AGP Executive Report

Monaco Football & Sport: Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool debut at Anfield ended in a 3-2 friendly defeat to Monaco after the Reds surrendered a two-goal lead, with Monaco’s comeback sealed by Paris Brunner. Royal Style & Tradition: Princess Anne’s sapphire engagement ring tradition continues, with her multi-stone design echoing the jeweler behind Princess Diana’s famous sapphire. Soap Buzz in Monaco: Next week on The Bold and the Beautiful, Monaco becomes the stage for Sheila Carter’s explosive arrival, a high-stakes Finn secret, and a Deacon marriage proposal that threatens to ignite chaos. Arts & Culture: Opera Gallery spotlights the electric 1980s in “American 80s: from Warhol to Basquiat,” while a BBC Symphony Orchestra review praises Nil Venditti’s fervent Stabat Mater performance. Fashion & Lifestyle: Sustainable fashion maker Sharon Farren brings Kokoro Zen Wear to the Cannes atelier scene, blending upcycling with planet-friendly materials. Local Monaco Spotlight: F1 rookie Arvid Lindblad says he’s not moving to Monaco, choosing a quieter life over the racing bubble.

Monaco Culture & Arts: Opera Gallery Monaco is hosting American 80s: from Warhol to Basquiat (until 31 August), diving into 1980s New York where Pop art, celebrity culture and street energy reshaped modern visual language. Local Entertainment (Monaco on Screen): The Bold and the Beautiful is sending Steffy, Finn and Sheila Carter to Monte Carlo, with a beach showdown and a possible near-tragedy as Sheila crashes the romantic getaway. Lifestyle & Fashion: A Cannes-based Dublin businesswoman, Sharon Farren, is behind Kokoro Zen Wear, a sustainable fashion line built around organic bamboo and upcycling—plus a Monaco Riviera atelier vibe. Sport & Glamour: Erling Haaland’s friendship with PrettyLittleThing founder Umar Kamani is reportedly taking them from Monaco to the French Riviera via luxury yacht trips. Community & Faith: Pope Leo XIV will meet clergy abuse survivors during a four-day France visit next month, including stops linked to UNESCO, Lourdes and Metz. Sports & Identity Debate: Monaco’s own Julie Tétart (Ligue 2) is at the center of WNBA eligibility chatter after trans-inclusion controversy flared again.

WNBA Culture Clash: The league is still refusing to clarify eligibility for a trans player dominating France’s women’s league, even as former NBA stars Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft—turning a sports question into a full-on inclusion debate. Monaco & Sports Spotlight: Julie Tétart, a 34-year-old trans basketball player for Monaco’s Ligue Feminine 2 side, is at the center of the discussion after standout seasons and calls for a WNBA chance. Celebrity Riviera Life: Erling Haaland’s unexpected friendship with PrettyLittleThing founder Umar Kamani has them jetting from Monaco to the French Riviera on luxury yacht trips. Royal/Global Culture: Pope Leo XIV will meet clergy abuse survivors during a France visit next month, with stops including UNESCO, Lourdes and an interreligious gathering in Metz. Lifestyle & Travel Glam: Monte Carlo Beach’s summer fashion scene is getting a designer makeover, with brands turning the beachfront into a runway. Local Community Note: Monaco readers may also be interested in wider European civic life—France’s church abuse reckoning and other public-safety debates are making headlines.

Monaco & Culture: The Monaco International Book Fair is set to mark its 15th anniversary at the Grimaldi Forum, a great excuse to plan a weekend of authors, ideas, and local buzz. Faith & Community: Pope Leo XIV will meet clergy abuse survivors during a four-day France visit next month, with stops including UNESCO in Paris, Lourdes, and an interreligious gathering in Metz—plus survivors will help shape the meeting. Lifestyle & Travel: If you’re craving Mediterranean glamour, Monte Carlo Beach’s latest designer-led look is turning the pontoon into a full-on runway moment. Sport & Identity: French trans basketball star Julie Tétart, who plays for Monaco, says she’d consider a WNBA call if contacted—sparking fresh debate around inclusion in women’s sport. Local Interest Beyond Monaco: A historic Wexford burial ground in Ireland was hit by extensive vandalism, damaging centuries-old graves and crosses.

