Latest news with #Monaco
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
Monaco close in on Fati loan signing from Barca
Ansu Fati made 11 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona last season without finding the net. (AFP pic) MONACO : Barcelona forward Ansu Fati is expected to join French club Monaco on loan with an option to buy, sources close to the deal said Friday. The 22-year-old Spanish international passed his medical on Friday as Monaco and Barcelona agreed to a season-long loan deal with an €11 million fee (US$12.9 million) to make the move permanent. According to the same source, the contract will not be made official until July 1. Fati burst onto the scene at Barcelona aged 17 but has since failed to live up to initial high expectations. He made 11 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga champions last term, without finding the net. Fati spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Premier League club Brighton, where he scored four goals in 27 outings. With his expected arrival, Fati should become Monaco's third signing of the summer. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is slated to sign for the Ligue 1 side, following on from England international Eric Dier. Pogba was also undergoing a medical with the principality side on Friday. The 32-year-old 2018 World Cup winner is seeking a club after having his contract terminated by Juventus in March while serving an 18-month suspension for doping. The trio should be officially announced to the press on July 3.
Fox News
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Princess Charlene declares love for Prince Albert after divorce rumors and health struggles
Princess Charlene of Monaco has declared her "love and support" for Prince Albert following her medical saga and rumors of an impending separation. On Saturday, the couple attended the annual Croix-Rouge Monégasque Gala for Monaco's Red Cross. During the festivities, the princess made an impassioned speech about her husband, seemingly hitting back at rumors of cracks in their marriage. "Today marks exactly the 20th anniversary of your accession," the 47-year-old said to her husband, who was seated in the crowd, as quoted by "Twenty years ago, you took the reins of the Principality, and since that day, you have guided Monaco with wisdom, courage, and determination," said Charlene. "In international politics, you are a steady and value-based force that embodies the importance of soft power through your engagement for the environment." During her speech, Charlene got personal. "Albert, you know that I am always by your side, along with the Monégasques," Charlene told the 67-year-old. "We are standing with you, with all our hearts, to protect Monaco and its future under your leadership. We love you, we support you, and we thank you for being there for all of us." Charlene concluded her speech by raising a toast. "Let's raise our glass to our Prince—to you, Albert!" According to the outlet, 10 members of Monaco's military guard performed a moving version of the Monégasque anthem. A visibly emotional Albert sang along from his seat. A few minutes before midnight, Albert and Charlene then swayed hand-in-hand to Coldplay's "Everglow." Later in the evening, Billy Idol played over 10 of his biggest hits, including "Eyes Without a Face," which Charlene and Albert sang along to. When the British rocker asked the crowd, "Do you want to have some fun tonight?" Albert cheered back, "Yeah!" The outlet noted that Charlene and Albert happily danced together past 1 a.m. The evening not only celebrated Albert's 40 years of dedication to the Red Cross, but it also marked the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne. The son of the late Oscar-winner-turned-princess Grace Kelly became Monaco's ruler in 2005 following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III. WATCH: GRACE KELLY'S SON, PRINCE ALBERT, SAYS HE'S ALWAYS FELT A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT THE LATE STAR Charlene, an Olympic swimmer from South Africa, married Albert in 2011. They share 10-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. The couple's relationship had been plagued with divorce rumors published by German, English and French tabloids while Charlene suffered health woes. A spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Monaco had no comment to Fox News Digital in response to the allegations. Charlene's health deteriorated while she was visiting South Africa in May 2021. While the visit to her home country was meant to last just 10 days, complications from a previous procedure grounded her for six months. After several corrective surgeries and a subsequent relapse, Charlene returned to Monaco in November of that year. But shortly after she landed, the princess experienced signs of emotional and physical exhaustion. After consulting her doctors and family, Charlene decided to seek medical treatment. It was ultimately determined that Charlene would seek treatment at a center outside of Monaco. More gossip was unleashed when Albert was photographed with his son Alexandre Grimaldi, daughter Jazmin Grace Grimaldi and Nicole Coste, Alexandre's mother, in 2023. At the time, Alexandre, now a fashion model, was celebrating his 20th birthday. It was also then that Charlene's Instagram handle was either deleted or deactivated from the platform. At the time, a spokesperson didn't immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Jazmin, Albert's first child, was publicly acknowledged in 2006. At the time, Albert said he wanted to protect the 33-year-old's identity. Alexandre and Jazmin are not heirs to the throne because their parents never married, as required by the constitution of Monaco. Albert and Charlene's twins are first and second in line to the