Princess Charlene has tested positive for Covid-19 after “showing a few symptoms”, the Palace has said in a press release, forcing her to miss out on her Foundation’s Riviera Water Bike Challenge on Sunday.
According to the Palace, Princess Charlene’s health “does not present any concern”, however, in compliance with Covid rules, the wife of Prince Albert must isolate for a few days after testing positive.
It meant that the mother of two was unable to attend the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation’s biggest sporting charity event of the year, the Riviera Water Bike Challenge, on Sunday. In her place, Prince Albert and twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella were at the Monaco Yacht Club to cheer home the competitors (see our upcoming article).
The last official public engagement for the Princess was on Sunday 29th May during the Monaco Grand Prix.
Photo by Claudia G. Albuquerque
Skip the Use to headline busy Fête de la Musique schedule
Fête de la Musique is returning later this month to celebrate the first official day of summer with an evening of music, dance and serious fun. Here’s what you can expect.
After two years of dreary pandemic, the world can use a bit more music and it will find it at this year’s Fête de la Musique being held throughout Monaco on 21st June.
During the day, starting from 10am in the Condamine, music will fill the air with a concert by Dixeland jazz group Golden Jazz Band on Rue Princesse Caroline. Next up, on Place des Moulins, are pop rockers Princesse de Nuit, followed by Reds at 3pm in the Condamine on Place Gastaud, comprised of players from Monaco’s fire brigade who will be performing a rock and pop playlist.
From 5pm, there are several choices, including ‘The Where’ and ‘Dedicate’ in Fontvieille on Place du Canton and a concert by the Wind Ensemble of the Rainier III Academy, under the direction of Ludovic Tallarico, on Place Gastaud, while the band Highwood will be performing at Apero Pizza on Allee Lazare Sauvigo in the Condamine.
This celebration of summer will feature many artists playing around the Principality throughout the day, culminating in an 8:30pm concert on the Quai Albert 1er with the Lille-based rock group Skip the Use, who will play songs from their new album ‘Human Disorder’. Performed exclusively in English, this new album is described as “intense and paradoxical”.
The opener will be with the DJ Afroman Radio, who will take the public on a journey through a universe of funk, deep house, break beat and soul.
AS Monaco Basketball “learnt their lessons” from their poor start in the quarter-final against Strasbourg, as they dominated from start to finish against Pau-Lacq-Orthez (94-65) on Thursday.
The Roca Team’s Yakuba Outtara told Monaco Life after their overtime victory against Strasbourg that in order to avoid falling into the same trap as they did in their quarter-final tie, they had “to impose their rhythm on the game”.
There can be no doubt that they did that from the offset. Pau didn’t spend one second of the match in the lead, as they failed to match the intensity and precision of their adversary. Although Pau undoubtedly came into the tie as the underdog, Monaco must be wary. The side have already pulled off the shock of the season, beating first-place finishers Boulogne-Levallois 2-0 in their quarter-final tie.
But unlike against Strasbourg, Monaco approached the game with a better attitude and their will and desire was evident during a first-quarter in which the tone was set, as everyone chipped in with their own point contribution.
Often relying on big moments from big players, this was instead a side where the collective triumphed. Outtara, whose contract situation beyond the end of the season is very unclear, backed up his man-of-the-match performance against Strasbourg with another convincing display.
It was thanks to his efforts, and the efforts of his team-mates, that this was a match in which there was never any peril. That will serve them well. Decreasing the levels of mental and physical exhaustion was an important part of the task with the second-leg coming up on Saturday.
Donta Hall and Mike James were pulling off their respective signature moves, the return of the former was particularly welcome as his dunks punctuated the tie with moments that got the fans on their feet.
At a canter, the match finished 94-65, as Monaco won each quarter on their way to a rout, which not only puts them 1-0 up in the series, but will likely deal a psychological blow to their opponents.
Post-match, coach Sasa Obradovic said, “It was a very good match on our part. Everyone put in the performance that they had to and I hope my players will be equally as serious in the next match.”
Outtara added, “We were serious from start to finish. We have learnt lessons from the last match against Strasbourg. We mustn’t ease up; we need to quickly turn the page for this second match in two days’ time. There will be a reaction from them on Saturday that’s for sure, and they’ll play harder.”
Although the tie has got off to a dream start for the Roca Team, maintaining that focus and intensity will be key in a series that is yet young.
Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball
Gareth Wittstock: “There will be plenty of competitive spirit on the day”
This Sunday, athletes and celebrities will race in teams across the port of Monaco on water bikes. Gareth Wittstock, Secretary General of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, tells us more about this exciting fundraising event, and how the public can get involved.
