Prince Albert at the Olympics

HSH Prince Albert II talking with Thomas Bach, IOC President

HSH Prince Albert II giving encouragement to skier Olivier

Jeunot of Team Monaco

And another shot of the Prince & Princess with all the athletes of Team Monaco

Monaco's Olympians

Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, both former Olympians themselves, attended a special 'send-off' event for the Monegasque Olympic Team that will shortly be heading to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Wish them the best!

Princely Couple in Russia

Passing the torch...

Princess Charlene Visits Grandma

HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco made a surprise visit to South Africa last Sunday to visit her grandmother, Sylvia Wittstock, on the occasion of her 91st birthday -quite an accomplishment. The spry South African said, "This is the best day of my life, I am 91 years old and I feel great!" It was a special family gathering at the Rynpark Old Age Home with Princess Charlene being joined by her parents Mike and Lynette and brothers Gareth and Saun. Princess Charlene had not seen her grandmother in some time and was very excited to make the trip. And, while in South Africa, the Princess was able to meet again with South African swimming sensation and now Gold medalist Olympian Chad Le Clos. Of the South African swim team she hosted in Monaco, Princess Charlene said, "I am very proud of them, especially Chad, I have known him since he was 11-years-old. They have made me proud."

Prince Albert on Royals at the Olympics

HSH Prince Albert II was in his element at the London Olympic games and he obviously had a great time, whether alongside Princess Charlene who cheered wildly for her native South Africa or among the crowd being cracked up by the Duchess of Cambridge. The Sovereign Prince made a point of saying how glad he was that so many members of the British Royal Family were on the scene for the Olympic games. As the Prince told an interviewer, "You see a very touching side to them that you probably wouldn't under other circumstances. That can only bring them closer to the people. I think it's wonderful that they are so involved, that they show such support to the British athletes and the Games themselves." The Sovereign Prince also admitted to getting very emotionally involved in some of the competitions, because of the personal stories of some of the athletes or because they are people the Prince knows well. Since he has competed himself in the Olympics, the Prince was asked about other royals or royal relatives being in competition and if, perhaps, they had an extra advantage in their family connections. An example raised was the team Silver medal won by the British equestrian team which includes Princess Royal Anne's daughter. Prince Albert was quick to dismiss any such notion, "Sport is the great leveler and there's no special treatment for anybody. You have to prove yourself. For Zara Phillips and her team-mates it's incredible."

Princess Charlene Cheers South Africa to Victory

The South African swim team had a very good showing at these Olympic games with Chad le Clos becoming an international star for his accomplishments which included beating the record-holding Michael Phelps of the USA by 0.2 seconds in one race. The South African swimmers have earned two gold medals and one silver medal and, through it all, no one was cheering harder for them than HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco who donated training facilities to her countrymen for their preparations for the Olympics and who has been giving them moral support every step of the way. Perhaps even a little advice from someone who is herself a veteran Olympic swimmer. The Princess consort was very emotionally involved and could not help shedding a few tears at the moment of triumph when the South African national anthem was played at the gold medal ceremony.

Team South Africa was very appreciative of all the help and support Princess Charlene gave them. In an interview, head coach Graham Hill said that the assistance of Princess Charlene and their stay in Monaco had really helped build up the confidence of the team and was very grateful for the hospitality Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene had shown to them. The team psychologist even went so far as to say that the moral support of Princess Charlene, with her experience as an Olympic swimmer, had been the key to their success, citing her presence at the pool during their training, always encouraging them and helping to keep them calm and focused as well as her moral support at the games themselves. The Princess took the time to talk to the swimmers, lift their spirits and give them the reassurance that only a veteran can. In addition to providing for their training and stay in Monaco, the Princess also took care of many other minor things for them and also helped make sure they enjoyed their stay in Monaco and have some fun while in the principality. It is great that Princess Charlene was able to be such a help to Team South Africa and it is great to see how much they appreciated it. Long live the Princess!

