Posts Tagged ‘celebrities’

They’re Changing Dates At Monaco Palace…

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

If you’ve bought the new hat already for Prince Albert and Charlene’s wedding next year no need to worry, but if you’ve booked your Monaco hotel you will need to change the booking.

As Reuters report:

Prince Albert of Monaco, son of the late Hollywood star Grace Kelly, has brought forward his wedding with South African Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock by six days to avoid a clash with an International Olympic Committee meeting.

The couple will hold ceremonies in Monaco on July 2-3 next year, the prince’s palace said in a statement on Sunday.

“This is because a meeting of the International Olympic Committee is scheduled in Durban from 5 to 9 July and the couple wished for the presence of the Olympic family by their sides,” the palace said.

“The prince also wanted the princess’s first trip abroad to be to her homeland, South Africa.

The palace had said last month that the couple would hold a civil ceremony on July 8 followed by a religious marriage on July 9, in what is expected to be a star-studded event.

The last time Monaco celebrated a wedding of its ruling prince was in 1956, when Albert’s father Prince Rainier married Kelly.

For Monaco hotels visit monacoproperty.net/hotels

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Posted in Monaco, celebrities, celebrity, marriage, royals, royalty, wedding | No Comments »

Red Bull Flies At Monaco Grand Prix

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Monte Carlo CasinoThe Red Bull Racing Team lived up to its advertising slogan this year – Red Bull Gives You Wings – when their F1 team won the Monaco Grand Prix today – and came second as well.

Australian Mark Webber won his second straight race after winning last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix – and in both races he started from pole position, and is now leading the drivers’ championship on 78 points.

His Red Bull team mate, German Sebastian Vettel, made it a day to remember by coming second – and is equal on points with Webber in the driver’s points so far this year.

And the team is now building up a lead in the constructors championship – with a lead of over 20 points over closest rival Ferrari, with McLaren in third place just five points behind.

The race itself was packed with incidents around the streets of Monte Carlo, with the safety car making no less than four appearances, but nothing stopped the Monaco Grand Prix living up to its reputation as the most glamourous of the F1 calendar.

The third place on the podium was taken by Renault’s Robert Kubica, with the trophies being presented by Prince Albert and other members of the Monaco Royal Family.

For British fans it was a disappointing race, with 2008 winner Lewis Hamilton coming in fifth, and fellow McLaren driver and current World Champion Jensen Button who won last year’s race retiring as early as the third lap.

The television audience in the UK for F1 has soared this year, with the BBC winning back the rights to televise the races after ITV televised it for a few years – and ran advertisements during races, often missing vital moments, much to the frustration of their viewers.

The glamour of Monaco was there for all to see – with F1 cars speeding past the Monte Carlo casino and the harbour with it’s multi million Euro yachts, and celebrities in the pit lane and dotted around the Principality – and with the Cannes Film Festival just up the road some no doubt will be staying in Monte Carlo for a few days to come.

The final race positions for the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix were:

1   Mark Webber      1:50:13.355
2   Sebastian Vettel 1:50:13.803
3   R Kubica     1:50:15.030
4   F Massa     1:50:16.021
5   L Hamilton     1:50:17.718
6  M Schumacher     1:50:19.067
7  F Alonso     1:50:19.696
8  N Rosberg     1:50:20.006
9  A Sutil      1:50:20.325
10  V Liuzzi     1:50:20.660

More information about Monaco is available with monacoproperty.net including Monaco property for sale and for those interested in the Principality’s tax haven status details of the banks in Monaco

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Posted in Monaco, Monte Carlo, autos, cars, celebrities, f1, grand prix, royals, royalty, sport, sports | 1 Comment »

Monaco Ready For 2010

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Casino Square Gardens

Some European tourist locations are viewing 2010 with apprehension as consumers keep an eye on the economy, but for Monaco it’s a year to look forward to. 

Monaco, known for her jet set lifestyle, has had a measured approach to the turmoil in the world economy over the last couple of years. While not immune to what’s going on, the principality is certainly resilient. On the tourist front for example there was an increase in attendance this year for the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters tennis tournament. The increase in attendance comes when many sporting venues globally are experiencing drops in attendance. 

Monaco’s measured approach is in the form of businesses offering additional amenities to traditional products and services. The worst thing Monaco could do is appear as  ‘Monaco on Sale.’ No big price reductions are happening in Monaco. This would take away from the unique character of the region. It would be akin to a French Riviera restaurant of exquisite cuisine offering fast food as a takeaway.

Monaco still means tourists paying significant euros to enjoy splendour. It still has an air of affluence and aura of extravagance. While many tourist regions are seeing fewer middle class holidaymakers, Monaco still has the rich, and even the somewhat well to do whom they can count on.

 This doesn’t mean they’re taking things for granted though. To remain competitive, Monaco businesses still promote premium service and famous events to keep the cash rolling in. Their selling point is world class events in a luxurious setting that one should experience at least once.