After weeks of training, 10 athletes and two celebrities will form teams of five on Sunday 5th June for the Foundation’s biggest sporting event of the year. The line-up in 2022 is unprecedented, with everyone from former F1 driver Mika Häkkinen, to footballer Cesc Fabregas, MMA fighter Sofiane Boukichou, and model Victoria Silvstedt battling it out over a 25 kilometres relay course in the port, before racing to the finish line at the Yacht Club of Monaco.
And this year the public are invited to come and cheer on their favourite team from the Solarium – Digue Rainier III at the YCM.
Monaco Life: Where did the idea for the Riviera Water Bike Challenge come from?
Gareth Wittstock: This was originally HSH Princess Charlene’s idea: to create a sports event that would raise funds for the Foundation and raise awareness of what the Foundation does internationally. We saw the water bikes as a new way to bring people together for a fun and competitive challenge around the Foundation’s values. To use water sports for this cause felt relevant, as drowning prevention and water safety are the main themes of the educational projects supported by the Foundation.
It has changed format a few times over the years, will this relay in the port of Monaco be the permanent format?
The concept was to gather sports celebrities in Monaco for an original challenge that combines solidarity and competitive spirit. Having a large number of participants is great, as it helps us scale our impact and communication. This was the initial format of the Riviera Water Bike Challenge: in 2017, the participants raced from Nice to Monaco and in 2018 they raced in relay in the Port of Monaco, with more or less the same course as this year. It was only in 2020 that, due to the pandemic, we could not bring together many competitors like we had done the previous years, and we decided to go through with an old idea: crossing the Mediterranean on water bikes, from Calvi to Monaco!
You have a diverse array of participants – mostly athletes, from bodybuilder Ulisses Jr, to 16-year-old BMX rider Kayden Keyser, and then model Victoria Silvstedt and singer Terence James. You must be thrilled with the line-up. Why do you think so many were keen to support the Princess Charlene Foundation?
The celebrities are a big part of the Water Bike Challenge’s conviviality, and we are truly thankful to them for answering favourably to participate this year. We know that it is a very busy season, but these celebrities are all convinced by what the Foundation does and by the projects supported by our fundraising. Also, I do believe that the water bikes offer the promise of a unique sports event in Monaco.
Would you agree that there’s going to be some competitive spirit on the day?
Yes, most definitely. We know that Sunday will be about friendship and sharing throughout the day, but once the athletes are on the water bikes they will forget about that and focus on one thing: winning. I know some of them who do not take kindly to losing!
Teams competing in the 2018 RWBC by Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace
The forecast is for 26°C, so it will be a scorcher of a day. How do you think that will impact the relay?
The weather can be unpredictable, but we’ll be happy if it’s a sunny day. Of course, the heat makes it harder on the nerves and the relay strategy will need to be adapted accordingly by each team. The organising team, the volunteers as well as our partners will be there to make sure that all the participants always stay hydrated and energised.
You raced in the previous bike challenge from Corsica to Monaco. What are some of the challenges that the riders will be facing this year?
The Crossing: Calvi – Monaco Water Bike Challenge was an amazing journey, and we were joined by a wonderful team. My sister HSH Princess Charlene was really dedicated to this challenge, and we did it through gruelling conditions. The water bike feels different in open seas, and when we left Calvi there was a lot of swell and waves. The swell is what makes riding a water bike very difficult anywhere, as it is not as stable as you would like and it increases the resistance on the propeller. Hopefully, the sea will be calmer on Sunday in Monaco.
How much has the charity event raised to date and where have the funds been directed to?
Both the 2017 and 2018 editions of the Riviera Water Bike Challenge raised funds for the multi-purpose training centre in Loumbila, Burkina Faso. This project was co-funded with the Government of Monaco and the Red Cross, and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation still finances aquatic rescue and swimming lessons in the pool that was built there. It was a massive success, as more than 1.2 million euros were raised in total. In 2020, we raised more than 600.000 euros for different drowning prevention projects through an online donation page, as our supporters were following the Crossing live.
Where will the money raised from this year go and why?
This year, we support a new project: ‘Swim for Safety’ in Sri Lanka, to teach swimming and water safety to disadvantaged children. Drowning is a major health issue in that country, and they will host the next World Conference on Drowning Prevention in 2023. We chose to highlight this project because there is a real need and an impact behind the help that we bring to these communities, and it symbolises the reach of the Foundation worldwide.
In addition to watching the relay, how can people get involved this year?
There are two ways that people can get involved this year, whether present physically or not. They can watch the race and have access to the ranking online through the tracking app that we put in place, as each water bike will be equipped with a GPS device (www.fpcm.mc/live). Additionally, leading up to the race, they can vote for their favourite team while supporting the Foundation and the ‘Swim for Safety’ project, by donating through our page (www.fpcm.mc/donate). The team with the most donations in the end will receive a special award!
