Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene back charity for struggling rugby players
© Sara Steck/Palais princier
On 13 March 2026, the ballrooms of the Four Seasons Hotel George V hosted the second edition of the Provale Solidarité Charity Gala.
Prince Albert II, on the eve of his 68th birthday, and Princess Charlène attended this event for the second consecutive year, organised by Provale, the national rugby players’ union. Established to address the difficulties faced by rugby players (injuries, financial problems, sudden career changes), the Provale Solidarité endowment fund has now established itself as a pillar of solidarity in French sport.
Over 300 guests, record-breaking auction
Alongside the Prince and Princess, over 300 guests attended the event, including Princess Charlene’s brother, Gareth Wittstock, as well as numerous rugby personalities such as Émile Ntamack and Philippe Saint-André. The highlight of the evening was the charity auction.
Among the most sought-after lots were tickets for the 2027 Rugby World Cup final in Australia, donated by the Prince and Princess, VIP invitations to the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, a pair of Mike Tyson’s gloves and a helmet belonging to racing driver Fernando Alonso. A total of €123,500 was raised, according to Provale’s president, Malik Hamadache, all of which will be dedicated to supporting players in need.
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Since 2025, Princess Charlène has been the patron of Provale Solidarité. President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, she spoke during the evening to highlight the importance of athletes’ mental and physical wellbeing after their careers. At her side, Philippe Sella, ambassador for this year’s event and a former international with 111 caps, emphasised how the sudden end to a rugby career can have a lasting destabilising effect on those who have dedicated their lives to the sport.