Princely Images - Olympic Memories

Monaco House

On Saturday, TSH Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene officially opened "Monaco House" in London to serve the officials and athletes in London for the Olympic games but which is also open to the public for all athletic enthusiasts. Monaco House features special items covering all of the Olympic games from 1936 to 2008.

And, showing how the Princely couple can get along with anyone, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene posed for a photograph with Piers Morgan who was interviewing them for his show on CNN. Here's hoping it goes better than that last CBS Morning interview (though I didn't think it was near as bad as everyone else seemed to -uncomfortable answers to stupid questions).

At the Olympics

Excuse us...

Yes! Our seats!

Dude! How's it goin'?

Here comes Team Monaco!

And meeting with some Olympic veterans, the former King and Queen of Greece

Prince Albert in Austria for Youth Olympics

Yesterday, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was in Innsbruck, Austria for the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games. The competition will run until January 22. You can see a short video of the Prince here. Once all was done and dusted there, the Sovereign Prince spent the evening at the opening ceremony of the 75th Congress of the International Sports Press Association at the Innsbruck Conference Center. While there Prince Albert II was presented with an award for his longtime devotion to the field of sports, "...at the service of peace and social progress worldwide." Which is great, congratulations and all that ... just not too sure what that really means. Just me? When it comes to things like "social progress" I wonder if any of them really have a concrete definition or just went with it because it sounded like something no one could object to? Anyway, after the evening being honored the Sovereign Prince will be back at the games today , specifically to attend the downhill skiing competition where he will be cheering on Brian Pelassy of Monaco. How cool is that? How many other kids at the Olympics can say that their monarch came just to watch them? Not too many I'm thinking, but that's one of the great things about Monaco, it's a close-knit little monarchy.

Olympic Honor for Prince Albert

Today HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was named the new patron of the World Olympians Association or WOA, succeeding the late IOC President Juan Samaranch who died last year. Prince Albert is the perfect man for the job, being a five time Olympian himself, married to an Olympian and is a longtime member of the International Olympic Committee. WOA President, Joël Bouzou, issued a press release in which he stated what an honor it was to have the Prince of Monaco as their new patron, both due to his extensive experience with the Olympics and his international standing as a man dedicated to making the world a better place. To quote the President speaking of Prince Albert, “He is an Olympian and a true humanist who has always believed that the values of sport can change lives and can change society for the better. I can’t thank him enough for his support.” The decision to bestow this honor on Prince Albert was approved without opposition by the WOA board members and by President Jacques Rogge of the International Olympic Committee. Congratulations to the Sovereign Prince on this distinction!

Princely Visit to Georgia

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco arrived in the south Caucasian Republic of Georgia on Sunday for an official visit that will end today. The Sovereign Prince has for some time now made it a matter of policy to strengthen ties with East European countries and peoples. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and other dignitaries were on hand to greet the Prince at the airport and the President escorted the Prince to several sites of cultural interest in Mestia, including one right up my alley in the area known as Lanchvali where the traditional style of that part of town (which goes back to the Middle Ages) is being restored. The Prince visited many areas where the Georgians proudly displayed their rich and ancient heritage, including something we're always fond of here at Mad for Monaco, some groups of very colorful folk dancers. At the end of the day, the Prince went to take in a musical at the Opera House in Batumi.

The next day, again with President Saakashvili acting as travel guide, the Prince visited Kvareli where he was given a demonstration of new techniques introduced there for the harvesting and processing of grapes and, as he is known to do, Prince Albert got involved himself in lending a hand with preparing some wine (which Georgia is known for) which the monarch of a country on the borders of France and Italy would not be totally unfamiliar with. The President also conducted Prince Albert to Dmanisi to visit an archaeological site (something of interest to the Prince as it would have been to the first Prince Albert of Monaco) and then to a meeting with the members of the National Olympic Committee of Georgia. Afterwards, the Prince was off to the Georgian National Museum in Tiblisi where he had been asked to speak. It was a busy day but the Prince also made it a point to make time for a very special visit to the home of the late Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili -a name not everyone will remember but all will certainly remember his tragic fate. That was the young Georgian athlete who was killed in a practice run at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, which stunned the world, caused a re-work of the event in question and a wave of sympathy directed toward the nation of Georgia. The Sovereign Prince met with the parents of the late athlete and presented them with a special medal of honor in memory of their son. It was a very touching scene.

