#monegasque cinema

[spideyanakin]

Hymne à L'amour (Part 1)

Charles Leclerc x Monegasque princess!Reader

Part 2

Listen to Hymne a l'amour by Edith Piaf

^ you can find the English version (called if you Love me) sang by her or other rly cool artists. I chose to translate the lyrics directly from the original version (im a native french speaker 😏) rather than use the English lyrics. Just bc I thought the french lyrics felt stronger and it worked well w this fic :)

Requested by - anonymous // Reader who is the Princess of Monaco and dating Charles? Also they show up together at Monaco GP and all fans go crazy especially when she gives him trophy when he wins.

Authors note - this is not at all accurate to the actual monégasque royale family, I took a shit tone of creative liberty. Also thank you @illicitlimerence-writes for helping me figure out the plot :))

Masterlist 🧚🏻‍♀️

Charles Leclerc Masterlist 🌻

In all truths, you hated high society.

The constant reminder that every single little thing you did was looked by the media.

You couldn't dress a certain way, put your hair like you wanted. You could barely go out with your friends. Relationships were hard enough, imagine being royalty. It meant commitment. Boyfriends couldn’t come and go, if you really loved someone they would have to go through the pressure of becoming a royal.

In a nutshell you felt trapped in a box.

A box where Formula 1 seemed to be the only escape. The one thing that you loved that your royal life wouldn't tear away from you. It was part of the culture, part of the Monégasque life.

You vividly remembered the first time you watched a race. You might have been 6 or 7 - all dressed in your pretty perfect little princess outfit.

You watched with admiration as all the cool cars flashed in front of you, people cheering and screaming at them. You looked around the stands and spotted people with a multitude of different colored caps, shirts and banners - the sight making you smile.

"Who are you cheering for dad!?" You tugged on your fathers pants who grabbed you and held you in his arms to reply. He looked at the track and waited a few seconds before answering you.

"Do you see this red one?" He pointed to Schumacher's Ferrari who passed so fast you barely caught sight of it.

"Yes." You nodded.

"That's who I'm cheering for." He bopped your nose which made you giggle.

The next thing you remembered is standing as still as you possibly could in between your parents. Watching in admiration as your father grabbed a beautiful trophy from a big Louis Vuitton case and handed it to the driver all in red who was standing in front of him.

When the driver you now knew as Schumacher smiled to you, you smiled back - a sudden feeling of wanting to be a formula 1 driver flooding you.

But those dreams were quickly crushed.

A princess couldn't be a formula 1 driver - what would people say?

If you couldn't become one, you were glad you were at least allowed to like it.

As you grew up, you found yourself handing trophies to the drivers so much It had even become a tradition. The yearly headlines of how cute little you was holding the big trophy to hand it to the race winner only stopped when you became a teenager.

The headlines had changed into

'Tradition stays, Y/n of Monaco hands the trophies once again'

And every time it was the best weekend. The highlight of your year.

On the other hand, Charles always had an eye on you. Whether it was seeing you when you made public appearances, or when you handed formula 1 trophies. He always seemed to spot you, either from the streets of his beloved city, from his friends’s apartment window when he was still a kid watching the race and getting a view of the podium. Spotting you at the cinema with your dad. Or more recently, from the bright red Ferrari paddock.

The first year Charles joined the team, he was jumping on his heels at the thought of meeting you. You walked into the paddock to greet your favorite team, your bodyguard closely following behind.

"How are you?" You cheered at Sebastian Vettle who you greeted with two kisses on the cheek.

"I'm great! How are you?"

"Great as ever." You smiled before smoothing the fabric of your designer outfit. One you actually liked this time.

"Y/n!" Binotto cheered and you handed him a smile.

You got into a small conversation, talking about the hope that Ferrari had with their car, and how he had hopes with his new driver. Talking about the new Ferrari driver, Charles stepped into the paddock, the top of his racing overalls still hanging low on his hips as he walked to ask Binotto a question.

What he didn't see was - you.

"um hey I had a questio-" He stopped in his steps the second he met your eyes.

Fuck. You were even prettier up close.

The girl he had spent years crushing on was standing right in front of him, a bright smile plastered on her face.

The worst part was that she wasn't even only his crush. She was the freaking princess of Monaco.

Sebastian chuckled when he saw the way Charles froze mid sentence.

"Charles, meet our number one fan. Y/n." Sebastian placed a hand on your shoulder.

Charles was still frozen. He didn't know if he had to curtsy or say something special upon meeting you. You seemed to spot his confusion and giggled.

"You don't need to bow or anything, Charles." You smiled. "Can I call you Charles?" You asked for confirmation with your eyes and he nodded, too scared of stuttering if he replied with words.

You knew his name

"Well it's nice to meet you, Charles." He thought he was going to die at how his name sounded on your lips.

You took a step forward to greet him with the usual two cheek kisses, his entire self screaming as he realized who was kissing his cheeks.

"It's so amazing having a Monegasque driver." You smiled, Charles feeling instant longing after your hand slipped off his shoulder. "I was so happy when you signed with Ferrari."

"Y- Yeah. Thanks." He managed - his cheeks instantly becoming scarlet red at your compliment.

"I'll be cheering for you." You winked, confidence suddenly flowing through your veins.

You thanked the years of training to stay still for events. Because you were internally screaming. You had been following Charles's career for years, as he was one of the rare successful Monegasque drivers. You had always wanted to meet him, but what you didn't know was how more handsome he would be in person.

On the other hand Charles became even more desperate to win this race. Not just because he would be the first Monegasque driver to win a home race in the history of F1. But suddenly, a feeling of wanting to impress you and receive a trophy that your beautiful hands had touched seemed to flow in him.

