MONACO, 11 March 2025 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended The Women of Monaco Lunch and Awards 2025, held at the Yacht Club de Monaco. The distinguished afternoon celebrated exceptional women in the Principality and marked the second anniversary of the Women of Monaco Club.
The event, held in the prestigious Salon Aquarama at the Yacht Club de Monaco, brought together influential figures from Monaco’s aristocratic, cultural, and philanthropic circles. H.R.H. Princess Caroline of Hanover attended in her role as President of the Princess Grace Foundation, lending her support to this significant gathering.
Lady Monika Bacardi was among the distinguished guests, which included H.R.H. Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Dame Shirley Bassey, Lady Tina Green, and Victoria Silvstedt. Her presence at the event underscored her commitment to supporting women’s empowerment and charitable initiatives within Monaco society.
The ceremony recognized remarkable women across eight categories: Fashion, Art, Health, Music, Image, Career, Entrepreneurship, and Philanthropy. Dame Shirley Bassey, a Monaco resident for nearly three decades, received the Music Award for her extraordinary contributions to the entertainment industry. Fashion designer Isabell Kristensen was honoured with the Fashion Award, while Louise Grether, president of Monaco Art Week and head of Sotheby’s Monaco, received recognition for her contributions to the Principality’s cultural landscape through the Art Award.
Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges, Director of the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, was celebrated for her work advancing healthcare in Monaco. Italian journalist and Princely family member Beatrice Borromeo received the Image Award in absentia. Lady Tina Green was presented with the Entrepreneurship Award for her expertise in luxury interior design, and Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies received the Philanthropy Award for her dedication to arts patronage and charitable organizations focused on women’s health.
The event also celebrated the second anniversary of the Women of Monaco Club, founded in 2023 by organizer Sandrine Knoell. Speaking at the gathering, Knoell emphasized the importance of creating a supportive community: “We have created a big family, and it is something that I believe was missing here. The Women of Monaco Lunch and Awards is all about shining a light on the incredible women who are making an impact both in Monaco and beyond.”
Valerie Genin, Head of Investments at Barclays Private Bank Monaco—the event’s principal sponsor—shared career guidance encouraging women to embrace ambition and seek mentorship, reinforcing the event’s mission to empower the next generation.
True to its philanthropic spirit, the occasion raised €14,000 for the Princess Grace Foundation through an auction featuring artworks from Yellow Korner and a signed football jersey. The afternoon included an exquisite fashion show by designer Violante Nessi and a jewellery presentation by Sarah Ho, a Monaco-based designer known for her bespoke fine jewellery creations.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s participation in The Women of Monaco Lunch and Awards reflects her ongoing dedication to supporting initiatives that celebrate female leadership and foster meaningful connections within Monaco’s international community.
