Hello Monaco #16 Winter 2022–2023 HM 2022 #16_web | Page 40

EXCLUSIVE
I became involved in it as a volunteer alongside my mother , President of “ Fight Aids Monaco ”. A year later I founded my own charity : “ Be Safe Monaco ”.
: Yes , this is yet another thing — fighting against drink-driving . Your commitment was triggered by a tragedy ...
CG : We lost a loved one . With a few friends , we just decided that it could not go on like that , we refused to wait and see who is next . We live in a small community and we have enough people to manage getting everyone home safely without taking a risk . That ’ s how this charity came about , founded with my four friends : Charlotte , Andréa , Margaux and Laura . It is truly “ Girl Power ” in action !
: How did you meet these friends , during your studies , at high school ?
CG : I ’ ve known them all for a long time . My best childhood friend Laura and I , we ’ ve had a connection for 20 years . We share the same values . She is commited to the same causes as I am .
: How is this fight against drinkdriving organized ?
CG : We work with the parents ’ association , raising awareness among young people and their families . We also fight against drugs which cause the same kind of damage . We are also very close to the Monegasque Red Cross . Over a year ago I joined its Board of Directors .
: But you are young and you may still have different goals ... Do you intend to devote your life to charities ?
CG : I will not stop my commitment . It ’ s even a bit selfish — doing good makes me grow and evolve at the same time . But I do have other plans as well for my personal life . Being at ease at public speaking , I can really reach out to others . Many things can therefore be envisaged ... During the COVID break , I refocused on myself . The confinement allowed me to reflect and take a step back . I had previously lost , but now found myself . That ’ s the most important .
: Yes , oddly enough , this period was beneficial for many people . Were you saying that you were not very comfortable with yourself ?
Princess Stéfanie with her daughters Camille and Pauline having arrived at Monaco Town Hall for the wedding ceremony of her son Louis in July 2019 Принцесса Стефания с дочками Камиллой и Полин в мэрии Монако на церемонии бракосочетания ее сына Луи , июль 2019 года
I want to do something for my country , get involved in the life of the Principality .
CG : I wasn ’ t indeed ! I was going through my life , but didn ’ t ask myself any questions . I was actually experiencing an inner conflict and not feeling happy about myself . I then decided to take my life in charge . In a few months I lost 28 kilos without necessarily stopping to eat since this is all in our head . I want my parents to be proud of me . And I know they will be as soon as I am happy . As a child it ’ s quite hard to understand ...
: In terms of your interests , what are they mostly about ?
CG : I ’ ve been cast for a series and now waiting to hear from them .... You may see me on the screen at some point . I ’ m in-
© Palais Princier terested in cinema , photography and theatre too . I ’ ve been doing it for quite a few years . I do believe however that everything is written for us . If I am ever meant to play in a movie , I will . If I am to found an animal rights charity , I will too . And if I am to get married ...
: Speaking about that , would you like to have children ?
CG : I know I was born to be a mother . Whenever I see children around , I go crazy . Older people are also my weak point .
: You are often compared to your grandmother , Princess Grace . Do you think you resemble her ?
CG : It ’ s quite complicated to say since I ’ ve never known her . From what I know she was a great lady , very classy , much more reserved than me , very discreet . I express my emotions in a straightforward way . Many people say that I actually look like my mother . I don ’ t quite know .
: What you have in common with your mother is being the youngest of all siblings ...
CG : Yes , but on my dad ’ s side I am actually the oldest ! He had two boys after me .
: Do you get on well with your father ’ s family ?
CG : Very well indeed ! They are my cocoon , my intimate circle , the one you don ’ t see in the magazines . I have an unconditional love for my grandparents too . They are a family that is not in the limelight , a family like any other .
: Last summer you made a high-profile appearance at the Red Cross Gala in a black and golden dress . How did you choose it ?
CG : You want the real story ? I was originally going to wear something completely different . It must be said that I ’ m very organized in my life except for ... my wardrobe . I did , of course , have a dress at home . But on the day of the gala I finished up shopping at the Métropole with my mother ’ s secretary at 4pm . When we were about to give up , we stopped by Red Valentino ’ s , just in case . The shopgirl was quite in a panic when she realized the outfit was for me to
38 / Hello Monaco Winter 2022 – 2023 www . hellomonaco . com