This year’s amfAR Gala Cannes was back in full force after a rollercoaster two years of pandemic uncertainty and travel restrictions, raising €18 million for amfAR’s HIV/AIDS programs and honouring Robert DeNiro in the process.
Celebrities, philanthropists and the “who’s who” of the global jetset came out to support amfAR’s 28th edition of the gala at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, alongside guest of honour Robert DeNiro, on Thursday 26th May.
Ricky Martin opened the evening with a firecracker of a hip-shaking performance, Charli XCX kept the energy high between auction lots with three of her latest hits, Christina Aguilera gave a second wind of energy to close the night, warming up the guests for the after-party that followed.
Legendary auctioneer Simon de Pury led the bidding wars between guests as they battled it out for high-priced items and priceless experiences. AmfAR’s Global Fundraising Chairman Milutin Gatsby supported de Pury’s auction efforts.
CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 26: (L to R) Alejandro Nones, Eva Longoria, Edgar Ramirez and Naomi Campbell attend the amfAR Cannes Gala 2022 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 26, 2022 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Gisela Schober/Getty Images for amfAR)
Guests who came out to support amfAR included Robert DeNiro, who helped raise €700,000 in the auction with a donation of his father’s artwork and a private lunch with the winning bidder, as well as Baz Luhrmann, Carine Roitfeld, Caroline Scheufele, Cynthia Erivo, Eva Longoria, Ever Anderson, Julian Lennon, Kate Hudson, LaKeith Stanfield, Laura Linney, Lauren Remington Platt, Michelle Rodriguez, Michelle Williams, Michelle Yeoh, Milla Jovovich, Mohammed Al-Turki, Rita Wilson, Sam Bankman-Fried, Tom Hanks, Vanessa Hudgens, amfAR Board Co-Chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy, amfAR Trustee Vin Roberti and amfAR Global Fundraising Chair Milutin Gatsby.
CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 26: Christina Aguilera performs on stage during the amfAR Cannes Gala 2022 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 26, 2022 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/amfAR/Getty Images for amfAR)
Also in attendance were Casey Affleck, Tommy Hilfiger, Edgar Ramirez, Alex Pettyfer, Alton Mason, Bianca Brandolini, Boris Kodjoe, Candice Swanepoel, Cara Delevingne, Charlotte McKinney, Claire Foy, Ciara, Cindy Bruna, Charli D’Amelio, Charlbi Dean, Coco Rocha, Dee Hilfiger, Dylan Brosnan, Diplo, Elizabeth Sulcer, Elsa Hosk, Georgia Fowler, Heart Evangelista, Indya Moore, Isabeli Fontana, Jessica Wang, Jourdan Dunn, Julian Lennon, Kat Graham, Kevin Dillon, Kristina Romanova, Lena Situations, Leonie Hanne, Liza Koshy, Lorena Rae, Luna Bijl, Marianne Fonseca, Matteo Bocelli, Milutin Gatsby, Naomi Campbell, Natasha Bassett, Nicole Parker, Nina Dobrev, Olivia Culpo, Paul Anderson, Pom Klementieff, Sabrina Carpenter, Sabrina Elba, Shalom Harlow, Shaun White, Stella Maxwell, Victoria Barbara, Winnie Harlow, and Zoey Deutch.
Carine Roitfeld curated and produced the evening’s fashion show, presented by Co-Chairs Milla Jovovich and Eva Longoria, which later sold in its entirety for €800,000. Participating designers included Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Gucci, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Fendi, Tom Ford, Jacquemus, Valentino, Giambattista Valli, Armani, Alaïa, Versace, Monot, Nensi Dojaka, Dior and more.
CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 26: Models walk the runway in the fashion show during the amfAR Cannes Gala 2022 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 26, 2022 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Gisela Schober/Getty Images for amfAR)
The models in the fashion show included Jodeci, Xu Meen, Jordan Barrett, Joshua Seth, Paul Hameline, Braien Vaiksaar, Sara Sampaio, Blesnya Minher, Faretta, Madison Headrick, Valery Kaufman, Noemie Lenoire, Shayna McNeill, Ines Rau, Candice Huffine, Ashley Graham, Cindy Bruna, Mao Xiaoxing, Evelina Lauren, Claire Delozier, Hiandra Martinez, Luna Bijl, Ajok Madel, Denise Ascuet, Daphne Groeneveld, Isabeli Fontana, Stella Duval, Issa Lish, Akon Changkou, Bente Oort, Lineisy Montero, Shanina Shaik and more.
