Formula One in Monaco

Yesterday the 68th Formula 1 Grand Prix was held in Monaco following a football match and fashion show as part of the festivities. It was a family affair the day of the race with Prince Albert II, Andrea, Pierre and Charlotte Casiraghi taking part and honoring the winners. The Sovereign Prince was treated to an opening lap before the race with Gildo Pastor Pallanca, Chairman of Fetish Venturi. After finishing his trip around the course the Prince greeted the racers and they took their places for the start of the race.

Winners were given their awards by the Casiraghi trio, the luckiest winner being given his trophy by Charlotte. Sebastian Vettel of Germany came in second place but it was Mark Webber of Australia in the Red Bull car that won the day and was congratulated by the Sovereign Prince, along with the rest, with Andrea, Pierre and Charlotte alongside. Taking third place was Renault driver Robert Kubica of Poland. Princess Stephanie, who attended the charity football match her son played in, did not attend, which is not unusual, but many were disappointed by the absence of Princess Caroline for the second year in a row. Though, again, this should not come as a surprise given the rather full plate Caroline has had of late.

In the evening a gala dinner was held to celebrate the race with all of the glitz and glamour one expects from the Principality of Monaco. Prince Albert II naturally attended, alongside his girlfriend Charlene Wittstock. Andrea and Charlotte were absent (though Andrea's girlfriend Tatiana Santo Domingo did attend the fashion show earlier in the 4-day festivities) but Pierre Casiraghi and his stunning girlfriend Beatrice Borromeo were on hand for the event.

A little history; the first major race held in Monaco, the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, was held in 1929, organized by Anthony Noghes (future father-in-law of Princess Antoinette) and his Automobile Club of Monaco, supported by Prince Louis II who wanted to attract sporting events and a more diverse tourist industry to the principality.