Las Vegas Consul of Monaco Co-Founds Aspen Consular Corps March 12, 2013
Posted by jonathanwarren in Aspen Consular Corps, Consul of Monaco, Consulate of Monaco.Tags: Aspen Consular Corps, Consulate, Monaco, Principality
add a comment
On March 9, 2013 the Republic of Lithuania created the first Consulate based in the prestigious resort town of Aspen, Colorado, when Honorary Consul Dr. John Prunskis was appointed to the newly formed post.
Consul Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl (Chile); Consul John Prunskis (Lithuania); Consul Astra Michels (Lithuania); H.E. Žygimantas Pavilionis, Ambassador of Lithuania; Consul Vyautas Lapatinskas (Lithuania); Consul Jonathan Warren (Monaco) at the formation of the Lithuanian Consulate and the Aspen Consular Corps.
Consul Warren met Consul Prunskis at the World Congress of Consuls in Monte Carlo in November of 2012. At the finale event there, Consul Warren drafted the indenture forming the Consular Corps of Aspen, Colorado. The founding Dean of the Corps is Consul Prunskis, and two other founding members include the Honorary Consul of Chile in Las Vegas, Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl and Honorary Consul of Monaco in Las Vegas, Jonathan Warren. Both Consul Biggs Sparkuhl and Consul Warren have consular districts which include Colorado. The document was executed by the three founding members, and witnessed by numerous consuls at the World Congress last year.
On March 9th, Consuls of Lithuania from Las Vegas and Seattle joined the newly formed Aspen Consular Corps in welcoming H.E. Žygimantas Pavilionis, Ambassador of Lithuania, to open the new consulate. The events included speeches and traditional dance, followed by a cocktail with the Mayor of Aspen and other members of the local community.
Notes From the Archivist: A Historic Weekend in Monaco February 20, 2013
Posted by bjpayne2003 in Consul of Monaco, Consulate of Monaco, Grace Kelly, Las Vegas, Las Vegas Consular Corps, Monaco Royal Wedding, Monegasques in the USA, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Princess Grace of Monaco, Principality of Monaco.Tags: artifacts, Consulate, Monaco, Monaco Royal Family, Nevada Consular Corps, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Grace of Monaco, Principality, rare coins
add a comment
A rare silver 1/6 écu of Honoré II dated 1658
With wide ranging options for first-class entertainment, dining and shopping it sometimes can be easy to forget the historical side of a visit to Monaco. While the most visible link to the past, the Prince’s Palace, is a must-stop on any itinerary, this site along with a few landmarks on le Rocher may be all the casual visitor gets to see of Monaco’s history. If your historical interest runs a bit deeper, you may be curious to hear a bit about a less well known but very tangible link to Monaco’s past – the history of the Principality’s early coinage.You may not suspect a nation of Monaco’s size to have such a numismatic legacy, however Monaco’s early Princes were eager to assert the independence of the Principality and a key part of this was the right to mint their own coinage. Not coincidentally, the first Prince, Honoré II, was also the first to begin minting in Monaco in 1640. With just one significant break in the period from 1735-1837, Monaco has continued to issue a varied and rich series of coins into the modern era.
A 1674 écu of Louis I bearing the arms of the Principality
For anyone intrigued by this part of Monaco’s history, a weekend in December 2012 provided something of a treat. Three major events over two days allowed a rare glimpse at Monaco’s past. The centerpiece of the schedule was a very special exhibition celebrating the 500th anniversary of the wide recognition of Monaco’s independence. Featuring items loaned from the Palace Archives as well as several European museums, visitors were granted the opportunity to view items that are rarely, if ever, on view. These included correspondence of Monaco’s early rulers (the title Prince first being used in 1612), as well as the 1512 decree from France’s Louis XII recognizing the independence and sovereignty of Monaco.
The exhibition was hosted at the Musée des Monnaies et Timbres (The Coin and Stamp Museum), a small but exquisite museum tucked away in Monaco’s Fontvieille district. Though the exhibition provided an added bonus, a visit here anytime is fascinating; the Princely Collection housed here is unrivaled in the world.
On Saturday, December 1st, the well known Monaco firm of Éditions V. Gadoury (www.gadoury.com) organized a superb auction of rare coins from ancient to modern times. A highlight of the sale was a collection of rare early Monaco pieces, one of the largest such collections to come to auction in a century. From the earliest coins of the Honoré II through the centuries to the likeness of the iconic Princess Grace, the collection was a history of the Principality in miniature. All of Monaco’s early coinage is scarce and most of the denominations and years are extremely rare; the auction featured several coins of which 2 or fewer examples were known to exist.
A 1966 piece celebrating the 10th wedding anniversary of TSH Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace
Rounding out the events was the annual Monaco coin fair on Sunday, December 2nd. Dealers from around Europe saw brisk sales in all areas of coin collecting. Additionally, postcards, early photographs and paper items were to be found. Happily, this event is now on annual basis and will be held again in 2013 in conjunction with another auction by Éditions V. Gadoury. The auction is scheduled for Saturday, November 30th with the coin fair to follow on Sunday, December 1st.
World Congress of Consuls and National Day events converge in Monte Carlo January 23, 2013
Posted by jonathanwarren in Consul of Monaco, Consulate of Monaco, Fete Nationale, Las Vegas, Las Vegas Consular Corps, Monaco National Day, Nevada Consular Corps, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Princess Grace of Monaco.Tags: Ambassador Charles Rivkin, Consular Corps, Consulate, Grace Kelly, Las Vegas, Monaco, Monaco Royal Family, Monte Carlo, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Caroline, USS Mount Whitney
add a comment
The Principality of Monaco hosted the FICAC World Congress of Consuls November 11-13, 2012. The Monaco National Day celebrations took place the following week. Consul Warren and others remained in Monaco for both sets of events.
