Emotional occasion in pictures: Princess Charlene of Monaco opens loving new home for rescued dogs and cats

Princess Albert showing kindness to the animals at the shelter © Frédéric Nebinger / Prince’s Palace

Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Princess Stephanie officially opened the refurbishment works at the SPA de Monaco in Peille on Wednesday. It was an emotional occasion, marked by the unveiling of a bust of Princess Antoinette, the shelter’s founder.

As President of the SPA de Monaco since September 2022, Princess Charlene has overseen these renovation works, carried out with the support of the Prince’s Government, the National Council and private donors. The shelter, which welcomes visitors, prospective adopters and more than 60 volunteers every afternoon, now offers significantly improved conditions for the dogs and cats awaiting adoption.

The improvements include: a retractable awning to let more sunlight into the kennels, the planting of greenery in the indoor runs, the creation of three outdoor exercise areas, and the installation of a ‘cat lounge’ in the catteries to encourage socialisation among the cats. Beyond the infrastructure, the shelter is developing initiatives aimed at a variety of groups, ranging from senior citizens in partnership with Monaco Town Hall to members of AMAPEI*, as well as young people supported by the Department of National Education and the Princess Grace Hospital Centre.

*Monaco Association for the Assistance and Protection of Children with Special Needs

La Princesse Charlène et son frère Gareth Wittstock

Tribute to Princess Antoinette

Princess Stephanie, Camille Gottlieb and Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, Princess Antoinette’s granddaughter, were also in attendance at this family ceremony. The highlight was the unveiling by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of a bust of Princess Antoinette, Baroness de Massy.

In pictures: in the pool with Princess Charlene for Water Safety Day

The sister of Prince Rainier III, she founded the SPA de Monaco on 6 August 1976 and served as its president with a dedication that remains fondly remembered. In her speech, Princess Charlene paid her a heartfelt tribute: “My thoughts naturally turned to a prominent figure in our family, the founder of this association, known to all for her deep devotion and exemplary selflessness to the cause of animals. Today, I wish to keep her memory alive and pay tribute to her.”

Almost fifty years after its creation, the SPA of Monaco continues its mission under the leadership of Princess Charlene: to raise awareness of animal welfare, promote adoption and offer a second chance to abused or abandoned animals.