throne. Albert previously slammed rumors surrounding his marriage. "She didn't leave Monaco in a huff!" Albert told People magazine about Charlene's absence. "She didn't leave because she was mad at me or at anybody else. She was going down to South Africa to reassess her foundation's work down there and to take a little time off with her brother and some friends." "It was only supposed to be a week-long, 10-day maximum stay, and [she was still there] because she had this infection all these medical complications arose," he shared. "She didn't go into exile," he stressed to the outlet. "It was absolutely just a medical problem which had to be treated." While Albert admitted he "probably should have addressed" the rumors sooner, he "was concentrating on taking care of the kids." "I thought it would just probably go [away]," he said. "You know if you try to answer everything that comes out, then you're constantly [responding], you're wasting your time." Albert said that the rumors had taken their toll. "Of course it affects her, of course it affects me. Misreading events is always detrimental. ... We're an easy target, easily hit, because we're in the public eye a lot." According to the outlet, Charlene experienced complications related to a sinus lift and bone graft procedure she underwent in preparation for dental implants. As a result, she had several corrective procedures, including one that caused her to miss her 10th wedding anniversary. Most recently, Charlene and Albert have presented a united front at royal engagements.
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Princess Charlene of Monaco declares 'love and support' for husband Prince Albert in emphatic speech at glitzy Red Cross Gala in Monte-Carlo - and vows she's 'always by his side'
Princess Charlene of Monaco offered an emotionally charged show of public support for her husband Prince Albert as he celebrated 20 years on the throne. Taking to the stage at a charity event in Monte-Carlo, the Princess, 47, made an impassioned speech in tribute to her 'dedicated' spouse, 67, in a rare insight into their marriage. Charlene, who shares 10-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella with Albert, was speaking at the 76th annual Monaco Red Cross Gala, held at the stunning Salle des Étoiles, part of the legendary Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) Resort. Addressing a packed room of dignitaries and celebrities, she spoke of her 'support' for her husband and insisted she remains 'by his side' in an emphatic declaration - hitting back at reports speculating about the state of her marriage. She told a packed room: 'Monseigneur! Albert! We love you, we support you and we thank you for being there for all of us.' The glitzy event, a highlight of Monaco's social calendar, welcomed guests including rock icon Billy Idol and Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc. Princess Charlene stunned in a pleated silk-georgette gown by Elie Saab, while her niece Camille Gottlieb paid tribute to Princess Grace in a monochrome ensemble inspired by her grandmother's iconic style. Later, Charlene made a speech, addressing her husband directly. The Princess began by thanking Prince Albert, 67, for his tireless dedication to the Monaco Red Cross, which he has supported for over four decades. 'Thank you for leading this institution over the past 40 years and working tirelessly for its development and influence,' she said. She then turned to the personal significance of the date, marking two decades since Albert's accession to the throne: 'This July 12 marks exactly the twentieth anniversary of your accession. 'Twenty years ago, you took the reins of the Principality, and since that day, you have guided Monaco with wisdom, courage and determination.' Charlene praised her husband's steady presence in international politics, his commitment to environmental causes and his leadership decisions. She described him as a 'value-based force' whose 'wish for unity and serenity for Monaco' had been his guiding principles. The speech concluded with a powerful declaration of support: 'You know that I am always by your side along with the Monegasques. 'We are standing with you, with all our hearts to protect Monaco and its future under your leadership.' Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc poses with his girlfriend Mexican-Italian influencer, Alexandra Saint Mleux at the star-studded soiree The gala was held in support of the Monaco Red Cross, which was established in 1948 to provide assistance to all in need with a politically impartial stance. As the Monegasque premier, Prince Albert now presides over the charity. To raise money for the charity, VIP guests descended on the Salle des Etoiles, which hosted the first 'Red Cross Night' in 1948. They were treated to a raffle and tombola with glamorous prizes, including a first prize dazzling earring and bracelet set by REPOSSI and a second prize Audemars Piguet Watch. The third prize was a classic cream Lady Dior bag, donated by the French fashion house, and fourth was a VIP experience at Art Dubai. Fifth prize was a two night stay at the stunning Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo in a suite overlooking the coastline of the Cote d'Azur, which was donated by the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. Charlene's glowing tribute to her husband is an emphatic show of support after she pulled out of a planned trip to Japan due to 'current events' in the Middle East. The Princess had been due to travel to the country at the end of June for the World Expo 2025 with Prince Albert and their 10-year-old twins. However, a palace statement via Hola! read: 'In light of current events taking place in the Middle East, this has led to the decision that H.S.H. Princess Charlene and the Princely