Latest news with #BrigitteMacron
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Princess Charlene of Monaco puts on united front with Albert in Monte Carlo after Palace's money man claimed he sought out 'bachelor pad' for the Prince a year into their marriage
Princess Charlene put on a united front with Prince Albert at the Monte Carlo Television Festival on Tuesday evening amid allegations that her husband had a 'discreet bachelor pad' set up shortly after they wed. The royal mother-of-two, 47, channelled her late-mother-in-law Grace Kelly as she stepped out in a sky blue halterneck ballgown that elegantly fell to the floor paired with silver heels, oozing old Hollywood glamour. Sporting dazzling diamond earrings and a glamorous 20s style flapper girl crimped bob, the former Olympic swimmer appeared to be enjoying the spotlight as she strutted into the prestigious event arm-in-arm with her husband of 14 years, Prince Albert, 67. The pair beamed as they made their way onto the blue carpet and posed alongside stars such as Famke Janssen, Robin Wright and Judith Light for the 64th international Television Festival. Charlene and Albert put on a display of unity as palace sources claim the Princess is seeking solace in Brigitte Macron following explosive claims made by Claude Palmero, the Palace's former money man. French newspaper Le Monde last week published excerpts from a police interview with 68-year-old Palmero, former financial adviser to the Palace of Monaco, who was arrested by Monegasque officials last September and released without charge. Included in Palmero's statements were claims he had prepared a 'bachelor pad' for Prince Albert in 2012 - a year after he married Charlene. The Prince's former confidant claimed he had been 'commissioned' to find his boss 'a discreet pied-á-terre in complete confidentiality'. In 2017, he was also allegedly asked to 'make sure the property was ready' for the Prince to go there. Palmero also claims that Albert had listed him as the official tenant to conceal his true motives. In light of the explosive claims, the Mail's Alison Boshoff has reported that Princess Charlene, who shares 10-year-old twins Jacques and Gabriella with Albert, has been seeking solace in Brigitte Macron, wife of French president Emmanuel. 'Both are high profile women who are regularly caught up in unpleasant situations,' a senior Palace source in Monte Carlo told the Mail. 'They accordingly had much to discuss, and were very glad to be able to share their experiences. They gave each other advice, while enjoying a very happy time together.' The pair were recently seen cosying up to each other at the start of the month during a visit to the Albert II Nautical Centre for an event organised by the Princess Charlene Foundation. They have also enjoyed a spot of tea in the gardens of the royal palace in Monaco and lunched together at the Colombe D'Or restaurant in France over the past couple of months, echoing their close-knit friendship. Both women are in sizable age gap relationships, as Charlene is 20 years younger than her Albert and Emmanuel is 25 years Brigitte's junior. Brigitte hit headlines after she was caught on camera pushing Emmanuel in the face at the end of a flight on a private jet last month. The images reverberated around the world, however the French politician explained that they were 'just joking around as we do'. And Charlene's marriage was once again thrust into the spotlight last week as it was claimed that Prince Albert - who has at least two illegitimate children - was reportedly on the hunt for a 'love nest' within a year of their wedding. Rumours have been swirling for almost a year since French outlet Le Monde, and other media outlets, first published extracts from his former trusted advisor's 'secret notebooks' in September. Charlene channelled her late-mother-in-law Grace Kelly as she stepped out in a sky blue halterneck ballgown that elegantly fell to the floor paired with silver heels, oozing old Hollywood glamour The recent police transcripts revealed by the outlet included conversations detailing Claude Palmero's running of the royal's 'discreet bachelor pad' and financing his illegitimate children and their mothers. Palmero, 68, looked after the family's money (including their investments, their properties and the main palace) from 2001 to 2023, just as his father, André, had done for Prince Rainier III of Monaco two decades before him. However, he was sacked by Albert in 2023 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, with a particular spotlight on Charlene. The controversy escalated in September after the former financial adviser was reportedly arrested - and released without charge. The outlet has shared what Palmero reportedly told Monégasque officials - after his successor at the palace Salim Zeghdar accused him of poorly managing assets and 'making himself the economic beneficiary on all the files'. Palmero allegedly told investigators however that the royal is 'only trying to harm and harass me' with 'absurd and slanderous complaints'. Claiming he was a 'victim', the royal's former employee - who is accused by Albert of 'breaching professional secrecy' and 'invading privacy and family life' - Palmero insists he 'was bound by confidentiality, but not by professional secrecy'. He also denied handing notebooks over to Le Monde, as well as the claim that they were written without the Prince's permission. The advisor was asked: 'Do you confirm that these notebooks contain information related to the private life of the princely family?' He replied: 'As I handled all matters for the princely family, some aspects were private.' Palmero also was said to have, in interviews with police, detailed getting a 'bachelor pad' ready for the royal. In 2012, the year after Albert married Charlene, he was reportedly 'commissioned' to 'find him a discreet pied-à-terre in complete confidentiality'. Jazmin, whose mother is estate agent Tamara Rotolo who Albert was seeing in the 90s, was also at the Monte Carlo television on Tuesday evening, seemingly in a show of support for her father In 2017, he was also allegedly asked to 'make sure the property was ready' for him to go there. Palmero also claims that Albert had listed him as the official tenant to conceal his true motives. 