The rest of the day seemed to go well. You stayed around in the paddock, greeting a few other teams and answering a few questions from the media. But you always kept an eye on the young Ferrari driver. Your heart skipping a beat when ever you'd find him already staring at you.

But unfortunately qualifying didn't go well.

After a problem with his car he had to retire and he was left fuming in the paddock.

He grabbed his water bottle and chewed at the straw in stress. Every year in Monaco was a disaster, and he was so mad it took everything in him to not scream and take his rage onto his car.

"Hey I'm sure the race will go well tomorrow." You smiled when you spotted him, removing your soundproof headset.

"You think?" He looked at you and you gulped at the beauty of his stare.

"I'm sure of it."

But the race did not go well.

Your heart shattered at the sight of him. He dropped his helmet and unzipped the top of his suit. Crashing on the first seat he saw.

This was his home race, and he never seemed to be able to finish one.

This wasn't fair.

"You know Monaco is not the only race of the season." Your soft voice seemed to bring him back to his senses. He opened his eyes and met your glance, sudden warmth feeling him at your sight.

"But you don't hand the trophies of the other races."

"You've got a point." You smirked and sat next to him. "But don't bring yourself down. I'm sure you'll win a race in Monaco soon, there's always next season." Your hand traveled to his shoulder and he instantly melted under your touch.

"Will you be handing the trophies then?"

"Of course!" You chuckled. "Every year."

"Then I'll look forward to winning."

You didn't know how or why but for a few seconds you felt like it was only the two of you in the whole world. Your eyes were set on each other, and none of you wanted to look away.

Your breath hitched at the thought of him being so close to you, and you could feel your heart beating in your ears at the way he looked at you.

Then you had a thought.

"I heard there were a few parties tonight." Charles wasn't blind to the mischievous way your eyes sparkled. "I'd love to meet you at one."

"That- that would be nice." Charles thought his brain was going to glitch.

“What’s your number?” You wondered as you grabbed your phone from your back pocket, opening the contacts and placing your opened phone in Charles hand.

Charles’s finger flew faster than they ever had, rereading his number at least ten times to make sure he had it right.

You smiled when you saw his contact. “Here, so you have my number.” You sent a message to him, smiling when the message passed through.

“I have to go.” You looked at your watch. “I have to get ready to hand the trophies.” Your smile reflected the fact that you hated leaving him, or having to give a trophy to another driver. “See you tonight.” You winked, leaving a dumbfounded Charles behind you.

And after that night of partying, you and Charles had become inseparable. In such a small amount of time you had become best friends.

Best friends who were deep in love with each other.

Flash forward to December. The cold air of Monaco had made you shiver, the harsh dry winds of the Eastern south side of France making you tighten your coat around your shoulders.

You smiled as you checked your phone, a text from Charles wishing you a happy flight to Paris. You thought what to reply as you walked the small steps that led to your private jet, sending him some goofy gif before putting your phone in airplane mode and back in your bag.

Sitting down on the fancy seats, you let your head rest, closing your eyes as your thoughts traveled back to Charles.

Somehow you couldn’t stop thinking about those green eyes. His cute grins and goofy smiles. He was so comfortable around you compared to most people around your age. Even Pierre had trouble speaking proper sentences when he was in front of you.

Most people out there seemed to forget the human behind the mask of royalty. But in a way Charles made you forget all that. He treated you like a normal person, but making you feel so special at the same time.

Somewhere deep inside you, you wanted nothing but to tell him that you maybe wanted more than friendship. To tell him how in love with him you were, and kiss his lips until your lungs were out of air.

But you weren’t even sure if he liked you back. And even if he did, you couldn’t bring him into the swirl of royalty. You knew Charles and you knew that he didn’t mind living life in bling, but you also knew all the things that came with being a royal, and joining the royal family. All the expectations and codes. Even if Monaco was a small place, you loved Charles too much to put him through this.

You loved him too much to put him through the pressure of getting married and having heirs. Always expecting him to behave his best, make no mistakes.

The package that came with the relationship wasn’t something you could bring yourself to put on his shoulders.

~

You realized you had fallen asleep when your bodyguard woke you up telling you you had safely landed in Paris.

Mumbling a thanks and checking the clock, you quickly shook sleep out of you and got ready to leave the plane. Checking yourself in the mirror you got ready for the mass amount of paparazzi who would be waiting for you at the airport.

The classic Parisian gray sky made you smile a little. It changed from Monaco and you liked it. Paris was always an escape from royal life. An escape where you felt a little freer from the crown’s clutches.

Arriving to your hotel you were greeted with a stylist and a make-up artist. They had already settled in the room and laid out what you would wear - it just made you feel a little more like their barbie doll rather than you - but you pushed that thought away.

You smiled a little as you dropped your coat and sat on the vanity chair, and before you knew you were ready and all set to go to the FIA ceremony. You had no clue why they wanted you to hand out some of the prizes, you didn’t even know which prize you’d hand - but won’t one last look at yourself in the mirror, you took a shaky breath trying to get the speed of your heart to slow down.

Charles was going to be there, all handsome and you’d have to hand him an award.

~

Arriving there you had managed to calm yourself down.

Maybe it was the way Charles couldn’t stop staring at you, or the familiar faces and bright smiles that danced across the room.

You stood on the large stage, giving your most charming smile as you held the trophy in your hand, trying to remember the lines you had rehearsed before coming here.

It was something simple, something to reward Charles for this year’s performance.

The whole room clapped and you watched as your new favorite person walked up the stage, the eye contact between you too never breaking.