children would not be participating in this trip.' However, 67-year-old Prince Albert still carried out the planned engagements in Japan. Instead of travelling with his immediate family, Albert was joined by his younger sister, Princess Stephanie, and her children, Louis Ducruet, Pauline Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb, and her daughter in-law Marie Ducruet. In the statement, Princess Charlene expressed her gratitude: 'H.S.H. Princess Charlene wishes to express her sincere thanks to the teams of the Monaco Pavilion, as well as to the partners and hosts who were to welcome her in Japan, for their understanding and ongoing commitment.' The royal's activities commenced on June 27 with a charity football match titled 'United through Legends' at Panasonic Stadium Suita in Osaka. Elsewhere, Albert attended an official luncheon and enjoy an orchestra concert. While Charlene has kept a low profile in recent months, the family celebrated Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella's Holy Communion in May. The heir to the Monegasque throne - also known as the Marquis of Baux - and his twin sister, both 10, marked the religious ceremony with a series of sweet family portraits shared to the royal household's official Instagram page. The First Holy Communion, also known as the First Eucharist, is one of the most important milestones in the Catholic faith. It is a key step in in a child's faith journey, symbolising their deepening relationship with Jesus and the Church, and it involves receiving the consecrated bread and wine, believed to be the body and blood of Christ. The young royals beamed as they were joined by their parents Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene at the important ceremony. A translated statement shared to the palace's Instagram page read: 'On this day of First Communion, we extend our most sincere congratulations to Crown Prince James and Princess Gabriella who received this sacrament with faith and compulsion'. It further read that the palace extended its 'heartfelt congratulations' to the prince and princess who 'received this sacrament with faith and reverence'. The prince and princess looked adorable in white floor-length robes and matching gold necklaces.
News.com.au
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Aussie sports fans lose it over ‘coolest' photo ever taken
Worlds have collided in epic fashion as Oscar Piastri shared a moment with Aussie track sensation Gout Gout over the weekend. The McLaren driver and teenage sprinter have caused quite a stir with photos showing them catching up during the weekend's Diamond League meet in Monaco. Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every practice, qualifying session and race in the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. As Gout added to his legend by winning the U23 200m event with a 20.10 second run, he had enough time to meet Piastri inside the track at the Stade Louis II stadium. Piastri, who resides in the luxurious French principality in an apartment in Monte Carlo, and his girlfriend Lily Zneimer were VIP attendees at the prestigious track meet. They were seen mixing it up with Prince Albert of Monaco on the track and also posed with some of the other dignitaries in attendance. Piasti sidled up for photos with Swedish freak Armand Duplantis, who again stole the show in the pole vault. He also posed with Aussie pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall. Ferrari ace Charles Leclerc was also there and was seen posing for photos with Olympic sprint king Noah Lyles. The best photo of all, however, was clearly the sight of Piastri and Gout hanging out. Piastri shared images of the moment on his Instagram page, writing: 'Loved athletics as a kid. Unbelievable to watch the best up close'. Gout gave a brief response to the post on Instagram, sharing a number of emojis, including a racing car. World Athletics and the Wanda Diamond League also shared photos of the pair at the event on their social media channels. Piastri's long-time girlfriend Lily was also seen enjoying her time, but the Aussie driver may have made a relationship error when he appeared to show Prince Albert more love than his other half. The sight of Piastri and Gout together was enough to leave some Aussie fans all giddy. One person on X posted: 'Oscar Piastri and Gout Gout... I've never felt more patriotic in my entire life'. Another commented on Piastri's post by writing: 'One of the fastest people on four wheels with some of the fastest people on two legs. Good company. Another person called them the 'two fastest men in Australia'. One fan wrote on Reddit: 'Just your average Aussie school holidays for Gout Gout'. One person wrote on Instagram: 'Oscar and Gout Gout - an iconic Aussie duo.' Gout had plenty of reason to smile after his race. Gout got a solid start and surged down the back straight to win the race in a time of 20.10sec with a -1.9 headwind, finishing ahead of Botswana's Collen Kebinatshipi (20.28) and South Africa's Naeem Jack (20.42). If not for the headwind, it could well have been a 20-second run for Gout, who famously broke Peter Norman's Australian 200m record last year. Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles won the senior 200m event in Monaco in a time of 19.86sec, just ahead of Botswana's Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo (19.97sec). It was a strong day for Australia with Peter Bol smashing his own 800m national record by more than a second, posting a seriously slick time of 1:42.55 in Monaco to finish in fourth place. Bol's performance now ranks him within the top 30 on the all-time global list of 800m performers. Olympic 1500m bronze medallist Jessica Hull continued her superb form, charging to third place in the 1000m in 2:30.96 in a new Area record.
Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
The 'two fastest men in Australia' team up in Monaco as Oscar Piastri pops in to support Gout Gout at athletics royalty - and gets a brush with royalty
Fresh from a tense Formula 1 championship battle, Oscar Piastri made an unexpected appearance at Monaco's Diamond League athletics meet – and stole the show in the stands. The 23-year-old Australian driver, currently leading the 2025 F1 standings, took a rare weekend break to attend one of athletics' biggest events. 'I loved athletics as a kid. Unbelievable to watch the best up close,' Piastri posted to Instagram after his visit. Among the highlights: a brush with royalty, a front-row seat to Australian sporting history, and a meeting with sprint prodigy Gout Gout. Piastri's post included a photo with Prince Albert II of Monaco and another sitting alongside Gout, sparking instant fan reactions. 'Oscar and Gout Gout – an iconic Aussie duo,' wrote one fan. Another added, 'Two Aussie legends.' One summed it up perfectly: 'The two fastest men in Australia.' On the track, Gout Gout proved he's a name to remember, winning the under-23 200m final in 20.10 seconds. Despite running into a punishing -1.9 headwind, the 17-year-old outpaced a field that included Olympic silver medallist Busang Collen Kebinatshipi. The Queensland schoolboy, taking advantage of a mid-year break, made the trip to Europe for his Diamond League debut. 'This is preparation,' Gout said. 'Just getting my feet out there. It's really fun to compete out here.' The teen sensation signed autographs and spoke with confidence about racing the world's best. 'I just want to go out there and see what I can do,' he said. His time would have placed him fifth in the men's open 200m final, where Olympic champions Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo ran season-best times. That comparison is even more impressive given the U23 field faced stronger headwinds. Piastri, who has won five of the 12 F1 races this season, leads McLaren teammate Lando Norris by just eight points in the Drivers' Championship. With both drivers finishing on the podium in nearly every race, the title battle is now an all-McLaren affair. 'It's a very tight battle, and I think it will be for the rest of the year,' Piastri said. Team boss Zak Brown has ruled out any team orders, despite the close standings. 'There's just no way we will,' he said when asked if either driver would be forced into a support role. The commitment to fair racing was tested at the British Grand Prix, where Piastri was penalised 10 seconds during a Safety Car period. The decision cost him the win, and he requested a position swap with Norris over radio – a request the team ultimately denied. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella praised the communication. 'We always tell our drivers to speak up. Oscar did exactly that,' Stella said. Piastri's focus remains sharp: 'Finding 100 per cent instead of 99 is very difficult,' he said. 'On our good days, either of us are very hard to beat.' While Piastri's mind is firmly on the championship, his Monaco visit showed his appreciation for Aussie athletes across the board. Jess Hull delivered a national record in the women's 1000m final, slicing more than two seconds off the previous best. She finished third behind Kenya's undefeated Nelly Chepchirchir and American Addison Wiley. 'That last 80 metres was probably the longest I've had in a while,' Hull said. Peter Bol was equally impressive, finishing fourth in the men's 800m with a time of 1:42.55. The performance broke his own national record and moved him into the world's top 30 all-time. 'I've overcome a lot over the last few years, I'm back and I'm better,' Bol said. Pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall joined the list of standout Aussies, clearing 5.92m to secure a podium finish.
