Prince Albert Appoints Princess Charlene as President of Society For Protection of Animals

Today, September 12, 2022, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene spearheaded the laying of the first stone for the future refuge of the Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA) de Monaco.

The shelter, SPA de Monaco, will house abandoned dogs and cats with the purpose of rehoming them and finding them a new family.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco laid the first stone

The shelter will be built in Peille, a French commune perched on a rock between Monaco and Menton in the Alpes Maritimes department in southeastern France. And is expected to become operational towards the end of 2023.

Presidency for Princess Charlene

During the occasion, Prince Albert also announced that the shelter will be headed by his wife as its first honorary president.

A rare display of public affection from the couple

More at ease and comfortable with each other now

Princess Charlene has been an animal advocate and has been promoting and supporting the well-being and protection of animals.

The Princess Consort has its own foundation in South Africa working to promote awareness of protecting rhinos.

The royal couple posed at a site where the SPA shelter will be built

This latest appointment to head a shelter for abandoned animals is closer to her heart and just a fitting honor for her to take.

During the event, the couple also displayed a rare public display of affection, sharing a light pat on the cheek, and holding hands. 

In many public events that they attended this year, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene looked tentative with their gesture of affection, however, in Peille today, they appeared to be more at ease with each other, more comfortable than in the past months. 

Princess Charlene has fully recovered from physical exhaustion she suffered last year

For the occasion, Princess Charlene wore a while collar poplin blouse from her go-to fashion brand, Akris, and cargo style black trousers from Louis Vuitton.

It's great to hear such advocacy like this, protecting animals. It helps the world find a good balance in our ecosystem. 

Photos ©Eric Mathon/Prince's Palace of Monaco