A prime example is the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. Every May, ultra-sophisticated Grand Prix racecars zip through, around, and up and down the byways of Monaco. Celebrities, including Hollywood stars, supermodels and sports figures attend the Monaco Grand Prix, often popping down for a couple of days from the nearby Cannes Film Festival.

Formula 1 cars speed along the stunning Monaco harbour area and through the tunnel as part of the course. Global television audiences see before them the quaint principality and its impressive Monte Carlo casino.

As the rich and famous cavort, holidaymakers around the globe get a sense of the special character of Monaco. This results in those vital tourist euros pouring into Monaco each year.

Essentially, this luxurious aura is what helps Monaco weather tough economic times. Many tourist regions are cookie-cutter examples of other tourist areas. Think of some tropical locales that offer beaches and oceanfront. Then think of a host of others that offer the same thing.

Located between the South of France and Italy, Monaco is different. Monaco has its fine architecture and rich House of Grimaldi royal tradition. People know the story of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco.

The Principality  is a constitutional monarchy. Prince Albert II is the head of state, the Sovereign Prince. He is the son of the late Prince Rainier III. The executive branch consists of a Minister of State. This individual oversees a four-member Council of Government.

In this regal setting reside top businessmen and women, movie stars, F1 drivers and other famous people. Of course, Monaco has a reputation for her tax haven status and most banks ensure they are represented at one of the Monaco banks.

Rich with history, Monaco, in addition to the Monte Carlo casino has the Place du Palais. This attraction offers a splendid panoramic view overlooking the Port and Monte Carlo. Every day in front of the palace’s main entrance, visitors can watch the grand changing of the guard ceremony.

Another fine attraction in Monaco is the Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium. Inaugurated in 1910 by its founder, Prince Albert I, this facility took 11 years to build. Monaco also boasts its Monte Carlo Opera, Monte Carlo Ballet and The Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, Monaco is home to AS Monaco, its soccer team that plays in the French Soccer League.

It should be enough to ensure Monaco does well in 2010.

More details about Monaco can be followed at twitter and other social media

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Posted in Monaco, Monte Carlo, celebrities, celebrity, economy, f1, finance, grand prix, money, sport, sports, tax, tax haven, travel | 4 Comments »

Monaco Leads Campaign To Save The Bluefin Tuna

Thursday, September 10th, 2009
Princess Grace Rose Garden Monaco
Princess Grace Rose Garden Monaco

  

Led by Prince Albert who is well known for his campaigns for the environment, Monaco is the first country to take a stand for the bluefin tuna, leading the world as an advocate for the endangered fish.

 

The Northern bluefin tuna, sometimes referred to as the Atlantic bluefin tuna, is one of several bluefin tuna species. Recent media attention has also been generated by celebrities such as Elle MacPherson, Sting and Charlize Theron and others.

 

These celebrities have chosen to fight by putting pressure on another celebrity, Robert DeNiro. DeNiro is part owner of the acclaimed Japanese restaurant chain Nobu. The restaurant has long featured bluefin tuna on its famous menu at its eateries worldwide.

 

The Northern bluefin tuna is found throughout the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.

 

It is the high demand for bluefin tuna that has largely given rise to its cultivation off the Japanese coast. The fish is a popular sushi ingredient. Japan is one of the largest consumers of bluefin tuna.

 

Its trendiness has made it a prime target for commercial fisheries. Unfortunately, its popularity has led to extreme overfishing. Stocks are depleting at an alarming rate.

 

Other factors have compounded the problem. Not only is the bluefin tuna being overfished, individual fish are being removed before full maturity. The result is that fewer of the species are able to reach the breeding stage, so fewer are reproducing.

 

Nobu is not the only restaurant serving the endangered fish. It’s served in Japanese restaurants all over the world.

 

Other governments and the EU are eyeing the Monaco ban with great interest, particularly in Europe. It remains to be seen what effect this boycott will have, both on Monaco’s economy and the bluefin tuna stock.

 

Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount against the Nobu restaurant chain. The trendy chain has been singled out because of its immense popularity. It has also been targeted for its famous owner and well-known chef.

 

Celebrities from hope to use their influence to persuade the restaurant chain to remove bluefin tuna from its menus. A widely circulated petition has been signed by hundreds of celebrities and other influential people. A group of celebrities even mounted an awareness ad campaign in which they posed nude.

 

DeNiro’s restaurant chain, to date, continues to serve the disappearing fish. However, it has relented somewhat; its menus now note that the bluefin tuna is in danger of being wiped out. Advocates for the fish say that this is a step in the right direction. Still, they criticise it as little more than a half hearted cop out.

 

Monaco hotels and restaurants no longer offer bluefin tuna.

 

A recently released movie, ‘The End of the Line,’ seeks to draw even more attention to endangered fish. It has been called ‘The Inconvenient Truth’ of the fishing and seafood sales and distribution industry. It showcases a number of fish species in danger of disappearing due to consumer demand and overfishing.

 

It’s likely that attention to the plight of this fish will continue to play out. Groups such as the World Wildlife Federation and Greenpeace are also fighting for the bluefin tuna. They, and others, are congratulating Monaco for her tough stand.