You embraced him, grinning from ear to ear as you did.

“i know it’s not the grand prix trophy, but hopefully this is the first trophy of many i give to you,” you whispered.

“God, I love you so much" he smiled as you handed him the trophy, you felt your cheeks burn up, leaving you wonder if he meant it as a friend or something else.

But the night went on, leaving you with this thought.

People smiled, talked and went on about how great this season had been for motor sports in general.

Max had passed by and you had chatted with him, but somehow Charles was always by your side. Being exactly where he should be when the whole after party turned into a dance floor.

Asking if you wanted to dance with him, the answer was too quick to leave your lips.

And before you knew it, his hands were on your waist, and yours around his neck. The upbeat music making you chuckle as you weirdly danced, making goofy faces at each other.

Maybe it was the champagne or the way his eyes were making you go dizzy, but you felt so much courage, you felt like it would be impossible for you to let go of him.

But after a few songs the whole vibe of the room changed. The bright music came to a stop, and of course how could you forget where you were.

Paris.

City of love, city of lights.

City of Edith Piaf.

There wasn’t one Parisien event where she wouldn’t be given an homage.

And well you didnt expect the DJ to choose her second most famous love song after la vie en rose, especially play it while you were in Charles’s arms.

You especially didn’t expect the lyrics to be hitting so hard.

When the first few notes started playing you gulped. Raising your stare to face his green eyes. The fact that he was already looking at you took your breath away for the millionth time that night.

You thought you were going to collapse right there, but then the thought of his hand on you was too hard to pull away from.

You tried to read his eyes, you both knew what this song was about.

Hymne a L’amour

A hymn to love

Somehow, you didn’t need to speak a single word, because the moment spoke for itself.

‘Le ciel bleu sur nous peut s'effondrer’

The blue sky can fall onto us

‘Et la Terre peut bien s'écrouler’

And the earth can crumble

Your head fell on Charles’s shoulder, and your eyes closed by themselves.

‘Peu m'importe si tu m'aimes, je me fous du monde entier’

If you love me, I won’t care

No words were shared between the two of you, but somehow, you knew that these lyrics applied to you’re relationship.

You knew this song, you had heard it a million times. But being there, dancing in Charles’s arms. It was like rediscovering the song all over again. The words held their own personal meaning now.

It made you think back to your own feelings.

Maybe if you were sure that he loved you back. That he loved you just as much as you did he wouldn’t care for the whole package deal that came with being with you.

‘Tant qu'l'amour innondera mes matins’

As long as love drowns my mornings

That sentence made you slip into an imaginary life you could have with him.

‘Tant qu'mon corps frémira sous tes mains’

As long as my body will shudder under your touch

This brought you back to the way his hands freely sat on your waist. Thinking about how much you’d love for them to roam even more freely.

You stopped yourself right there.

You promised yourself you wouldn’t add more wood to this fire. You were already falling for him and hard, you couldn’t make this more complicated than it already was.

But that damm song.

‘Peu m'importe les problèmes, Mon amour, puisque tu m'aimes’

No matter the problems, my love, at least we love each other.

That sentence seem to click something in Charles, because he suddenly changed his movement and grabbed your hand, walking you away from the main room.

The sudden movements took you aback, and you had to take a long second to snap back out of your trans.

Charles looked at you with a look you couldn’t recognise. It was like he had been holding back a world of thoughts and they all came rising through at the same time.

But by the way he looked at you, your eyes probably showed the same crazy spark.

"Y/n, I’m tired of pretending." He huffed.

"What do you mean?" Your voice was so quiet you wondered if he had heard you.

"You know what I mean." before you could reply, he was cupping your cheek and leaned to press his lips on yours.

It was like an explosion in you.

You had dreamed about this for so long and now that it was actually happening your mind had a hard time comprehending what was going on.

But the music from the ball room could be faintly heard. The lyrics barely audible but the rhythm was enough to make you kiss him back with everything in you.

Read part 2

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[gracie-bird]

THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN PRINCESS GRACE OF MONACO AND FRENCH CINEMA DIRECTOR ROBERT HOSSEIN.

Princess Grace, who died in 1982, and the immense actor who has just left us have been very close since the mid-1970s. Here is the genesis of their beautiful story of friendship.

Hollywood could have made a movie of it. That of two great actors of the same generation who later discover a beautiful and great friendship. This is what happened between Princess Grace of Monaco and the talented director, actor, producer, Robert Hossein , who died shortly before the start of the year 2021 . To do this, let's go back in time.

Fan of Peyrac!

1974, Grace of Monaco is 45 years old, a loving husband, three lovely children, a principality to invest in and lots of memories from her life before. The one where she shone as an actress on Hollywood sets. No bitterness however because this life, she knowingly turned her back on him by marrying Prince Rainier . Nevertheless, there are always these films that she would have liked to shoot, these characters that she would have wanted to play. Like that of the sulphurous and magnetic, Angélique Marquise des Anges . A free soul, greedy for life and head over heels in love with her Joffrey, Count de Peyrac. A dark character that Robert Hossein has embodied seven times . And precisely the Monegasque princess adored Peyrac whose romantic and cinematographic adventures she had screened in the palace.

A story of jams

And in this year 1974, when she learns of the drama which has just touched Robert Hossein, she rushes to his bedside. The 47-year-old comedian was the victim of a terrible traffic accident. If he survived, his then-fiancée didn't. Grace de Monaco and Hossein do not know each other. But the princess insists on going to bring her comfort in the hospital, accompanied from time to time by the Princess Caroline and the Prince Albert, his elders. Sometimes even, here it comes with jars of homemade jam! From then on, links are created. 

