaco’s most influential residents. After securing seven world championships with Benetton and Renault, he transitioned into the hospitality sector, founding the Billionaire Society and Majestas Group, and bringing world-renowned venues like Cipriani, Cova, Billionaire and Twiga to the Principality.
Today, he serves as head of the BWT Alpine F1 Team and is leading the international expansion of his fast-growing Crazy Pizza brand.
The Goodwill Ambassador Gala, which began with cocktails on the Hôtel de Paris terrace overlooking the iconic Casino Square, was also an occasion for exciting announcements. Co-President Christian Moore revealed a new collaboration with the children’s charity Les Enfants de Frankie, the establishment of Marius as the new club house and the launch of the Young Ambassadors Club to bring fresh energy into the fold.
Co-President Filippo Ghirelli stirred laughter and applause with his declaration that “MAC makes Monaco greater again”.
A live auction led by renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury raised significant funds for Les Enfants de Frankie, with coveted items including a 1967 Vespa signed by Prince Albert II and Briatore, a limited edition IWC Big Pilot’s Watch from the Prince’s own collection and a Kenyan getaway donated by Briatore.
Guests enjoyed live music from Alessandro Ristori and The Portofinos, along with beats from DJ Francis, as the evening unfolded into a glamourous celebration of friendship, philanthropy and the man of the hour.
The evening was made possible with the support of valued sponsors, including CFM Indosuez, a long-time corporate member led by CEO Mathieu Ferragut; Infracorp, represented by MAC Co-President Filippo Ghirelli; and Anour Chocolat, the artisanal brand created by Nour Malas, whose beautifully crafted chocolates offered a final note of elegance to an already memorable night.
Monaco Life was there! See more in our video below…
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All photos courtesy Monaco Ambassadors Club