Princess Charlene has just returned from a historic visit to Spain with Prince Albert on 1 and 2 June; and to mark this significant occasion, she has granted us an exclusive interview.
The 150th anniversary of the Principality of Monaco’s diplomatic representation is being commemorated, as well as the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Spanish headquarters of the Prince Albert II Foundation; and the Spanish Crown and Monaco have once again ‘embraced’ one another in Madrid.
In an exceptional meeting in the Royal Botanical Gardens – followed by a visit last Tuesday to the Instituto de Empresa University – King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia and the Prince and Princess of Monaco have strengthened relations between the two countries after sharing five centuries of history. A past they have honoured whilst looking to the future. The four celebrated the opportunity this occasion provided to join forces and strengthen cooperation. Particularly in areas such as culture and environmental protection, highlighting the fight for the conservation of the Mediterranean Sea.
© Vanessa von ZitzewitzIn this interview, the First Lady speaks to us about the enormous importance of this trip. She also discusses her passion for sport; the daunting challenges facing future generations; her duties as a princess; and how she ensures she has time to look after her children, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, who turned 11 on 10 December. Not to mention the aquatic expedition she has launched with Prince Albert, following a partnership agreement between their two foundations, which was announced on 27 May during the opening of the 17th edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative at the Oceanographic Museum. With sport at its heart, the stated aim is to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the oceans to save lives and preserve biodiversity in the Mediterranean.
— Your Highness, your visit to Spain celebrates 150 years of diplomatic relations between Monaco and Spain. What does it mean to you?
Indeed, 2026 is a very special year for the ties between our two countries. We share more than five centuries of historical connections, as well as deep cultural and royal links. Our cooperation extends well beyond diplomacy and encompasses culture, environmental protection, maritime affairs, and many other areas of common interest.
To mark this important anniversary, Monaco and Spain are jointly participating in a year-long cultural programme. Madrid is hosting exhibitions, concerts, ballet performances, and opera events that highlight our shared heritage. Among them is the exhibition "Monaco and Spain: Five Centuries of Shared History," at the Villanueva Pavilion of the Royal Botanical Garden, which beautifully illustrates the richness of our longstanding relationship.
She spoke to us about her passion for sport, the challenges she faces and her duties as a princess: "I always make sure that I have enough time to look after Jacques and Gabriella"
Her Majesty Queen Letizia
— An exhibition which they will visit accompanied by Felipe VI and Queen Letizia on their first day in Madrid.
I am aware of Her Majesty Queen Letizia's commitment to reading, education, and culture, as well as her interest in sustainability and the protection of our Mediterranean environment. These are values that resonate strongly with Monaco. The anniversary celebrations provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen our cooperation, raise awareness of these important issues, and work together towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the generations to come.
2026 is a very special year for the ties between our two countries. We share more than five centuries of historical connections, as well as deep cultural and royal links.
— The Mediterranean Sea is dear to your heart, Your Highness, and you spoke recently about the necessity of enhancing its protection. What are your goals concerning the Mediterranean?
My goals are twofold: I want to make sure that people are aware that the protection of the Mediterranean Sea is fundamental for the livelihood of the people and the nature in this area. The other goal is to ensure that water-related accidents are prevented, which is the main activity of my Foundation. As an example as to how to combine these two goals, the Prince and myself have initiated the water crossing 2026, that is taking place this month on June 19 & 20.
The Crossing 2026 reaches a new milestone: 225 kilometers starting from Viareggio, in Italy, crossing the Pelagos Sanctuary, one of Europe's largest protected marine areas, over nearly 24 hours of relay water biking.
I would like to initiate a similar project as between Italy, Monaco and France with Spain, which would raise the awareness to protect our shared marine heritage.
Sport, a fundamental tool
— You have been engaged in philanthropic work in favour of young people. What are your plans in that area?
As a former Olympian, I am convinced that Sport is a major tool to help young people to develop and connect. Sports require resilience, humility and solidarity. Sports require further to be a team player, to respect others and to conduct in a peaceful way competition. Monaco has always been a country promoting sports and actively participating in numerous organisations from regional tournaments to the Olympics.
As a former Olympian, I am convinced that Sport is a major tool to help young people to develop and connect. Sports require resilience, humility and solidarity.
© Vanessa von Zitzewitz— Your Highness, you have just taken on the role of Vice-President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee. What do you believe will be the greatest challenge?
Taking on the role of Vice-President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee represents both an honour and a responsibility that I approach with great humility. Sport has always been a central part of my life, not only as an athlete but as a means of transmission — of values, discipline, resilience, and respect.
Working alongside Prince Albert II, who has led the Committee for many years, offers a unique continuity and strength. It also reflects a shared commitment to supporting athletes and promoting the Olympic spirit within Monaco and beyond.
As a former Olympic athlete, I bring a personal understanding of the demands, pressures, and expectations that come with high-level competition. This perspective allows me to engage closely with athletes, to listen to their needs, and to contribute in a meaningful way to their development and well-being.
As an athlete, I have learned to be disciplined and to tackle one thing after the other. My obligations set the framework of my daily life and it is with great pleasure that I serve the Principality of Monaco in this regard.
"We enjoy joint activities"
— Your life as Princess of Monaco comes with many obligations. How do you cope with it?
As an athlete, I have learned to be disciplined and to tackle one thing after the other. My obligations set the framework of my daily life and it is with great pleasure that I serve the Principality of Monaco in this regard.
I always make sure that I have enough time to look after Jacques and Gabriella so that they can develop and feel at home. We enjoy joint activities especially outdoor so that I can connect them from early on with the Mediterranean environment and its fantastic nature.
© Michael Alesi / Palais Princier
© Frederic Nebinger / Palais Princier— What is in your view the most defying challenge for the next generation?
The most defying challenge for current and future generations in my view is navigating the transition to a world shaped by artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies - while preserving human dignity, environmental protection and social cohesion.
© Vanessa von ZitzewitzI always make sure that I have enough time to look after Jacques and Gabriella so that they can develop and feel at home. We enjoy joint activities especially outdoor so that I can connect them from early on with the Mediterranean environment and its fantastic nature.