Unwavering. Robert Hossein becomes intimate with the princely couple, is regularly invited to the Principality, shares his artistic tastes with them and is very present when the princess tragically disappears in 1982 in a car accident.

 Despite the tragedy, Robert Hossein continues to support and date the Grimaldi family. One day, Prince Albert will even confide to him that his mother, it is true, would have liked, a long time ago, to embody this Angelique who made French cinema dream so much ...

Source: [x]

#grace kelly #princess grace #robert hossein #grimaldi #french cinema #1974 #princesse grace #grace de monaco #jammu and kashmir #handmade jam #royals #1970s #Angélique Marquise des Anges #marquise des anges

[atticusrossi]

[ ATTICUS ROSSI. 24. MALE. HE/HIM ] is here! They’ve lived in Silver Lake for [ 21 YEARS ] and are originally from [ MONACO ]. They are an [ INTERIOR DESIGNER ] and in their downtime love [ GETTING HEATED OVER BOARD GAMES ] and [ WATCHING MOVIES ON THE IMDB BOTTOM 100 ]. They look a lot like [ ALEX FITZALAN ] and live [ ON SILVERWOOD TERRACE ].

quick fact stuff:

Full name: Atticus Étienne Rossi.

Height: 5′9, average height king.

Zodiac: aquarius sun, gemini moon, leo rising.

Alignment: Lawful neutral.

MBTI: ESTJ-T.

Temperament: Choleric.

Hogwarts house: Gryffindor.

Likes: terrible low-budget movies, retro video games, antiques, European films, board games, HP Lovecraft, colorful socks, exotic animals, running, over-consuming coffee, pretending to be a confused foreigner when people ask for directions.

Dislikes: basic ukulele music, being told to listen to podcasts, IKEA, musicals, losing, life hack videos, cheap shoes, people who don’t know where Monaco is, Nutella, wearing pants at his house, (mostly his own) birthdays, karaoke, small talk.

Fave locations: Daily Planet, Cinema Paradiso, Intelligentsia, Five By Night, Sal’s.

Pets: a rainbow lorikeet parrot named Ponyo, and a corgi named Pepper.

biographical stuff:

Born in Monaco on January 31st 1996 — two minutes before his twin Nirvana. 

Their father is a famous architect, their mother is an orchestral conductor. The Rossis are both rich and cultured ok and we love that for them.

They relocated to Silver Lake when the twins were two years old, so all of his memories from Monaco are from holidays later in life.

Studied architecture at Berkeley and graduated a year ago.

He works for the family business Rossi Deco as his primary job but also freelances as a production designer on movies ‘cause that’s way more fun.

Atticus is very attached to his family in general and Nirvana in particular, which is why he lives just down the street from her. They also totally have twin powers, alright?

After so many years, he generally identifies more as American than Monegasque, but he will absolutely insist that he’s a foreigner when it’s convenient for him.

random bits:

Introduced the concept of ‘Naked Thursdays’ with a former roommate (yes, after the Friends episode), and still keeps that proud tradition alive... so maybe think twice before you come over unexpectedly.

Loves more than anything to take stupid, ugly pictures of his friends and (especially) his siblings, and will send them the photos randomly as a reminder that he has them.

Went through an intense hyper-fixation with sharks as a kid and read literally every single library book about them in a few months. Still knows a ton of shark trivia.

Knows a ton of useless shit in general, tbh. Kills it at pub quizzes.

Has a tattoo of young Jennifer Connelly on his right bicep. He intended for it to be part of a whole sleeve but turns out that shit hurts, so the idea is on hold for now.

Used to work at Cinema Paradiso and also at Five By Night, still spends a ton of time in both places. Also probably knows most of Nirvana’s friends ‘cause they’re annoying and definitely go through phases of being attached by the hip.

connections:

sike cause I don’t actually have a whole lot of specifics in mind

The only concrete connection idea I had off the top of my head is that I could see him renting out a room at his house or something, so if anyone wants to live with a dumb parrot and this hot mess then... hit us up for that I guess.

But anyway, he’s been living in the neighborhood basically his whole life, so we’re for sure open to connections, new and old!

I’m gonna stop rambling now, so thanks for reading through this and happy 420 <3

#slintro #hello this is a mess but love him pls and thank u

[lavotha]

Unifying value of French language spoken by over 300 million 

The two-day 36th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie (CMF) opened on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco under the theme Reconciling Humanity with the Planet, bringing together the representatives from 88 Member States and Governments, members of the International Francophone Organization (OIF). All united under a common language, French, spoken by over 300 million people in five continents. This is the first time the Principality welcomes such an important event, in spite of being a founding member of OIF since its creation on March 20, 1970, and 2020 will mark its 50th anniversary in Tunisia.

(Photo: Participants in the 36th Conférence Ministérielle Francophonie – Direction de la Communication © Michael Alesi)

Well-known French-Swiss TV personality and producer Maïtena Biraben was the host of the opening ceremony. (Photo insert Maitena Biraben with journalist Celina Lafuente de Lavotha.)

Minister of State Serge Telle inaugurated this high-level conference alongside Louise Mushikiwabo, General Secretary of La Francophonie (former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda), and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, President of the 36th CMF.

Serge Telle started his presentation by saying: “This meeting in Monaco represents a moment of joy for us, due to the importance of the International Organization of the Francophonie, having the Principality of Monaco as one of its founders, remaining active members, and faithful supporters.”