Prince Albert poses with a group of Georgian folk dancers

Some very striking Georgian dancers performing for the visiting Prince

Prince Albert II presenting the medal of honor to the parents of Nodar Kumaritashvili

Charlene Named Global Ambassador for Special Olympics

Prince Albert Back in the States

On Saturday HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco visited Naples, Florida where the five time princely Olympian had the honor to open the "Art of The Olympians" museum for which he was the guest of honor. This was not an exceptionally large event, but as an Olympian, an IOC member and the little distinction of being a sovereign monarch and son of an American film icon, Prince Albert was pleased to attend and open the new museum. Most of the assembled guests consisted of local government officials, politicians, the society and sports crowd and a number of past Olympians. It all got underway with breakfast at a private club in Port Royal, Florida, attended by about a hundred people, to whom the Prince addressed a speech.

“This event has very special meaning to me,” His Serene Highness. “It exemplifies the Olympic values, which offer lessons in fair play, patience, respect and dedication. These are traits learned through experiences, especially through creative pursuits.” Which are all things he certainly knows something about. Albert also spoke about how school programs, art exhibitions and so on all reflect the pursuit of excellence embodied in the Olympic games. He also congratulated the organizers of the event and those who established the new museum.

“Everyone is most proud of your achievement. It’s amazing what Olympians can do when they put their hearts to the task.”

One of those on hand was artist Ellen West who was “thrilled” to be a part of the special day. “I think it was marvellous,” she said of attending the breakfast. “I am so thrilled I got to meet a little piece of Grace Kelly. It brings back memories of those days.” Which goes to show once again that, for many people, despite being a Sovereign Prince, reigning monarch of one of the most successful countries of the world and head of the oldest reigning family in Europe, for many Prince Albert will always be most famous simply as the son of Princess Grace.

Later in the day Prince Albert attended a special art fund raiser called "Painting with Prince" in which he got into the spirit of the occasion, putting on shorts and a t-shirt to throw a discus at a painting -giving that extra touch. It was a tux Saturday night of course for the formal opening of the museum and the reception that followed.

Charlene Swims for Charity

HSH Prince Albert II's fiancée Charlene Wittstock (a former Olympic swimmer as we know) wrapped up her visit to her former homeland of South Africa by participating in the 38th aQuelle Midmar Mile Race at Midmar Mile Dam in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa on Saturday morning. She had never participated in the race before but took part this year to raise money for the Special Olympics and was pleased to visit South Africa and see some old friends and family whom she has been apart from for some time. The race was held Saturday and Sunday and marked the end of Charlene's week-long visit home where she certainly attracted more attention, or at the least a different sort of attention than in the past -before she was engaged to marry the Prince of Monaco.

Prior to the race she attended several charitable activities to raise money for the Special Olympics; a very worthy cause. On Friday she was at St. John’s Diocesan School in Pietermaritzburg to host a charity breakfast that raised $2,300. Afterwards she cut the ribbon to open a new pool at the school for competitive swimmers and unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion. The future Princess of Monaco spoke of her hope that the new facilities would see the school produce some future Olympic swimmers. The Games are clearly very dear to Charlene and Prince Albert who are both veteran Olympians (though in very different sports. That evening she attended the launch of the “Nelson Mandela Intimate Moments Exhibition” by Kerry Muldoun at Liberty Midlands Mall.