Monaco in the spotlight: Arvid Lindblad, the 2026 F1 rookie, says he’s not moving to Monaco—choosing a quieter, more normal life over the principality’s racing bubble. Culture & faith: Pope Leo XIV is set for a four-day France trip next month, including meetings with clergy abuse survivors, plus stops at UNESCO, Lourdes and an interreligious gathering in Metz. Sport & identity debate: Julie Tétart, the Monaco-based French trans basketball star dominating Ligue 2, says she’d say “yes” if the WNBA contacted her—though she notes it may not be possible due to the league’s rules. Local heritage hit: In Ireland, vandals smashed gravestones at the centuries-old Monachán (Taghmon) burial ground, with councillors calling it an attack on history and culture. Lifestyle, Riviera style: A fashion editor’s take on summer’s most stylish Monte Carlo beach club—designer looks, curated beach glamour, and Audrey Hepburn-era vibes back in full force. Luxury at sea: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima gets a Ginori 1735 makeover, turning outdoor spaces into an Italian-summer palette.

Corsica Tensions: A masked Corsican separatist group (FLNC-UC) has issued a direct warning to tourists to “stay at home” and not buy second homes, as it opposes an autonomy bill heading to the Senate. Heritage Under Attack: In Ireland’s Wexford, vandals smashed and pulled up gravestones at Monachán graveyard, with locals calling it an assault on Christian history. Monaco Culture & Memory: Monaco’s Minister of External Relations, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, marked the Roma and Sinti genocide at Auschwitz-Birkenau, stressing vigilance against hatred. Style, Riviera Edition: Our fashion editor spotlights summer’s most stylish beach club from the Monte Carlo Beach pontoon—designer looks turned into a seaside catwalk. Luxury Travel Watch: Atlas Ocean Voyages unveiled its Europe 2028 program, mixing Mediterranean and Northern Europe with 37 immersive cultural expeditions. Cruise Comfort Trend: Cannes Yachting Festival is pushing “slow boating,” favoring shorter legs and more mindful, local routes. Sport & Debate: French trans basketball star Julie Tétart says she’d say “yes” if the WNBA contacted her—while the league’s eligibility stance remains unclear.

WNBA & Trans Athletes: French trans centre Julie Tétart, currently dominating Monaco’s Ligue 2 scene, says she’d say “yes” if the WNBA contacted her—though she notes the “country” hurdle. The debate is now spilling into U.S. sports politics after Sophie Cunningham’s comments and the league’s silence on eligibility. Monaco Culture: The Salon International du Livre de Monaco returns for its 15th anniversary at Grimaldi Forum on 5–6 September, with new additions including a Sports Book Prize and live links from a Himalayan expedition. Diplomacy & Memory: Monaco’s External Relations minister Isabelle Berro-Amadeï marked the Roma and Sinti genocide at Auschwitz, urging constant vigilance against hatred. Royal & Style: Princess Eugenie welcomed her third child, Baby Girl Brooksbank, dressed in Marie-Chantal London. Motorsport Lifestyle: Jenson Button’s fashion evolution gets a Monaco-flavoured spotlight, from early “playboy” looks to polished paddock style.

Monaco & Culture Diplomacy: Monaco’s Minister of External Relations Isabelle Berro-Amadeï marked the Roma and Sinti genocide commemoration at Auschwitz-Birkenau, stressing remembrance and vigilance against hatred, racism and discrimination. Arts & Heritage: Museums are increasingly using documentary film to preserve architecture and modernist history, with MoMA’s “Architects of Liberation” spotlighting West African modernism through newly commissioned footage. Yachting Lifestyle: Cannes Yachting Festival puts “slow boating” in the spotlight, promoting shorter legs, more local time and more mindful cruising. Local Sports Spotlight: Monaco hosts the Grand Départ of the Vuelta a España 2026, with the opening stage starting inside the Principality. Royal & Fashion: Princess Eugenie shared her baby girl’s debut in a Marie-Chantal London outfit. Entertainment (Monaco tie-in): The Bold and the Beautiful heads to Monte Carlo in this week’s storyline, with romance and drama set to collide.