He emphasized the theme of this year’s conference by affirming: “To save our planet we must combine all the energies, all the wills. Those of the states and governments we represent here, of course, but also the civil societies and their youth, in particular, companies, NGOs, the intellectuals, the artists, the scientists – in fact, each one of us. If we want to act effectively at the service of our planet, we must act together. This is the meaning of the event we are organizing parallel to this conference, on sustainable tourism”.

(Photo: Presentation by Serge Telle, Monaco State Minister © Michael Alesi)

His speech was, in turn, echoed by Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Louise Mushikiwabo (seen in the photo below by Celina Lafuente de Lavotha), elected since last year at the head of the Francophone Organization. She warmly thanked the Principality for its involvement and organization and highlighted the values ​​of this Francophone’s multiculturalism, now at a crossroads, and requiring to assert its unifying strength.

These expressions of sturdiness and symbiosis united by the same language emerged from the video message of Prince Albert II, projected to the assembly, in which he reiterated, to the Secretary-General, his full support for the reforms undertaken and confirmed the support for Louise Mushikiwabo’s vision.

The ceremony,  placed under the sign of youth one of Francophone unifying pillars, included artistic interludes by Les Petites Chanteurs de Monaco, and dancers of the Princess Grace Academy, plus an emotionally charged message of wisdom, hope, and respect delivered by the students of Sciences-Po Menton campus.

Presentation by students of Sciences-Po Menton campus @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Les Petites Chanteurs de Monaco performing at operning of 36th Conference Ministerielle de la Francophonie, Monaco, October 30, 2019 @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Performance by Students from the Princess Grace Academy @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha

Aux Coeurs des mots – Changing attitudes through education

The Monegasque Association Aux Cœurs Des Mots (ACDM), founded and presided by Hilde Heye, received a special invitation by the Government of Monaco and the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) to present its flagship action: the digital francophone writing contest under the theme of equal rights between girls and boys. The ACDM Honorary President is Prince Albert II of Monaco, who has been supporting this initiative since its inception.

ACDM is under the High Patronage of Madame Louise Mushikiwabo, the new Secretary-General of La Francophonie, was created by active women, entrepreneurs, teachers, lawyers, and executives of different countries and cultures. Convinced that increased youth participation is crucial in discussing equal rights for girls and boys, ADM decided to give them a voice through the organization of a writing competition.

(Photo: Hilde Heye, President Founder Aux Coeur des Mots and some of the founding members of her team at the 36th Conference Ministerielle de la Francophonie, Monaco 2019)

Hilde Heye said: “Schools are the most relevant agora to conduct these exchanges,  a neutral place where education is omnipresent and can undoubtedly help change mentalities, regardless of student’s origin, gender or beliefs. It was important for us to connect these schools so that the project had an intercultural dimension, something possible thanks to sharing the same language”. Schools, jury members, members of the association, but also international correspondents who are local relays, all have access to this database.

“It is an area without borders, a place of peace, and tolerance in which they publish photos, films, information about their environment. With 52 countries participating in the contest, it has become a worldwide success. The theme and age changes with each new version of the contest, the ACDM community of girls and boys keep increasing in successive competitions.

Equal Rights for Girls and Boys, for a Better and Just World

For the third edition the theme selected is: “Equal Rights for Girls and Boys, for a Better and Just World,” and classes will have to write a poem to clearly express their thoughts, working on the sounds, rhythm, and musicality. This composition, based on the need for equal rights for girls and boys,  and the importance of respecting those rights to contribute to a more compassionate and juster world. The contest was launched in September 2019 and will end on April 30, 2020, at midnight, with the award ceremony planned for March 2021in the Principality.

The list of participating countries up to this date are: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Germany, Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Burkina Fasso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Comoros, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Egypt, France, Gambia , Georgia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Haiti, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Niger, Netherlands, Palestine, Portugal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Senegal, Slovenia, Syria, Chad, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine

A prestigious international jury composed of personalities from different horizons (literature, cinema, music, art, show, etc.), will evaluate the work and select the winning entries. A collection gathering all the works will be published and offered to all participants to enhance their work and allow them to remember these moments of exchange and enriching debates. It will stimulate the desire for reading and writing. These collections will be made available to decision-makers and all relevant actors at the international level as a tool for reflection.

The list Jury members, presided by Leila HATAMI, are: Atiq RAHIMI, Nick DANZIGER, Koen DE BOUW, Fausto POCAR, Antoine DE MAXIMY, Sarah BRIAND, Camille DE PERETTI DE ROCCA, Denise FABRE, Nedim GÜRSEL, Didier KASSAÏ, Jean PORTANT, Akli TADJER, Beata UMUBYEYI MAIRESSE, Yasmina TAYA, Georges VIGARELLO, and the Jury President of the previous contest Faouzia ZOUARI.

Today’s Quote

“La connaissance des langues est la porte de la sagesse.” – “Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom.” 

Reconciling humanity with the planet, theme of Francophone conference in Monaco Unifying value of French language spoken by over 300 million  The two-day 36th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie (CMF) opened on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco under the theme Reconciling Humanity with the Planet, bringing together the representatives from 88 Member States and Governments, members of the International Francophone Organization (OIF).

