Richard Gere Partners With Prince Albert of Monaco for Environmental Protection
Hollywood actor Richard Gere has signed a formal partnership with Prince Albert II of Monaco to pursue joint environmental protection initiatives, uniting their respective foundations following a star-studded anniversary celebration in the Mediterranean principality.
The agreement, finalized on September 19, 2026, establishes a collaborative framework between the Gere Foundation and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Hello Monaco reported that the Memorandum of Understanding was officially executed by Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II Foundation, alongside Ana Buitrago, President and CEO of the Gere Foundation. The deal enables both organizations to identify shared priorities, combine their institutional networks, and pool their expertise for long-term ecological projects.
The partnership was struck one day after the 77-year-old actor appeared as a guest of honor at a gala celebrating the Monegasque foundation’s 20th anniversary. Held at the Salle Garnier of the Opera Monte-Carlo on September 18, 2026, the milestone event gathered roughly 250 guests in the presence of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.
Gala Celebration and Foundation Milestones
During the gala’s opening address, Prince Albert II reflected on the two decades since he established the organization in 2006. The head of state noted that a sovereign holds a position and a voice that opens doors across borders, which he aimed to put to work for an institution capable of acting quickly and for the long term where a state cannot always reach. The foundation focuses its international grant-making and project support on three primary fields: climate change, biodiversity, and water resources, paying particular attention to the Mediterranean Basin, polar regions, and low-income countries.
The anniversary evening featured a green carpet walk attended by prominent cultural figures, including Italian actress Monica Bellucci, Isabelle Huppert, Eva Herzigová, Catrinel Marlon, and Aurélien Muller. Following a cocktail reception, guests enjoyed a dinner created by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, followed by musical performances from Christina Aguilera, Plácido Domingo, and Sister Sledge.
An exclusive auction led by Simon de Pury formed a central part of the evening’s fundraising. The auction lot featured fine art by Georges Condo, Urs Fisher, and Secondino Hernández, luxury jewelry by Chopard, and travel experiences including a journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Richard Gere also contributed a private dinner with himself to the auction items under the hammer.
Shared Values and Cinematic Screenings
Describing the new inter-foundation agreement, Richard Gere noted that the collaboration represents a natural convergence of institutional principles. Both organizations share a firm belief that compassion and responsibility must translate into meaningful, concrete action for future generations.
Both foundations share a belief that compassion and responsibility must translate into meaningful action. “I am very pleased to see our organisations open this new chapter together and explore how our experience, networks and shared concerns can contribute to protecting the planet and building a more sustainable future.” Monica Bellucci similarly praised the host nation’s enduring ecological commitments during the weekend events.
“I have great respect for HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco’s long-standing commitment to protecting our planet.” His Foundation combines environmental action with genuine concern for people and future generations. I am very honoured to be here this evening and to support these shared values. Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Prince Albert II and Richard Gere attended a private screening at the Princess Grace Theatre. The audience viewed Wisdom of Happiness, a documentary produced by Gere that offers a cinematic encounter with the Dalai Lama, exploring his reflections on compassion, inner peace, and happiness.