Presenting Sponsors were FTX as the official cryptocurrency partner of the gala, and Red Sea International Film Festival. Signature sponsors included Chopard, which donated a unique pair of diamond earrings from the red-carpet collection to the live auction, and Jelenew, which worked with fashion designer Stéphane Rolland to create a custom dress that was included in the fashion show.
Charlotte Tilbury served as the official beauty partner, providing skincare and make-up products and professional make-up artists for the fashion show. Revolve, in association with The h.wood Group, was amfAR’s after party host. The amfAR Gala Cannes was produced by Andy Boose/AAB Productions.
Over the years, amfAR Gala Cannes has raised a cumulative total of more than €245 million for amfAR’s lifesaving AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy.
Click on the gallery below to see more pictures from the amfAR Gala Cannes (Photos by Gisela Schober/Getty Images for amfAR)…
Top photo: Simon de Pury and Robert De Niro speak on stage during the amfAR Cannes Gala 2022 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 26, 2022 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by John Phillips/amfAR/Getty Images for amfAR)
Katie Lister is a global luxury brand consultant and marketing executive, and a contributing writer for Monaco Life.
Why a cloud of uncertainty lingers over the Monaco Grand Prix
This year’s Monaco Grand Prix drew record attendance and was one of the most exciting races around the streets of the Principality in recent years, but the “mythic” race faces an uncertain future.
Speaking to local media including Monaco Life before the Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc said, “For me, it’s impossible that there isn’t a Monaco Grand Prix. There are lots of tracks that are mythic in Formula 1 and Monaco is certainly one of them. For F1 it is just as important to keep Monaco as it is for Monaco to keep F1.”
Prior to the race, the Automobile Club of Monaco (ACM) also sought to dampen talk of the unthinkable – of Monaco losing its spot on the Formula 1 calendar from 2023.
The organisation’s president, Michel Boeri, sought to assuage fears that the Monaco Grand Prix would be axed from the calendar. “I want to mention what we may have read in the press… it was implied that the prices demanded by Liberty Media were too excessive for Monaco and that the Grand Prix would be no more,” he began.
“It is false… I can guarantee you that the Grand Prix will keep taking place beyond 2022. I don’t know if it will be a three or a five-year contract, but that’s just a detail.”
Yet rumours and doubts persist. Lelcerc speaks of an interdependence between Monaco and Formula 1, but new owners Liberty Media, who perhaps aren’t the safest custodians of tradition, seem prepared to cut ties with the iconic race.
No contract for 2023 and beyond has yet been signed, and according to the BBC’s Andrew Benson, it isn’t a matter of “detail”, as Boeri has previously stated.
The sticking points over a renewal aren’t innumerate, but nor are they so insignificant as to simply brush aside. The opaque, stormy clouds that clung to the cliffs of Monaco during Sunday’s race are a perfect metaphor for the uncertain future of the iconic race.
Benson says that Liberty Media are “growing tired of a number of aspects of the race”. Although money is an issue, as is often the case with staging a Grand Prix, this is not the crux of the crisis. Principal amongst the issues is the matter of coverage. Monaco is the only race on the calendar that is broadcast by its local television company rather than by F1’s own TV station, and for a while now, F1 believes that this has led to “a quality gap” which they are “no longer willing to accept”.
Photo credit Claudia G. Albuquerque
There is also the issue of track advertising. In Monaco, F1’s corporate sponsors are supplemented by locally made deals, leading to some “glaring exceptions”.
The track is also an issue, but it needn’t be so. F1 believes that some simple changes could be made, for example at the chicane at the harbour-front chicane, or by simply widening a few corners. Benson claims that the ACM is “reluctant to entertain the idea”.
Overall, this paints a picture of Monaco being unwilling to accept outside ideas, and with the expansion of Formula 1 globally, especially in the USA where they just staged the Miami Grand Prix and will stage the Las Vegas Grand Prix from 2023, the owners are “emboldened”. Liberty Media doesn’t feel compelled to accept deals that quite simply don’t suit them, their objectives, or their vision for the sport.
That boldness could see other traditional races losing their spot on the calendar. The largest worry amongst F1 fans is the disappearance of the Belgium GP at Spa-Francorchamps, which has been rumoured to be dropped from 2023, whilst the French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard also looks set to be dropped from the calendar.
There is a growing feeling that in order to survive, Monaco must adapt. As Monaco resident and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff said after Saturday’s qualifying session, “Monaco has to embrace the new realities of what the sport stands for today.”
One can only hope that that message hits home in time in order to save the Grand Prix that means so much to Monaco, to Formula 1 and to fans globally.
See more photos from the Grand Prix Below, courtesy Claudia G. Albuquerque…
Top photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Press Office
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