Richard Gere, 77, announces 'new chapter' as he teams up with unexpected royal for exciting project

He's certainly considered Hollywood royalty after spending more than 50 years in the spotlight.

And Richard Gere is set for an even stronger royal connection with his latest project. 

The American actor, 77, joined Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife, Princess Charlene, at a glittering gala last week for the 20th anniversary of the royal's foundation at the Opéra Garnier in Monaco.

Now, they've decided to take their newfound friendship a step further.   

© ©FPA2

On Saturday, Prince Albert's Foundation and the Gere Foundation signed an agreement to explore joint initiatives in environmental protection. It means they will have a shared framework to identify areas of common interest and share their knowledge.

Richard Gere said, as shared in Monaco Life: "Both foundations share a belief that compassion and responsibility must translate into meaningful action.

"I am very pleased to see our organisations open this new chapter together and explore how our experience, networks and shared concerns can contribute to protecting the planet and building a more sustainable future."

Richard Gere joins Prince Albert and Princess Charlene for glittering gala

The new project came just a day after Richard joined the Prince and Princess as a guest of honour at Albert's Foundation anniversary gala. 

During an auction, the actor offered a reward of a private dinner or lunch with himself.

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The stars were also joined by a glamorous line-up including Christina Aguilera, Eva Herzigová, 53, and Italian screen icon Monica Bellucci, 61, on the green carpet. 

Around 250 guests attended the milestone evening, which celebrated two decades of the Foundation's environmental work, with Christina, 45, also taking to the stage to perform.

Charlene looked spectacular in a sleek floor-length gown with an embellished neckline, while Albert wore a polished tuxedo. 

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Meanwhile, Pretty Woman actor Richard looked effortlessly dapper in black tie. 

Richard Gere shares sweet snippets of family life

Richard has been married to his wife, Alejandra Silva, 43, since April 2018.

The married couple shares two young boys together – Alexander, seven, and James, six – and a son each from previous relationships.

They rarely share photos of their children and usually keep their faces obscured – however, they do occasionally make appearances on their parents' social media grids. 

© Instagram/ @alejandragere

Earlier this month, Alejandra dug through her private photo album for an intimate new post, which she shared with her more than 187,000 Instagram followers.

The collection of family snaps showed one of her sons enjoying a swim in the pool, as well as their two dogs, a husky and a poodle. 

On Valentine's Day, Alejandra posted an ultra-rare photo with all three of her sons, whose faces were blurred. "So grateful for my boys, and for my husband — the one who crossed the ocean to be with us. Love you all endlessly," she wrote.

Richard is also a dad to 26-year-old Homer Gere from his marriage to ex-wife Carey Lowell.