'That proves how unusual the missions he assigned to me were,' the former advisor told officials. 'So it is quite inappropriate to claim that I overstepped my duties. Do you think it is the job of a financial asset manager to take care of his bachelor pad and such matters? 'He trusted me... And who else could he have asked for such things, apart from me?' The books also 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 a year each. Jazmin, whose mother is estate agent Tamara Rotolo who Albert was seeing in the 90s, was also at the Monte Carlo television on Tuesday evening, seemingly in a show of support for her father. In his conversations with the police, as per Le Monde, Palmero claimed that he and Albert's childhood friend and lawyer Thierry Lacoste, who was also dismissed, 'handled' matters in regards to Alexandre's mother Nicole Coste, including the birth and recognition of their son. The Prince was said to be 'very uneasy and wanted to carry out these operations without anyone finding out, which was done successfully'. Palmero claimed he was also tasked with handling the salaries of UK-based Nicole's employees, covering everything from accommodation to dismissals. At one point, about 10 years ago, he detailed a purchase of a £6.5million luxury London apartment for Alexandre's mother. 'So that Charlene would not find out, Albert created a trust for which I was the trustee, which means a trusted person,' Palmero continued. 'HSH signed the trust himself and he kept me as trustee until January 2025. He therefore still trusted me after my dismissal, and you don't trust a crook or a thief. That destroys his argument.' In his conversations with the police, as per Le Monde, Palmero claimed that himself and Albert's childhood friend and lawyer Thierry Lacoste, who was also dismissed, 'handled' matters in regards to Alexandre's mother Nicole Coste (left), including the birth and recognition of their son (centre) In a statement to officials, he added that the royal family's wealth is largely 'in civil companies that, through chains sometimes involving companies in other countries, ultimately lead to Panamanian companies'. The ex-employee explained that these companies are allegedly registered in the names of Albert and his siblings - Princesses Caroline and Stephanie. Dubbing the case 'Monacogate', Le Monde also highlighted an audit from firm Alvarez & Marsal - appointed by the palace after Palmero was dismissed which suspected him of using a 'fake invoicing system' to manipulate funds 'detriment of the princely family'. Palmero allegedly called this 'colossal nonsense', adding that Albert had a 'frequent need for cash' used to 'settle various problems, such as buying back compromising photos'. The outlet also detailed Palmero's denial at creating 'slush funds', which he was by Zeghdar accused of using to 'pay informants and invoices from intelligence agencies'. MailOnline reached out to representatives of the Monaco Royal Family for comment last week when the story was initially published, but did not respond. Charlene and Albert reportedly did not have the easiest start to married life after a Parisian news magazine claimed Charlene had been stopped at Nice airport clutching a one-way ticket to South Africa the week before her wedding day after allegedly learning a 'distressing' revelation about her future husband's private life. Charlene sparked rumours when she was seen crying on her wedding day. She later said: 'There were all the mixed emotions because of the rumours and obviously the tension built up and I burst into tears' Princess Charlene was seen shedding a tear on her wedding day to Prince Albert in 2011 A senior Monaco detective told MailOnline at the time: 'Charlene had her passport confiscated so that the Prince's entourage could persuade her to stay.' But she denied that the tears at her wedding were of sadness and instead insisted that she was simply emotional because she was overjoyed at the ceremony. In a rare interview, the South African former swimmer revealed in July 2013 that they were tears of happiness and has described the speculation as 'categorical lies'. 'Everything was just so overwhelming and there were all the mixed emotions because of the rumours, and obviously the tension built up and I burst into tears [immediately after the ceremony],' she said. Millionaire Palmero, who prefers his privacy and is rarely photographed, has vowed to 'restore his honour', his lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard told The Telegraph in September. Palmero, who is now said to work as a freelance financial consultant in Monaco, hasn't heard from Prince Albert since July 2023, according to the publication. Recalling his 'very sudden' dismissal, the former financial advisor's lawyer said: 'Palmero loved his job. It was his life, in fact. His life was Monaco; it was the Prince, the Prince's family, helping and doing everything he could to protect them. 