Latest news with #PrinceAlbertII
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- 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.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess Charlene of Monaco Chooses Zimmermann for Breezy South of France Styling With Prince Albert II and Children
Princess Charlene of Monaco opted for an intricately embroidered midi dress courtesy of Zimmermann for her latest royal outing in the South of France's Carladez on Wednesday. The royal joined her husband, Prince Albert II of Monaco, along with the couple's two children, 10-year-old twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques. Princess Charlene wore Zimmermann's Dawning Sunray dress. The look featured a high neckline with cape silhouette sleeves and sunray pleats throughout. On both the bodice and the skirt of the ivory dress was black embroidery and patterning styled with botanical inspiration — a bouquet of florals featured throughout for an added dose of femininity and summertime styling. More from WWD Queen Camilla's Latest Fiona Clare Dress Brings the Animal Kingdom to Wimbledon Kate Middleton, Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron Embrace the French and U.K. Flag Colorscape for Windsor State Banquet Kate Middleton Embraces French Couture in Pink Dior to Welcome Brigitte Macron in Windsor The royal added further to her look, wearing a pair of slingback ballerina flats courtesy of Gianvito Rossi and accessorized with a pair of sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, a favorite designer of the royal. Princess Charlene's family favored daytime outing royal styling. Prince Albert II wore a navy suited look complete with a tie. The couple's children wore summery pieces, with Prince Jacques in a polo while Princess Gabriella favored a botanical inspired dress with hues of green, red, blue and yellow. Zimmermann, an Australia-based brand, is a departure from the luxury wear Princess Charlene has a tendency to style. Last June, the royal wore a blue gown with exposed shoulders courtesy of Louis Vuitton for the losing ceremony of the 64th Monte Carlo Television Festival. The royal often styles pieces from other labels like Akris and Elie Saab, among others. The last time Princess Charlene coordinated with her children was last April during a visit to Brittany in France. Princess Charlene styled a plaid wool jacket and coordinated trousers from Ralph Lauren Collection alongside her daughter, who wore a similarly toned wool coat with angular lapels and a soft collar. View Gallery Launch Gallery: Princess Charlene of Monaco's Style Through the Years [PHOTOS] Best of WWD Amanda Anisimova's On-court Tennis Style Through the Years: From Teen Phenom to Wimbledon Finalist A Look Back at Fourth of July Celebrations at the White House Princess Diana's Birthday Looks Through the Years: Her Sleek Black Jacques Azagury Dress, Vibrant Colors and More
Associated Press
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
UniBoAT – University of Bologna crowned overall winner at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
MONACO, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After four intense days, the Yacht Club de Monaco concluded the 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. Uniboat-University of Bologna Argonauts Team, supported by Sanlorenzo, was crowned overall champion, and for the fourth time, they won the Energy Class (2021,2022,2023 and 2025) . At the Challenge, major industry players and young engineers combined their expertise to accelerate the sector's energy transition. This year again, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, President of the Yacht Club de Monaco, was keen to meet the students, stopping at paddock to discover the latest advances and following the races up close from the pontoon. 'This edition was quite unique. The event itself was quite unique because it is impossible to find so many young engineers working for the sustainability of the yachting industry at the same place at the same time. Monaco is still the place where we can be in advance and for that reason we are Capital of Advanced Yachting', said Bernard d'Alessandri, YCM General Secretary. 'We are very proud to host and to work with young generations and it is beautiful to see people from everywhere in the world heading to the same direction', he added. Winners of the slalom and endurance event, first in the speed record with a new Energy Class record (26.63 knots), tied with compatriots Elettra UniGe - Università di Genova, and winners of the Innovation Prize and Design Prize, the Italians from UniBoat-University of Bologna Argonauts Team impressed both at sea and ashore. 'It's our fifth edition here participating in Monaco. We had some problems with hydrogen last year and this year we won every single race. We got first place so it couldn't have gone better for us', said Tecla Costa, who's part of the team. Working on their boat named 'Futura', there are around 30 people of different departments, from structural to powertrain, from hydrogen to marketing and aerodynamics, to better develop the project in every aspect of it. Their dominance is based on an accomplished, seamless technical approach: propulsion system design optimised to maximise manoeuvrability, a high-performance reliable battery, fine-tuned transmission system, and above all in-house development of a counter-rotating traction engine that ensured outstanding performance. Added to all that, a lighter boat and rigorous training regime for the pilots made all the difference against very high-level opponents. 'We won every race today so I'm very happy with the result and we look forward the next competition in Olbia', added team pilot Massimiliano Scalzulli. Second place of the podium went to another Italian University. It is team Elettra UniGe with their high efficiency catamaran with a 32 kW motor and 9.66 kWh battery, innovative L-drive system and 3D-printed propellers to maximize performance and energy use. Bronze medal went to the Croatian team Adria Racing and their high-perfomance modular catamaran powered by a 20 kW electric motor featuring a 10 kWh battery, carbon-Kevlar composite cockpit and real-time satellite telemetry. This edition saw the introduction of the AI Class for autonomous boats, won by Antwerp Solar Boat Team (University of Antwerp, Belgium). Three major trends emerged: the growing role of artificial intelligence for energy management, the maturity of hydrogen technologies, and the development of toroidal propellers to reduce underwater noise pollution. The overall speed record of the event was broken with Frauscher Boats (Open Sea Class) reaching 49.84 knots. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, worth €25,000, recognizes the team whose solutions demonstrate measurable impact. Winner: Alma Mater Studiorum-Universiity of Bologna. The AI Class Winner was Antwerp Solar Boat Team - University of Antwerp – Belgium, with an AI navigation system that analyzes visual data from onboard cameras and enables real-time object recognition and autonomous steering logic. This 12th edition has seen 42 teams, 20 nationalities, 29 universities, and more than 1,000 students on deck. Among the competing teams – coming from different parts of the world, from India to Indonesia, from Italy to Qatar, from France to Portugal, some have once again pushed technological boundaries this year, particularly in the Energy Class category. In four years, battery storage capacity has almost doubled at equivalent weight, while improving safety, a tangible sign of the progress made. The event has also reached a milestone in terms of participation, with more boats competing and growing industry involvement. Two major conferences brought together international experts to discuss innovation, hydrogen and alternative fuels. In line with its commitment to responsible yachting, the SEA Index, developed by YCM, ha announced two key partnerships: one with AtmoSud to assess fine particles PM and Nox emissions, and the other with Bureau Veritas to develop a voluntary system for underwater noise assessment. The developments reflect a shared desire to measure the overall impact of yachts and support the industry in ways to reduce its environmental footprint. For more information: Press Office LaPresse-[email protected] A video accompanying this announcement is available at : A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The shocking scandals behind the Monaco throne as Prince Albert and Princess Charlene celebrate their wedding anniversary
He might be the leader of the smallest Kingdom in Europe but the reign of Prince Albert II Monaco has seen its fair share of scandals and controversies. Today is Prince Albert's 14th wedding anniversary - when he tied the knot with the then Charlene Wittstock in two lavish wedding ceremonies that cost a combined total £53million. With a glittering 850-strong guest list that included Sir Roger Moore and Prince Edward, the religious ceremony on July 2 followed the civil nuptials a day earlier. At the latter, Charlene stunned in an off-the-shoulder Armani dress boasting a six-metre train and studded with 40,000 Swarovski crystals and 20,000 mother of pearl tear drops. But even on their wedding day, the controversies that tend to follow the Monegasque Royal Family appeared. The couple's uneasy kiss - and the fact that at one moment Charlene was in tears - perhaps betrayed the trouble that had already taken place and the further angst that was to come. Days before the big day, rumours began to circulate that Charlene had tried to flee the country on three occasions with a one-way ticket to Johannesburg. A Parisian news magazine reported that Charlene had been stopped at Nice airport after allegedly learning a 'distressing' revelation about her future husband's private life. Charlene and Albert wait to met Pope Leo XIV in May. Despite their fair share of scandals, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene remain respected among other Royal Families in Europe. A senior Monaco detective claimed at the time: 'Charlene had her passport confiscated so that the Prince's entourage could persuade her to stay.' The rumour mill in France went into overdrive. Charlene had, it was suggested, heard talk of an illegitimate child, allegedly conceived when she was dating Prince Albert in 2005. But the Princess would go on to dismiss the 'hilarious' rumours. She said: 'Why would he go through all this effort to have our dearest friends come join us, for us to be reluctant?' And they spent the first night of their honeymoon in South Africa - the nation that Zimbabwe-born Charlene represented at the Olympics during her swimming career - in separate hotels. During his years as a bachelor, Albert was known as the 'playboy prince' due to his string of romantic relationships with models and actresses. He also fathered several love children - two of which the prince has acknowledged. Meanwhile, Princess Charlene has been known to disappear from the public eye on multiple occasions, reportedly due to 'deep fatigue'. The princess took a prolonged medical hiatus in South Africa which saw her spend most of 2021 away from her husband and children. This meant she missed the seventh birthdays of her twins - Jacques and Gabriella - and her tenth wedding anniversary. Charlene also travelled to a Swiss clinic that allegedly specialises in mental health and addiction issues. SInce 2021, Charlene has been seen with the Royal Family. Albert's questionable financial practises have also been the subject of much scrutiny in recent years with Tatler going as far as to declare there was a chance the monarch might not have survived the scandal last year. The rumours started in 2023 when Claude Palmero, 68, who looked after the Royal Family's finances (including their investments, their properties and the main palace), was sacked after being targeted by a mysterious anti-corruption website. A few months later, French newspaper Le Monde published Palmero's 'secret notebooks', which claimed to detail reckless spending by the Royal Family. It alleged that Albert spends millions every year from a secret French bank account to pay his former mistresses and love children - with Jazmin Grimaldi, 31, and Alexandre Coste-Grimaldi, 20, receiving allowances of £344,000 each. According to Le Monde, Jazmin, Albert's love child with U.S. estate agent Tamara Rotolo, receives £73,000 every three months - despite not being part of the royal family. Palmero noted she was given £4,200 for her 18th and a flat in New York worth £2.6 million seven years later. Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella during the Army Parade, as part of the official celebrations marking the principality National Day in 2024 He also noted that the palace was paying for kidnap and ransom insurance for Alexandre, 20, Albert's son with former air hostess Nicole Coste. The Prince acknowledged paternity of Alexandre in 2005. Princess Charlene's own mismanagement of her money was also criticised in the paper. She was routinely given an allowance of around £1.2 million a year - but still managed to overspend, according to Palmero's notes. The speed at which the mother-of-two apparently burned through money so worried the Prince's accountant that he wrote in his notes: 'It's crazy! I have no control over the Princess' spending.' After Albert sacked Palmero he was then questioned by police after Albert filed a lawsuit against him, resulting in an investigation into alleged 'breach of confidentiality, invasion of privacy and receiving the proceeds of two offences'. After losing his role in the palace, Palmero reportedly filed a lawsuit against the royal family, accusing them of abuse of weakness, attempted extortion and theft. He also contested his dismissal before a tribunal headed by Judge Linotte. When the president of Monaco's Supreme Court was pushed out, Palmero went to the European Court of Human Rights. He allegedly claimed that it wasn't possible to get a fair hearing in the super-rich principality. The case is still ongoing. Albert has denied all of Palmero's allegations. Despite the questions over their financial practises, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene remain respected among other Royal Families in Europe. In May, the royals joined other Catholic monarchs including the King and Queen of Spain and Belgium for an audience with Pope Leo XIV. Princess Charlene along with Queen Letizia of Spain and Queen Mathilde of Belgium are allowed to wear white in front of the Pope because of their faith. They are each one of only seven women in the world who have 'the privilege of the white'. Called 'le privilege du blanc' in French or 'il privilegio del bianco' in Italian, the special tradition is extended solely to designated Catholic queens and princesses and is reserved for important events at the Vatican, such as private audiences, canonisations, beatifications, and special masses. Normal protocol for papal audiences requires that ladies wear a long black dress with a high collar and long sleeves and a black mantilla.
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New report urges urgent investment in regenerative tourism innovation
A new global report is calling for urgent investment and innovation in regenerative tourism models, warning that consumer demand for eco-conscious, purpose-driven travel is outpacing the industry's ability to deliver. Titled Unlocking Innovation for Regenerative Tourism, the report, released on 25 June 2025 by Red Sea Global, the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, Wave, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, highlights the need for tourism projects that go beyond sustainability by actively restoring ecosystems, supporting local communities, and creating long-term environmental and economic value Tourism's untapped regenerative potential The report reveals that while tourism contributed around $9.9t to global GDP in 2023, and coastal and marine tourism accounts for over half of total global tourism, regenerative tourism remains significantly underserved. A rising number of travellers — 43% globally — are willing to pay more for sustainable stays, yet few genuinely regenerative options exist. 'At Red Sea Global, we believe that tourism can be a powerful force for good," says Raed Albasseet, group chief environment and sustainability officer at Red Sea Global. "This report underscores the urgent need to unlock innovation and investment in regenerative practices." Investor confidence and innovation gaps The study highlights investor hesitance, with 58% citing a lack of confidence or data to fund regenerative tourism projects, despite the opportunity within a $3t market. Additionally, nearly a third of hospitality leaders surveyed agreed that the current innovation pipeline lacks the funding needed for growth at scale. Penny Richards, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Institute, urges decision-makers to act: "Innovation today will define the tourism industry of tomorrow and I urge investors, policy makers and innovators to look carefully at the findings of this groundbreaking report." Collaboration and data key to future success The report also underscores the importance of collaboration and technology in closing knowledge gaps and scaling regenerative solutions. "This important study highlights the critical role of data and collaboration in restoring our oceans," says Jamila El Mir, insights and activation lead at Wave. "By leveraging data-driven insights, we can unlock regenerative solutions that ensure a thriving ocean for generations to come." Olivier Wenden, vice chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, adds: "The findings from this report provide a roadmap to protecting biodiversity and advancing the sustainable use of ocean resources." Key recommendations and next steps The report outlines several priority actions for stakeholders: • Raising awareness among institutional and private investors • Growing the pipeline of scalable startups and blue tech innovators • Advocating for supportive regulation and sustainability frameworks • Facilitating cross-sector collaboration between hospitality, finance, policy and technology communities Salma Baghdadi, innovation lead at Wave, stresses: "Regenerative tourism is not only an environmental and social imperative, but an economic opportunity requiring innovation and blue tech to scale smart, resource-efficient solutions at speed." The findings were shared during workshops and panel discussions earlier this month in Monaco and at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