Now, it is back to Monaco, surely for more wedding plans for the future Princess of Monaco but she will be back in South Africa again after her marriage where the Prince and new Princess will both attend a meeting of the International Olympic Committee; something so important to both of them that they changed the original date of their wedding so that certain guests would not have to choose between attending to their Olympic duties and attending the wedding. "Nice guy" Albert II, always thoughtful...

Prince Attends Olympic Funeral

Last Thursday HSH Prince Albert II attended the funeral mass for Juan Antonio Samaranch, former president of the International Olympic Committee at the cathedral in Barcelona, Spain. The Prince had a long association with Samaranch who was one of the longest-serving presidents the IOC ever had. He died on April 21 at the age of 89 at Barcelona hospital of cardiorespiratory arrest. Hundreds came to pay their respects and attend the funeral mass including numerous royals, athletes and politicians. Also on hand, naturally, was current IOC president Jacques Rogge (seen with the Sovereign Prince above). King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia and the Prince and Princess of the Asturias were all in attendance.

Prince Albert Olympic Wrap-Up

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco with the members of the Monaco bobsled team (above). The Olympics are over and the Sovereign Prince of Monaco is "very impressed" with how everything was handled. Photographed with long-time girlfriend Charlene Wittstock (below) the Prince gave an interview to Reuters on that occasion.

The Prince at the Olympics

Royal watchers will have spotted HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco at the Winter Olympics. It was the first I had seen of him there, and was really expecting to see more of him. The Sovereign Prince has had a long relationship with the games being a five time Winter Olympian himself in the bobsledding competition as well as being a member of the International Olympic Committee these days. The Sovereign Prince was at the Whistler Medal Plaza where he was given the honor of presenting the medals to the winners of the Alpine skiing Men's Super-G event. So far the United States has a comfortable lead in the overall medal count. The Principality of Monaco has sent athletes to compete in Alpine skiing (Alexandra Coletti), and bobsleigh (Sebastian Gattuso and Patrice Servelle). The Monaco bobsled team came in 18th, while Coletti ranked 24th in the ladies downhill.

Prince Albert; Winter Olympian

As a past winter olympian and member of the IOC, HSH Prince Albert II is heavily involved in preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. On the 7th he attended a curling event at the Port of Monaco (a first?) and while the games are in progress the "Challenge Albert II" sailing competition will also be held by the Nautical Society of Monaco. Jack Kelly, Prince Albert's grandfather, was also an Olympian and won 3 gold medals in rowing. John Kelly, the Prince's uncle, was also dedicated to the sport. Also, on the 5th, the Sovereign Prince met with business leaders from across Europe to discuss ways of including and expanding opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities and how to reach more adults and children across Europe and Central Asia with the Special Olympics.

Albert and the Olympics, Charlotte and Global Warming

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was on hand in Copenhagen, Denmark for the big decision over where to hold the 2016 Olympic Games as a member of the International Olympic Committee. US First Lady Michelle Obama met with the Prince who, like other members, was asked about the recent scandals involving the former Governor of Illinois hurting the chances of Chicago hosting the games. Prince Albert said such things certainly don't help but he did not think it would have much of an impact on the final decision. Something must have stood out though as despite the sales pitch and star power of President Obama and Oprah the city of Chicago failed to get past the very first vote with the prize of hosting the games ultimately going to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. What might have been just another day at the office for Prince Albert was seen as a major embarassment for the Obamas who very much put their personal prestige on the line to win the games for Michelle's hometown. Prince Albert II has been involved with the Olympics, both as an IOC member and as an athlete for many years.

Meanwhile, yesterday in Paris at Descartes University Charlotte Casiraghi kept the environmentalist front in hand for her Uncle Albert where she attended the presentation of a new song titled, "Burning Beds" which was sung by fifty international celebrities against global warming. Presenting the song was former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan. Certainly no one can fault the Princely Family of Monaco for not drawing attention to environmentalist issues.