'It was very sudden. He felt completely depressed… it was incomprehensible,' she added, before saying that if Palmero didn't have the support of his family, 'I think he would not be with us.' The lawyer added: 'Three years ago, someone decided to dirty the name of Claude Palmero... At the beginning, the Prince said to Palmero, 'OK, I want to help you, it's horrible, they are lying. I know that you are clean.' And two years later, the Prince says, 'I am fed up of all these stories, and I want you to go away.' A tumultuous two years for Princess Charlene that saw her spend 10 months in South Africa away from her children, admitted to a treatment facility in Switzerland and strike a rumoured £10 million a year deal with Albert 2021: HEALTH ISSUES, 10 MONTHS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND ADMISSION TO A SWISS TREATMENT FACILITY January 27 - Charlene is pictured with Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. March 18 - Charlene is pictured at the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa April 2 - Charlene posts an Instagram picture of herself, Albert and their twins Jacques and Gabriella for Easter from an unknown location. May 8 - Albert, Jacques and Gabriella attend a Grand Prix event in Monaco without Charlene May 18 - Charlene shares her first picture from her conservation trip in South Africa June 3 - New photos emerge of Charlene on her conservation trip June 5 - Charlene puts on a united front as she shares a photo with her family to mark her niece's fifth birthday with her brother's family and Albert and the twins in South Africa June 24 - Charlene's foundation releases a statement saying the royal is unable to travel and is undergoing procedures for an ear, nose and throat infection July 2 - Charlene and Albert mark their 10th anniversary separately. 'This year will be the first time that I'm not with my husband on our anniversary in July, which is difficult, and it saddens me,' Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene said in a statement. August 13 - Charlene undergoes a four-hour operation. The reason is not announced August 25 - Charlene shares photos of Prince Albert, Gabriella and Jacques visiting her in South Africa September 1 - Charlene is admitted under an alias to the Netcare Alberlito Hospital after suddenly 'collapsing' September 2 - Charlene is discharged, with a statement from the Palais Princier reading: 'Her Highness is closely monitored by Her medical team who said that Her condition was not worrying' September 30 - Charlene releases a stylish video promoting her anti-poaching campaign from her South African bolthole October 3 - Princess Charlene shares a photograph of herself smiling in front of a bible in her first snap since being discharged from hospital following her health scare October 6 - Albert tells RMC radio Charlene is 'ready to come home' October 8 2021 - Princess undergoes more surgery in South Africa November 8 - Charlene arrives back in Monaco. Prince Albert said within hours it became clear she was 'unwell' November 13 2021 - Prince Albert attends Expo 2020 in Dubai without Princess Charlene. Following his return from the trip, Prince Albert holds an intervention with Charlene's brothers and a sister-in-law in which Charlene 'confirmed' she would seek 'real medically-framed treatment' outside of Monaco November 16 - Royal household confirms Princess Charlene will not attend National Day celebrations on November 19 November 17 - Prince Albert reveals Princess Charlene has left Monaco and is recovering in a secret location November 19 - Prince Albert reveals Charlene is in a treatment facility 'elsewhere in Europe' after a family intervention November 25 - Sources tell Page Six Princess Charlene 'almost died' after sinus surgery and 'lost nearly half her body weight' due to being 'unable to swallow'. They also said it was 'unfair' to portray her as struggling with mental health issues December 11 - Royal breaks her silence on Instagram to wish her twins Jacques and Gabriella a happy seventh birthday December 24 - Princess Charlene of Monaco is still 'months from recovery' but will reunite with Prince Albert and their twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriela for Christmas at treatment centre 2022: ROAD TO RECOVERY January 25 - Princess Charlene celebrates her 44th birthday alone: Royal shares slideshow of snaps from happier times featuring Prince Albert, their children and her swimming career as she continues to receive treatment outside of Monaco March 14 - Palace announces that Charlene is back in Monaco but will take time to 'further strengthen her health before gradually resuming her official duties' April 17 - Charlene is pictured for the first time in a family portrait to celebrate Easter April 30 - Charlene makes her first public appearance since leaving a treatment facility as she attends Monaco E-Prix with Prince Albert May 7 - The royal makes her second public appearance at the Sainte Dévote Rugby Tournament May 10 - French media claims Prince Albert has agreed to pay his wife £10million a year to make sure she fulfils her consort role May 25 - Princess Charlene continues her return to public life at Monte Carlo Fashion Awards with daughter Princess Gabriella May 28 - Princess Charlene continues her return to public life as she joins Prince Albert at F1 in Monaco for the first time since 2019 June 6 - Prince Albert says he was hurt by the 'vicious' rumours about his wife's absence from Monaco and his family 'missed the princess a lot' June 16 - Princess Charlene appears sombre in all-black ensemble for Catholic festival June 18 - Princess Charlene of Monaco looks glamorous in all-green ensemble