Photographers’ flashes crackle all around them as they pose on the red carpet. On January 17, 2025, one of the Principality’s flagship events returns to the delight of Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. As president of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, she is delighted to discover the acts prepared for this 47e edition but also those of the 12e edition of New Generation, aimed at young artists. His son, Louis Ducruet, his daughter-in-law Marie Ducruet, and his daughter Camille Gottlieb are present at his side. Just like the famous host Stéphane Bern.
To reach the Fontvieille marquee, the youngest daughter of Prince Albert II passes her arm through that of Stéphane Bern. Camille Gottlieb does the same. Louis and Marie Ducruet precede them by a few steps. The couple are enjoying an evening without their little girls, Victoire who will celebrate her 2nd birthday in April, and Constance, born on December 2. Under applause and to the sound of the Prince’s Carabiniers fanfare, Stéphanie de Monaco and her family take their places in the front row. The show will start soon!
Carrying on his father’s legacy
Acrobatics, aerobatics, juggling, the princess does not miss a bit of her performances. No doubt she thinks of her father, Prince Rainier III, at the origin of this Festival born in 1974. It was he who passed on to her his love for the circus arts. A legacy that Stéphanie of Monaco has carefully watched over since her death almost 20 years ago. When she died, she had in fact regained the presidency of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival. “It was his baby, his secret garden, what he loved the most. At first, few people believed in it and, finally, 50 years later, we are still here! Prince Rainier was right to do so believe and do this for the people of the circus whom he loved so much and whose values he admired”, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco confided to Point of view in January 2024.
For this opening evening of January 17, 2025, numbers one more breathtaking than the last follow one another. The youngest of Prince Albert, Louis and Marie Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb savor these moments spent together, with stars in their eyes. A “historic” edition, with performances that will push the limits of the possible,” we can read on the Circus Festival website. “Several records should be broken during this exceptional program.” This brings together “all the ingredients classic circus, as we want at the festival, as my dad wished,” explained Princess Stéphanie of Monaco to our colleagues at Monaco Info. “It’s traditional in all its splendor. The circus lives with the times. These are all traditional disciplines but presented in a more modern and contemporary way.”
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Two days earlier, on January 15, Princess Stéphanie visited the contortionists, dancers, horse riders and other acrobats to take the traditional family photo. There are 160 artists competing this year. Coming from the four corners of the world, they intend to give the best of themselves to try to win the Golden Clown. If the Festival does not end until January 26, it is on the evening of January 21 that this prize will be awarded, as well as the Silver and Bronze Clowns, “the ultimate rewards in the circus world”. Added to this are the Junior Gold, Silver and Bronze awarded to the participants of the 12e edition of New Generation. The love of the circus begins at a very young age. And Stéphanie de Monaco knows this better than anyone.
Read also >> Stéphanie de Monaco, for the love of the circus