WNBA & Inclusion Debate: French trans basketball star Julie Tétart, who plays for Monaco, says she’d say “no” to nothing if an inclusive WNBA team calls—while the league still hasn’t clarified eligibility, keeping the conversation about women’s sport front and center. Monaco Culture & Diplomacy: Monaco and Slovenia marked 20 years of diplomatic ties in Ljubljana with a sustainability-and-innovation-focused event bringing together officials, diplomats, and business leaders. Sports in Monaco Spotlight: The Vuelta a España Grand Départ lands in Monaco for the first stage, with a short, technical time trial and a route that then sweeps through France, Andorra, and Spain. Royal Style Moment: Princess Eugenie’s newborn daughter makes her royal debut in a pastel Marie-Chantal London outfit—another Monaco-adjacent reminder of how fashion and family news travel. Arts Calendar: The Monaco International Book Fair returns for its 15th anniversary at the Grimaldi Forum, adding a Sports Book Prize and live expedition links. Yachting Luxury: Monaco Yacht Show visitors can tour two major new builds side by side—Lürssen’s M/Y Nixie and Oceanco’s M/Y Leviathan. Papal Travel: Pope Leo XIV announces a Latin America tour to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November.

Monaco Culture & Books: The Salon International du Livre de Monaco returns to the Grimaldi Forum for its 15th anniversary on 5–6 September, with Prince Albert II’s High Patronage, more than 20 talks and debates, plus a new Sports Book Prize and live transmissions from mountaineer Orianne Aymard’s Himalayas expedition. Monaco Sports & Community: Monaco gets a starring role in the Vuelta a España 2026 with the Grand Départ hosted here for the first time, including a Monaco-based opening stage and a multi-country route. LGBTQ+ & Sport: French trans basketball star Julie Tétart, currently playing in Monaco, says she’d accept a WNBA offer if an inclusive franchise contacts her, as debate over trans athletes in women’s sports continues. Royal & Lifestyle Buzz: Charlotte Casiraghi turns 40 and steps into a new chapter with a reported romance, while Kim Kardashian’s Monaco Grand Prix moment with Alexandra Leclerc sparks online outrage. Culture Beyond Monaco: The Pacific island nation of Nauru officially changes its name to Naoero, citing identity and heritage. Fashion & Travel: A Riviera-style itinerary highlights how easy it is to cross France–Italy–Monaco in one day, from Menton to Monaco to Nice.

Vuelta a España Grand Départ in Monaco: The 2026 Vuelta kicks off Aug. 22 with a Monaco-hosted opening stage—an iconic 9km individual time trial threading past landmarks—before the race moves through France, Andorra, and into Spain, ending in Granada. Sport & spectacle in Monaco: Canadian fans can follow every stage via FloBikes/FloSports, while ultrarunner Sophie Woods’ record Alps-to-Monaco run spotlights the Principality as a finish-line magnet. Riviera culture on stage: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo has unveiled its 2026-27 season, starting with the 30th anniversary of Maillot’s “Roméo et Juliette” at the Salle Garnier. Nightlife spotlight: Afro-house star Blondish headlines Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo on Aug. 15, with the club’s summer season running late into the night. Monaco society & style: Charlotte Casiraghi turns 40 and steps into a new chapter—more visible at key events, with a new romance and a growing public role. Global identity news: Pacific island nation Nauru officially becomes Naoero, reclaiming its traditional name.

Riviera Dining: Gaia Saint-Tropez opens in La Tartane Hotel, bringing Chef Izu Ani’s Greek-Mediterranean comfort to the glamorous village. Heritage & Design: The Whiteley in Bayswater gets a major reinvention by Foster + Partners, turning a historic department store into a mixed-use hub of shops, residences and a hotel. Monaco Culture: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo unveils its 2026-2027 season, led by a 30th-anniversary “Roméo et Juliette” and a New Year staging of “Ma Bayadère.” Music Nightlife: Afro-house star Blondish headlines Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo on 15 August, with the event also spotlighting her “Bye Bye Plastic” activism. Sport & Travel: Tadej Pogačar confirms his first La Vuelta appearance since 2019, starting 22 August. Local Spotlight: Professor Franco Borruto, president of the Monaco Baltic States Association, visits Latvia to strengthen public health and HPV prevention ties. Global Watch: Nauru officially becomes Naoero, reclaiming its traditional identity.