as she steps out with Prince Albert for the Monte Carlo TV Festival opening ceremony June 23 - Albert and Charlene attend a science exhibition opening with their children in Oslo - her first overseas visit since returning to public duties July 4 - Albert and Charlene! Monaco royals hold hands in new portrait to mark 11 years of marriage July 5 - Charlene visits the Princess Grace Hospital Centre in her first solo engagement since her return to Monaco July 9 - Albert attends Monaco's Rose Ball without his wife, despite it being the highlight of the social calendar July 18 - Royal joins Prince Albert at the 73rd Red Cross Gala in Monte Carlo July 20 - Couple visit The Vatican for a private audience with Pope Francis September 4 - Charlene joins Prince Albert and their children Gabriella and Jacques for a rare family appearance at traditional picnic in Monaco September 6 - Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco take their twins Jacques and Gabriella, 7, to class for their first day back after the summer holiday September 12 - Couple attend a memorial service for the late Queen Elizabeth II September 19 - Princess Charlene attends the Queen's funeral in London alongside her husband Prince Albert October 4-5 - Princess Charlene wows on a solo surprise visit to Paris Fashion Week October 21 - Princess Charlene of Monaco makes emotional solo visit to an animal shelter as she sends 'all her love' to fans following her return to royal duties November 8 - Royal couple attend the annual Princess Grace Awards in New York November 16 - Princess Charlene attends Monaco's Red Cross Christmas gift distribution with Prince Albert November 19-20 - Princess Charlene attends Monaco National Day celebrations with Prince Albert and presents awards at 2022 World Rugby Awards ceremony December 2 - Princess Charlene takes her seven-year-old twins to Monaco Christmas village along with her model niece Charlotte Casiraghi December 13 - Attends Monaco's Red Cross Christmas gift distribution with her husband Prince Albert December 14 - Family attend Christmas tree ceremony in Monaco December 15 - Princess Charlene of Monaco reveals she feels 'much better' and has 'much more energy' after lengthy health crisis in an interview with Monaco Matin - the first since returning to royal duties
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Truth about Princess Charlene's marriage to Prince Albert and 'tide of sleaze': How she's seeking solace with Brigitte Macron after toxic photo rumour - as whispers of marital misery intensify
There are many reasons why Princess Charlene of Monaco and Brigitte Macron might get along – and over the past few days the two consorts have indeed appeared to form a warm and sincere bond. They have taken tea in the gardens of the royal palace in Monaco and then on Monday had a lunch at the fabled Colombe D'Or restaurant in France, amid a number of philanthropic and diplomatic duties connected to their husbands during the French state visit to the principality in Monte Carlo.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Macron's trip to Monaco marks first French presidential visit since 1984
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived in Monaco on Saturday, where they were welcomed for a historic state visit to the principality on the French Riviera. Macron and his wife received traditional military honours from Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco in a ceremony at the Prince's Palace. In a post on Facebook, the principality hailed its relationship with France, saying the principality and Paris have a strong bond of friendship with an open border. The palace stated that Monaco and France cooperate in various fields, including health, safety, culture and education, emphasising that both states are focused on a more sustainable future. According to the Prince's Palace, more than 40,000 French citizens cross the border each day to work in Monaco, and Macron's visit presented an opportunity to discuss bilateral issues and those of mutual interest. Macron's two-day visit is the first state visit to Monaco by a French president since that of François Mitterrand in 1984. It also comes ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice on Tuesday, which Macron is billed to attend alongside other global leaders, with the EU expected to formally launch the European Ocean Pact. The pact seeks to address climate and pollution threats to biodiversity, as well as challenges for coastal livelihoods. Meanwhile, the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, on Saturday described the pact as a shared roadmap for ocean health and marine sustainability. Kadis said this during a key speech at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco ahead of the UN Ocean Conference. "In the context of this year's UN Ocean Conference, we have pledged approximately €1 billion in voluntary commitments for ocean and coastal biodiversity and climate," Kadis told the forum. This support extends beyond the EU, also targeting dedicated initiatives across Africa, the Pacific, and Latin America," the EU commissioner said during his address. Related 'Lacklustre' EU Ocean Pact falls short of urgent marine protection needs, NGOs say However promising, some NGO groups have taken a jab at the pact, saying it falls short of needs and is a missed opportunity. In a joint statement, a group of six leading environmental NGOs stated that the pact falls short of delivering the urgent action and binding targets necessary to protect the oceans. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the 3rd UN Ocean Conference runs from Monday to Friday.