#36th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie #Aux Coeurs des Mots #CMF #Equal Rights for Girls and Boys #French language #H.E. Serge Telle #Hilde Hery #Hilde Heye #HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco #Louise Mushikiwabo #Maitena Biraben #OIF

[hearttenor7-blog]

Grace Kelly's grandson Louis Ducruet on engagement to Marie Chevallier

Grace Kelly's grandson Louis Ducruet reveals his American college sweetheart was 'choked with sobs' when he proposed– and says his mother Princess Stéphanie helped pick out the ring

The Palace announced in February that Louis, 26, is to marry Marie Chevallier 

Louis and Marie went to the same business school in France college in the US

Marie studied marketing there, and also worked as a French tutor

She has formerly had a job as a checkout girl at a discount supermarket chain

Louis has a BA in sports management; he now works as a football scout

Louis is Stephanie's oldest child with her former husband, Daniel Ducruet

By Unity Blott For Mailonline and Clemence Michallon For Dailymail.com

Published: 16:45 GMT, 27 November 2018 | Updated: 22:43 GMT, 27 November 2018

Monegasque royal Louis Ducruet has revealed there were 'lots' of tears when he proposed to his long-term girlfriend earlier this year.

The son of Princess Stéphanie, and grandson of Grace Kelly of Monaco, is set to wed college sweetheart Marie Chevallier in Louis' hometown - and the pair have already talked babies, they revealed this week.

In an interview with Hello, the young couple, who both describe themselves as 'shy', said it was 'love at first sight' when they first met in North Carolina- as they lifted the lid on introducing Marie to Louis' famous family.

Marie confessed: 'Since we were both equally shy, we spent quite some time trying to catch each other's eye. It took six months for one of us to make the first move. Then it all took off.' 

Louis Ducruet and long-term girlfriend Marie Chevallier, pictured in Vietnam in February, have spoken about their upcoming nuptials for the first time since becoming engaged

Marie, pictured in Dubai in February, attended Western Carolina University, in Cullowhee, North Carolina, where she studied marketing - and met her future husband

The couple were visiting Marie's native Vietnam in February when Louis dropped to one knee on the beach, causing her to become 'choked with sobs'. 

And there were more tears to come when Louis enlisted his mother and sisters, Pauline and Camille, to help him choose a ring for his future bride.

Recalling the day he took Marie home to meet his mother Princess Stéphanie, Louis said: 'The first time Mum met her she said: "She's absolutely perfect, hand on to her, don't let her go."'

The couple revealed they would be tying the knot at Monaco's Saint Nicholas Cathedral to be near Louis late grandfather, Prince Rainier II and 'include him in [their] happiness'.  

The Palace's announcement of the couple's wedding, back in February, mentioned Stéphanie's 'joy' at the upcoming nuptials but didn't specify a wedding date.

Princess Stephanie, 53, announced in February that her son Louis Ducruet, 25, is to marry his girlfriend Marie Chevallier. Louis and Marie are pictured in an engagement shot at the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam earlier this year, popping the question

Globe trotters: The pair had recently been sharing series of photos of their trip in Vietnam, during which Louis proposed to Marie

'Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie has the joy to announce her son Louis Ducruet's engagement with Miss Marie Chevallier,' the message read.

Louis is Stephanie's eldest child with her former husband Daniel Ducruet, who was once the princess' bodyguard. This makes him the grandson of Princess Grace Kelly, Stephanie's mother, who married Prince Rainier III in 1956.

Grace tragically died in a car crash in 1982, and was survived by her children Stephanie, who was in the car with Grace during the fatal crash, Caroline, now 61, and Albert II, 59. 

Stephanie had another child with Daniel, 24-year-old Pauline Ducruet, and also has a 20-year-old daughter, Camille Gottlieb.

Louis, who has no title but is 12th in the line of succession to the Monegasque throne, will be the first of Stephanie's children to tie the knot.

Past: Louis and Marie both attended Western Carolina University, in Cullowhee, North Carolina. They have been dating for about five years

Important news: The Palace's announcement, which was kept brief, mentioned Stephanie's 'joy' at the couple's upcoming nuptials but didn't specify a wedding date

Jobs: Marie is now a banqueting and convention coordinator at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, while Louis works as a scout for the AS Monaco soccer club

Souvenirs: The two love birds have made sure to snap plenty of pictures together to capture their memorable trip in Vietnam

Dropping hints? Marie had previously shared this photo of herself holding a 'Happy wife, happy life!' paper bag

The future newlyweds both attended Western Carolina University, in Cullowhee, North Carolina, where Louis earned a bachelor's degree in sports management and Marie studied marketing, Hello Monaco reported previously.

Marie is now a banqueting and convention coordinator at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, while Louis works as a scout for the AS Monaco soccer club.

Prior to earning her bachelor's from Western Carolina University, Marie obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration at Skema, a business school based in France, which Louis also attended.

Her previous jobs include distributing flyers and magazines on the street for an advertising agency in Nice, and working as a supermarket cashier for the French discount store chain Leader Price.

Louis is Stephanie's eldest child with her former husband Daniel Ducruet. The family is pictured in December 1992, two weeks after Louis' birth

Eldest brother: Louis (pictured as a two-wee-old baby with his mother) is the first of Stephanie's three children to tie the knot

She also sold movie tickets and snacks for the French movie chain Les Cinemas Gaumont et Pathe, and was once employed as a salesperson for France's state-owned railway company, the SNCF.

While at Western Carolina University, Marie was a French tutor. She was also an active member of the student union board at Skema. 

Marie, who has been working at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo for two years, shares her future husband's love of soccer, and cheered on the AS Monaco during the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg match in May last year.

Louis, meanwhile, also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration at Skema before studying at Western Carolina University. He started working at the AS Monaco as an intern and has been at his current position for two years. 

Message: 'Let me introduce you the future madame Ducruet,' Louis (pictured with Marie and  his uncle Prince's Albert II of Monaco) said in his post . 'She said yes and we are now engaged'

Happy: As for Marie (pictured with Louis and Stephanie in a file photo), she wrote : 'Proud to announce that, I said YES to the love of my life. I love you so so so much'

Careers: At Western Carolina University, Louis earned a bachelor's degree in sports management while Marie studied marketing. They are pictured in a file photo

Royals: Louis is the grandson of Princess Grace Kelly, Stephanie's mother. Grace and Stephanie are pictured together in July 1982 during the annual Red Cross Ball

The pair have dated for about five years, and often share sweet couple photos and loving messages for each other on their respective Instagram accounts.