Sport & Community Spotlight: Bermudian engineer Honor Brady lands a role at Formula One, sharing how Monaco Grand Prix inspiration turned into a career in race-circuit technical infrastructure. Culture & Nightlife: Afro-house star Blondish headlines a special guest night at Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo on 15 August, with the set running 11pm–5am. Arts & Events: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo unveils its 2026–2027 season, led by the 30th anniversary of ‘Roméo et Juliette’ and a New Year staging of ‘Ma Bayadère’. Royal Lifestyle: Charlotte Casiraghi turns 40 and steps into a new chapter with a reported new romance, while continuing her growing public role in Monaco’s key events. Travel & Practical Tips: Airlines’ passport advice is compiled for travellers—covering condition, signatures, and validity rules that can stop you at the gate. Local Connections: The Monaco Baltic States Association president visits Latvia to strengthen cooperation in public health and medical research, including HPV and cervical cancer prevention. Fashion & Shopping: Bohomoon’s limited-time jewellery sale cuts 1,000+ pieces to €15, including personalised initial necklaces and Monaco-themed rings. Sports Round-Up: Cycling headlines include Pro Log results (Tour de France Femmes, Tour de Pologne) plus Red Bull partnering with FDJ United-Suez. Entertainment Buzz: ‘White Lotus’ season 4 filming locations on the French Riviera include Monaco and Cannes, with real hotels doubling for the show.

Monaco Royal Spotlight: Charlotte Casiraghi turns 40, with the Princess of Hanover’s daughter described as more settled than ever—balancing love with novelist Nicolas Mathieu, her first solo book, and a growing public role at key Grimaldi events. Nightlife & Culture: Afro-house headliner Blondish brings her genre-fluid sound (and her “Bye Bye Plastic” activism) to Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo on 15 August. Ballet Season Preview: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo unveils its 2026-2027 programme, starting late October with the 30th anniversary staging of “Roméo et Juliette,” then rolling into major guest pairings and a New Year “Ma Bayadère.” Entertainment on the Riviera: HBO’s “The White Lotus” season 4 is filming on the French Riviera, with Monaco and Paris among the real locations standing in for the show’s hotels. Travel Practicality: A roundup of passport checks from major airlines highlights common pitfalls—like rips, missing signatures, and expiry rules—before you fly. Immigration Watch: Finland confirms visa-free entry for about 60 countries, with only Mauritius and Seychelles among African nations. Sports (Monaco-linked): Cycling news notes Monegasque rider Victor Langellotti’s mid-season move to XDS-Astana, debuting next week at the Tour de Pologne.

Monaco in the spotlight: The Bold and the Beautiful is teasing “Monaco chaos” for the week of Aug 3–7, with Sheila reportedly heading to Monaco after learning Steffy’s location, while other storylines bring Daphne’s heartbreaking medical news and Dylan’s greed escalating. Local sport & talent: Monegasque climber Victor Langellotti has left Netcompany-Ineos for XDS-Astana in a rare mid-season switch, debuting at the Tour de Pologne next week. Culture on the Riviera: HBO’s The White Lotus season 4 is filming across the French Côte d’Azur, with Monaco and Paris included alongside Saint-Tropez and Cannes, and the plot set during the Cannes Film Festival. Business ties: Bahrain’s Economic Development Board wrapped a France-and-Monaco visit aimed at strengthening investment partnerships, including meetings with Invest Monaco and Monaco’s foreign affairs and finance/economy representatives. Lifestyle travel: Want the Mediterranean without the crowds? A “Quiet Mediterranean” shoulder-season guide points to late spring and early autumn as the sweet spot for slower Riviera and coastal-Italy escapes. Fashion & design: Repossi’s new Berbere architectural jewellery collection lands for Autumn 2026, with fresh rings and earrings inspired by Place Vendôme.

Monaco & Culture: Croatia’s Miss World representative Ema Helena Vičar heads to Vietnam for the 75th edition, bringing a Monaco-studied Luxury Brand Management background and a sustainability mission to tackle “ghost nets” in the Adriatic. Health & Lifestyle: A new University of Pennsylvania study links PMOS (formerly PCOS) with a four-times higher risk of cardiovascular disease in women, adding fuel to calls for better heart care for women. Fashion & Travel: Bahrain’s EDB wraps a France-and-Monaco visit aimed at deepening investment ties, including meetings with Invest Monaco and the foreign affairs ministry. Sports & Glam: F1 confirms Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in October—an odd swap that turns Sepang into a “proxy” race venue. Entertainment: Selena Gomez celebrates the release of “Te Olvido (La La)” with husband Benny Blanco and Becky G, a cumbia-inspired track rooted in Chicana heritage. Local Spotlight: A Monaco-linked name pops up in pop culture as “Monte Carlo” appears in Gomez’s filmography, while Monaco’s own summer vibe continues to draw international attention.