The South African
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Princess Charlène hosts French President in Monaco
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène hosted a glittering state dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. The event was held in the opulent Throne Room of the Prince's Palace marking the start of a two-day state visit. The Princess, Monaco's own South African-born royal, turned heads in a striking red Louis Vuitton gown. Princess Caroline of Hanover, the Prince's sister, also made a statement. She wore a classic Chanel jacket, valued at about R85,000. The First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron, kept things chic and understated, a nod to her Parisian flair, according to New My Royals. The state dinner was a celebration of the strong ties between Monaco and France. Prince Albert welcomed his guests with warmth. 'France and Monaco are more than neighbours, we are family,' he declared in his toast. President Macron responded with gratitude, praising Monaco's commitment to environmental causes and international cooperation. The menu showcased the best of French and Monegasque cuisine. Guests enjoyed fresh seafood, local vegetables, and fine wines. For South Africans, Princess Charlène remains a source of pride. Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and raised in Benoni, she represented South Africa as an Olympic swimmer before marrying Prince Albert. Her presence at the state dinner was a reminder of how South Africans can make their mark on the world stage. The visit continues today, with Princess Charlène and Brigitte Macron attending a 'Water Safety' event at the Stade Louis II swimming pool. The event aims to raise awareness about drowning prevention, a cause close to Charlène's heart. Her foundation has funded water safety programmes in South Africa, saving countless young lives. As Monaco and France celebrate their partnership, South Africans can feel a special connection. After all, one of our own is right at the heart of the action—proving that glamour, grace, and goodwill know no borders. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Al Bawaba
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Joe Rogan reacts to Brigitte Macron slapping French President: 'That's Wild… What's Going on Behind Closed Doors?'
ALBAWABA - Joe Rogan weighs in on viral Brigitte Macron slap video. There was a video that went viral that showed French President Emmanuel Macron being slapped by his wife, Brigitte Macron, while they were arriving in Hanoi, Vietnam. In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, presenter Joe Rogan revealed his open thoughts on the video. In the video, Brigitte, who is 72 years old, can be seen pushing her husband's face as they leave from their plane. This incident instantly gained considerable notice on the internet following its occurrence. Rogan expressed his astonishment at the incident, stating, "This morning, someone sent me a video of Brigitte Macron, Macron's wife, face slapping him. That's wild... Imagine what goes on behind closed doors. If someone is bh slapping you on a private jet like what is that? That's a weird relationship." nypost Instagram profile In addition to that, the host of the podcast talked about the significant age gap that exists between the Macrons. When compared to Emmanuel Macron, who was born on December 21, 1977, Brigitte Macron, who was born on April 13, 1953, is 24 years older than Emmanuel Macron. The beginning of their relationship occurred when Emmanuel was 15 years old and Brigitte was teaching him at a high school in Amiens, France. Brigitte was 39 years old at the time. In 2007, they finally tied the knot, and ever since then, they have been a prominent couple in French politics. Discussions on the dynamics of their relationship have been triggered as a result of the incident that occurred in Hanoi. While some people view the slap as a fun gesture, others see it as an indication of more serious problems. Those who specialize in body language have examined the video and made observations about the force of the shove and the absence of any shared laughter. These observations imply that the interaction may not have been as lighthearted as some people think it was. Therefore, neither Emmanuel nor Brigitte Macron has made any public statements regarding the incident as of this moment. The presidency of France has not yet published a statement that is considered to be official about the incident.
