HELLO! Exclusive: A royal tête-à-tête with Princess Charlene of Monaco

The Prince and Princess of Monaco recently visited Spain, where they received a warm welcome from King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at a historic meeting at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Madrid. The visit came as Spain and Monaco marked the 150th anniversary of the establishment of their first diplomatic mission and the 10th anniversary of the setting up of the Prince Albert II Foundation’s Spanish headquarters.

It was Princess Charlene’s first official visit to Spain, and to mark this significant occasion she granted HELLO!’s Spanish sister publication ¡hola! an exclusive interview.

HELLO!: Your Highness, your visit celebrates 150 years of diplomatic relations between Monaco and Spain. What does it mean to you? This 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.

Princess Charlene: 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. The Mediterranean Sea is dear to your heart, and you recently spoke 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 prevent water-related accidents, which is the main activity of my foundation.

As an example of how to combine these two goals, the Prince and I initiated The Crossing water-biking relay [in 2020]. It’s taking place this year on June 19 and 20. The Crossing 2026 reaches a new milestone: covering 225km, starting from Viareggio in Italy and crossing the Pelagos Sanctuary, one of Europe’s largest protected marine areas, to Larvotto Beach in Monaco in 24 hours. I would like to initiate a similar project with Spain, which would raise awareness about protecting our shared marine 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.

HELLO!: The Mediterranean Sea is dear to your heart, and you recently spoke about the necessity of enhancing its protection. What are your goals concerning the Mediterranean?

Princess Charlene: 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 prevent water-related accidents, which is the main activity of my foundation. As an example of how to combine these two goals, the Prince and I initiated The Crossing water-biking relay [in 2020]. It’s taking place this year on June 19 and 20.

The Crossing 2026 reaches a new milestone: covering 225km, starting from Viareggio in Italy and crossing the Pelagos Sanctuary, one of Europe’s largest protected marine areas, to Larvotto Beach in Monaco in 24 hours. I would like to initiate a similar project with Spain, which would raise awareness about protecting our shared marine heritage. 

HELLO!: You have been engaged in philanthropic work for young people. What are your plans in that area?

Princess Charlene: 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… to be a team player, to respect others and to compete in a peaceful way. Monaco has always been a country that promotes sports and active participation, from regional tournaments to the Olympics. 

HELLO!: You have just taken on the role of vice president at the Monegasque Olympic Committee. What do you believe will be your toughest challenge in this capacity?

Princess Charlene: Taking on the role is 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 transmitting values, discipline, resilience and respect. Working alongside Prince Albert II, who has led the Committee for many years, offers 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.

HELLO!: Your life as Princess of Monaco comes with many obligations. How do you cope with it?

Princess Charlene: 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 [our 11-year-old twins] Jacques and Gabriella so they can develop and feel at home. We enjoy joint activities, especially outdoors, so that I can connect them with the Mediterranean environment and its fantastic nature.

HELLO!: What do you believe is the greatest challenge for the next generation?

Princess Charlene: The greatest challenge for current and future generations is navigating the transition to a world shaped by artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies while preserving human dignity, environmental protection, and social cohesion.

This story was featured in the Vol 1. Issue 9 of HELLO! India. For more exclusive stories, subscribe to the magazine here.