 

More details about Monaco including the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo casino are available at monacoproperty.net while more articles about the environment are available on internet sites such as Greenpeace.

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Posted in Monaco, Monte Carlo, celebrities, celebrity, environment, royals, royalty | 5 Comments »

Could Tuesday Be Royal Wedding Announcement Day?

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

Prince Albert returns to Monaco this week, and according to our source at the palace the long awaited announcement of his and Charlene Wittstock’s engagement will be made imminently – perhaps even in the week ahead.

Tuesday January 27 2009 is St. Devote day – St. Devote day is the patron saint of the Grimaldi family…

There’s been some unrest among some Monaco citizens after the abandonment (although officially it’s been termed postponement to try and soften the blow) of the island that was to be built off Monte Carlo, with some suggestions that if Prince Albert put Monaco’s needs ahead of his environment campaigns the costs wouldn’t have been as high, and the island would have gone ahead…

Shortly after the announcement Prince Albert left Monaco for a few weeks in Antarctica, and finished there this last week.

Our source tells us that the palace has been stung by some of the criticisms they have heard privately, and that some people have commented that it wouldn’t have happened while Prince Albert’s father was Sovereign.

And while they can’t do a lot about the island, they can urge Prince Albert to stop people getting fed up with the ‘will he, won’t he’ saga of marrying Charlene – hence the news from our source to stand by for an official announcement from the palace in the coming week or two.

The date for the wedding? June is a possibility once the Grand Prix run around the streets of Monte Carlo and Casino Square is out of the way, but September and early October dates are being looked at more favourably, possibly the weekend after the Monaco Yacht Show.

Could there be a Monaco royal wedding announcement this week - at last? Here's a photo of Monaco Cathedral where the wedding would be held to remind Prince Albert what it looks like...

Could there be a royal wedding announcement this week? Here's a photo of Monaco Cathedral where the wedding will be held to remind Prince Albert what it looks like...

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Posted in Monaco, Monte Carlo, celebrities, celebrity, environment, gossip, marriage, royals, royalty, tax, tax haven, wedding | No Comments »

Prince Albert Goes Round A Different Pole

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

Prince Albert’s trip to Antarctica was planned some while ago, but the timing has been unfortunate.

Prince Albert left Monaco shortly after the announcement that the new land extension – Princess Grace Island – had been abandoned, to the fury of some ordinary Monégasques who felt they had been strung along to believe new housing for them would be incorporated in the plans. The rumblings on the streets of Monte Carlo were that the plans to build the island might have been too expensive because of Prince Albert’s obsession with the environment, and the island having to be seen to be environmentally friendly - it allegedly might not have happened if his father was still in charge…

Some scientists claim Antarctica appears to be melting – and Prince Albert is doing his part to try and stop it.

It’s another attempt in Albert’s campaign to raise awareness about the impact of global warming. Antarctica is primarily composed of ice. Ninety eight percent of the continent is frozen. The fact that 70 percent of the entire world’s fresh water stores lie frozen within that ice covering has scientists worried. A major meltdown could lead to a rise of 60 metres in sea levels and a severe loss of fresh water.

Prince Albert took up the cause of global warming when he became Monaco’s sovereign in 2005. One of his first official appointments in defence of the environment was as UN International Patron of the Year of the Dolphin in 2007. He represented the voice of the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species, which declared 2007 as the year to highlight the plight of the dolphin.

Dolphins are an important part of the marine ecosystem. The eradication of the dolphin is likely to lead to the eradication of numerous other marine species. The implications could be catastrophic. Prince Albert launched the Year of the Dolphin with a promise to ‘renew [his] firm commitment towards biodiversity.’

Prince Albert left Monaco in early January to witness first hand the complications of global warming. He plans to visit a total of 26 scientific outposts during his month long visit. Consultation with climate change experts from 18 different countries is also on his agenda. Scientists hope that the prince will use his influence to help bring about change and preservation in Antarctica, seriously overestimating just how much influence Prince Albert has outside of Monaco.

The world’s coldest continent is home to just a small handful of humans. Most are scientists and researchers studying everything from geology, to biology, to climate and weather. Up to 5,000 researchers staff Antarctica’s outposts and research centers, depending on the season. Prince Albert’s visit will undoubtedly be a welcome and warm visit in the frigid region.

The most important residents of the continent are its unique flora and fauna, along with its oxygen-breathing species like seals and penguins. Should a major meltdown occur in Antarctica, the results could be catastrophic for such species.

Monaco became the 47th signatory of the Antarctic Treaty in May of 2008. The Antarctic Treaty is an agreement between nations to protect the interests of Antarctica, the world’s only continent with no native human population.

Prince Albert undertook a similar expedition in 2006 when he left Monaco and Monte Carlo’s Casino Square to visit the North Pole. His visit to Antarctica appears to be further evidence of his commitment to the environment.

Prince Albert will no doubt continue on his quest to curb global warming. Royal watchers and environmentalists continue to carefully monitor his influence and speculate where he might turn up next on his campaign trail to save the world.

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Posted in Monaco, Monte Carlo, environment, travel | 1 Comment »