Both of them have posted touching engagement photos while sharing their happiness with their followers.

The images see Louis down on one knee on a beach at the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, popping the question in a dapper white suit.

Marie, meanwhile, is wearing an emerald green dress in the shots, which see her pulling her future groom towards her for a kiss after she said yes.

'Let me introduce you the future madame Ducruet,' Louis said in his post. 'She said yes and we are now engaged.'

As for Marie, she wrote: 'Proud to announce that, I said YES to the love of my life. I love you so so so much.'

The pair had recently been sharing series of photos of their trip in Vietnam, during which Louis proposed to Marie.

Together, they visited the former capital of Hoa Lu, the gorgeous Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, the imperial city in Hue, and traveled on motorcycles in Hội An.

In each location, the two love birds made sure to snap plenty of pictures together to capture the memorable trip.  

Official: Louis and Marie have often appeared at events together, and cheered on the AS Monaco during the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg match in May last year

Throwback: Marie appeared to love her life in the US and has expressed nostalgia for the years she spent in North Carolina, sharing a picture of her graduation in which she posed with Louis

Touching: In December 2016, Marie shared this touching tribute to her later father, writing in the caption: 'You will be missed. I love you Daddy'

Family: Marie posted this photo in 2014, while she was attending Western Carolina University, saying she'd had 'a wonderful weekend' with her mother during a five-day visit

Louis and Marie have attended events together for the past few years, and have been sharing couple selfies since 2013. 

Marie, who has two older brothers and is a proud aunt, has called both Monaco and France home. She is an avid traveler who has journeyed around Europe, in the US, and within France.

Her travel snaps include views of Strasbourg and Nice, France, Barcelona, Spain, San Antonio and Dallas, Texas, and Hollywood.

She appeared to love her life in America and has expressed nostalgia for the years she spent studying in North Carolina, sharing a picture of her graduation in which she posed with Louis.

In December 2016, Marie shared a touching tribute to her late father on Instagram, posting a photo of herself in his arms as a child and writing in the caption: 'You will be missed. I love you Daddy.'

Fiancee: Marie (pictured with Louis in a social media snap), who has two older brothers , has called both Monaco and France home

Romance: Louis and Marie have made no mystery of their relationship and often post couple photos such as this one to demonstrate their profound love for each other

Siblings: Marie (pictured as a girl with her two older brothers) is now a proud aunt

WHO IS MARIE CHEVALLIER, LOUIS DUCRUET'S FIANCEE?

Marie, who has called both France and Monaco home, met Louis while both of them were students.

Like him, she attended Skema, a French business school where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Later on, she studied marketing at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, while Louis obtained a bachelor's degree in sports management.

Marie, a proud aunt, has two older brothers. She currently works as a banqueting and convention coordinator at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, a palace in Monaco.

Before beginning her current position two years ago, Marie held a variety of jobs as a student.

She has in the past distributed flyers and magazines on the street for an advertising agency in Nice, worked as a supermarket cashier for the French discount store chain Leader Price, sold movie tickets and snacks for the French movie theater chain Les Cinemas Gaumont et Pathe, and was employed as a salesperson for France's state-owned railway company, the SNCF.

While at Western Carolina University, Marie was a French tutor. She was also an active member of the student union board at Skema. 

In December 2016, Marie shared a touching tribute to her late father on Instagram, posting a photo of herself in his arms as a child and writing in the caption: 'You will be missed. I love you Daddy.' 

Marie is now an avid traveler who has journeyed around Europe, in the US, and within France.

The travel snaps she has shared on social media include views of Strasbourg and Nice, France, Barcelona, Spain, San Antonio and Dallas, Texas, and Hollywood.

In her spare time, Marie also enjoys watching soccer, sharing her fiance's love for the sport. Together, they were photographed cheering on the AS Monaco during the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg match in May last year. 

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Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6434223/Grace-Kellys-grandson-Louis-Ducruet-engagement-Marie-Chevallier.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490

[lavotha]

Three-year expedition for the protection of our ecosystem

Thursday, July 27, 2017 will remain a historic date, as the day M/V Yersin, Francois Fiat’s transoceanic mega-yacht, hoisted anchor in the presence of Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and their 2 and-a-half year-old royal twins Jacques and Gabriella, and departed from the Yacht Club of Monaco to start the 3-year exploration voyage. (Photo insert: Yersin seen from the sky @MC-CLC – Thierry Apparu)

HSH Prince Albert presented Yersin’s Captain Jean Dumarais with the Monaco flag, with Prince Hereditary Jacques also participating in the vessel’s benediction. After descending from the vessel Prince Albert gave a brief presentation on the Monaco Explorations project, created under his initiative following on the steps of his great-great grandfather Albert I, a consummated explorer, a man ahead of his time.

Flag ceremony Yersin @Thierry Apparu

HSH Prince Albert II and Yersin’s captain Jean Dumarais during flag ceremony@Thierry Apparu

HSH Prince Albert presentation@Thierry Apparu

Explorers Club @Thierry Apparu

Royal twins on board Yersin

Hereditary Prince Jacques, in white pants and white polo with the Monaco Explorations logo, and Princess Gabriella, in a navy blue dress, accompanied their parents on board the Yersin on this special ocassion, charming everybody present.

Bon voyage! 

When night fell, at exactly 22:30, Yersin lifted anchor and started to move away from the dock. Really moved by the historic moment, YCM members joined Prince Albert branding Red & White Monaco flags to salute the departure of the Yersin. It was truly a memorable ocassion that will forever be remembered.

Visiting the Yersin docked at the Yacht Club of Monaco @Sara Contestabile

HSH Ptrince Albert and YCM members saying Goodbye@Thierry Apparu

Yersin departing from Monaco for the 3-year exploration voyage @Thierry Apparu

Monaco Explorations is based on an international and multidisciplinary campaign combining natural and human sciences, descriptions of places and environments that are rarely explored as well as the study of the behavior of the species present, their interactions, ethnology and relationships with the atmosphere and the Earth. The first stage in Yersin’s expedition will be Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean, for a project around monk seals in danger of extinction, by establishing cartography of the animals migration to help the local researchers.

“The Yersin is an exceptional vessel, a boat for cruising also designed for research purposes, and an impressive autonomy of several days or even several months. She keeps alive the tradition of Prince Albert I and Captain Cousteau’s boats and other explorers who left from Monaco. It is quite moving and extraordinary to think that thanks to Mr Fiat and his family, and his attachment to the Yacht Club de Monaco, this great adventure, where science and education take centre stage, can be revived,” said HSH Prince Albert II.

François Fiat, the owner and a member of the Yacht Club de Monaco, is also the first La Belle Classe Superyachts ambassador. This prestigious label unites owners determined to safeguard maritime heritage and promote new technologies towards sustainable development. It is a philosophy very much in line with three Monegasque Institutions that have encouraged the Yersin project: the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Oceanographic Institute and the Monaco Scientific Centre (CSM).

“It is a flawless vessel, zero emissions, without carbon imprint into the atmosphere”, assures his Captain Jean Dumarais. “On board Yersin, 70% of the space is dedicated to technology, 230% to dwelling and comfort, the inverse of a yacht,” continued the Captain. However, in the leisure areas, the cinema room with fifteen armchairs, cozy salons, and a sports area guarantee a comfortable stay.

About Yersin

The Yersin is a versatile and modular transoceanic ship designed for travel and exploration, offering the scientific community conditions of maximum comfort and safety, carrying the advanced technologies for research and communication. (Photo insert: Yersin at YCM  @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha)

The vessel, that has a complex laboratory on board, was named in honor of Doctor Alexandre Yersin (1863 – 1943), French-Swiss doctor, bacteriologist and explorer celebrated for discovering the pest bacillus and the elaboration of the first serum to cure the disease.

Created by Pierre Jacques Kubis Naval Design in collaboration with the in-house team, Piriou Engineering, the motor yacht has been designed for world cruising in extreme conditions (-20°C/+50°C). Built to passenger ship standards (hence the term Motor-Vessel), the construction of Yersinwas entrusted to French shipyard Piriou in Concarneau. No agent, no naval architect and no designer: François Fiat, his wife, his Captain, Jean Dumarais, and his Chief Engineer, Yordan Hristov designed her, monitored the whole construction process and selected the equipment and fittings themselves.

Francois Fiat explains that the M/V Yersin has been built around the A.S.E. project, with three key objectives in mind as to how the vessel will be deployed: Adventure, Science and Education.

A for Adventure: “It has been a dream of mine since childhood – inspired by Tintin, Prince Albert 1’s Hirondelle and Captain Cousteau’s Calypso – which within three years has become a reality. I wanted a boat that could sail anywhere, in any weather, with a reinforced hull for the ice. As her vocation is exploration we wanted to set aside 70% of the space to communal and technical areas.”

S for Science: The vessel is packed with eco-friendly technology. “We have electric propulsion, supplied on demand by generators as one still cannot store energy in batteries. At a cruising speed of 11 knots we consume 380 litres of diesel, half of what we would consume with diesel engines. At a slow-steaming speed of 9 knots, our total consumption (electricity, heating / air conditioning included) falls to 180 liters an hour, giving us autonomy for 12,000 miles and 40 days at sea with 40 people on board. Nothing is discharged into the sea: we recycle grey water for washing the boat for example, and produce freshwater for all our needs. But we only do oil changes in ports equipped for this, and then there’s no question of introducing foreign particles to an environment hundreds of miles from where we have taken water on for the desalination system.”

E for Education: “We can take children on board to educate future generations on protecting the environment. This is also what we did at the event with HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco. The broad smiles and messages they retained after a day on the water convinced us that this mission for the vessel is a very valid one.”

Technical specifications:

Shipyard: Piriou in Concarneau (France)

Length: 77m

Beam: 13m

Displacement: 2,300 UMS

Capacity: 18 passengers and 18 crewmembers

Bureau Veritas: ICE Class IC

Electric propulsion with Schottel Azipod system

Cleanship certification

Today’s Quote

“It’s not a life to not move.” Alexandre Yersin

All aboard Yersin for the launch of Monaco Explorations! Three-year expedition for the protection of our ecosystem Thursday, July 27, 2017 will remain a historic date, as the day M/V Yersin, Francois Fiat’s transoceanic mega-yacht, hoisted anchor in the presence of Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and their 2 and-a-half year-old royal twins Jacques and Gabriella, and departed from the Yacht Club of Monaco to start the 3-year exploration voyage.

#Captain Jean Dumarais #Celina Lafuente de Lavotha #ecosystem #Hereditary Prince Jacques of Monaco #HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco #HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco #M/V Yersin #Monaco Explorations #Oceanographic Institute #Princess Gabriella of Monaco #Scientific research #Yacht Club of Monaco