Hosted by the Honorary Consular Corps of Monaco, the World Federation of Consuls produced its tenth triennial World Congress of Consuls with great success on the 30th anniversary of the institution, in Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco. Nearly 300 delegates from all over the world attended the event.
After the events of the World Congress, consul Warren and others enjoyed a three-day rest before beginning the Fête Nationale de Monaco (the Monaco National Day) celebrations. 2012 represents the 3rd National Day celebrations attended by Consul Warren, who was once again accompanied by the Honorable Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl, Honorary Consul of Chile in Las Vegas.
USS Mount Whitney in Monaco
In addition to the traditional cocktail at the Palace followed by the dinner at the Beef Bar with the Consular Corps of Monaco, the fireworks and mass the following day were followed up by a surprise for visiting Americans. By request of HSH Prince Albert II, the flag ship of the sixth fleet of the US Navy, the USS Mount Whitney, was docked at the Port d’Hercule in Monaco for the National Day celebrations. His Serene Highness had requested the strong American presence to commemorate the passing of his mother, HSH Princess Grace of Monaco.
His Excellency Charles Rivkin, US Ambassador to France and Monaco arranged for the presence of the Ship in Monaco. The USS Mount Whitney’s officers and crew hosted a spectacular lunch on board the vessel. His Excellency Gilles Noghés, Ambassador of Monaco to the USA, attended, leading the Consular Corps of Monaco in the United States. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II was welcomed by the Commander and the Ambassadors, as was Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline, escorted by her two sons, Andrea and Pierre Casiraghi, both of whom are officers in the Prince’s Guard.
Notes from the Archivist – A Periodic Look at Monegasque History January 5, 2013
Posted by bjpayne2003 in Consul of Monaco, Consulate of Monaco, Las Vegas, Las Vegas Consular Corps, Monegasques in the USA, Principality of Monaco.Tags: archives, archivist, Brad Payne, Consulate, history, Las Vegas, legacy, Monaco, Monaco Royal Family, monegasque, Principality
add a comment
A recent trip to Monaco afforded the opportunity to hunt for historic finds in and around the Principality. And indeed, an interesting piece was discovered – one that we thought we would share with friends of the Honorary Consulate in Las Vegas. At just over 2 ft. square and just shy of 200 lbs, this cast iron crest features the Principality’s coat-of-arms.
You may notice some subtle differences however, as this is a slightly earlier form and one most common prior to the 19th century. The piece is believed to have come from a collection in Menton, so it may originate from the area east of the current borders of the Principality. You may recall that prior to 1848 both Menton and Roquebrune were part of Monaco’s lands and the Principality was, consequently, significantly larger than what we know today – see the c. 1840 map below.
This type of cast iron plate was sometimes used as a ‘fireback’, set into the back of large chimneys in order to help radiate heat out into a room. This may indeed be what this piece is, but unfortunately we don’t have any idea where it came from. Another possibility is simply an architectural ornament, set into a gate or wall – it does show signs of having been exposed to the elements for at least some period of time.
As we continue to research the original context, we welcome the insight of anyone who may recognize the piece or one like it.
Embassy Announces 2013 Visit of Prince Albert II to Wyoming September 28, 2012
Posted by jonathanwarren in Consul of Monaco, Consulate of Monaco, Monegasques in the USA, Nevada Consular Corps, Prince Albert II of Monaco.Tags: Buffalo Bill, Camp Monaco, Consulate, Monaco, Nevada Consular Corps, Prince Alber I
add a comment
Consul Warren addresses Buffalo Bill Historical Center Patrons Ball
Cody, Wyoming to host the Sovereign next year
Nancy Roe, Treasurer of the Prince Albert II Foundation USA and Consul Jonathan Warren at the Camp Monaco exhibit at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody WY
Filling in for Ambassador Noghes who was called away on affairs of State, Consul Jonathan Warren spoke on Friday, Sept 22, 2012 to the distinguished attendees of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center Annual Patron’s Ball in Cody, Wyoming.
The Consul announced on behalf of the Ambassador that HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has accepted the invitation of the Center and will be attending the Patrons Ball next year. The visit will mark the 100-year anniversary of the 1913 visit of Prince Albert I to Wyoming. It will also commemorate the earlier Prince’s establishment of Camp Monaco in the Shoshone Forest with Buffalo Bill Cody. Camp Monaco was Buffalo Bill’s last great hunting camp, and is a major exhibit within the Buffalo Bill Museum today.
Consul Jonathan Warren and Wyoming Governor Matt Mead at the BBHC Patrons Ball, Cody, Wyoming September 2013
The royal visit in 2013 will mark the launch of an annual prize to be given in biodiversity study of the greater Yellowstone system, in cooperation with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Distinguished guests included Vice President Cheney, Senator Alan Simpson, Governor Matt Mead, Susan Eisenhower and many others. Consul Warren’s brother, Buffalo Bill scholar and author of Buffalo Bill’s America: William Cody and the Wild West Show, Professor Louis Warren was invited by the Buffalo Bill Historical Center as well. Professor Warren gave interviews and enjoyed the hospitality of Cody with Consul Warren.
ENTIRE SPEECH GIVEN BY CONSUL WARREN
Professor Louis Warren, General Tim White, Consul Jonathan Warren at Camp Monaco Trailhead Lodge, Cody, Wyoming
Mr. Vice President, Governors, Congressmen, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:
Thank you for allowing me a few moments to speak on behalf of His Excellency Ambassador Noghés, who deeply regrets that he could not be with us here tonight.
If you have not met the Ambassador, I hope you have the opportunity to do so very soon. He is a wonderful career diplomat and the first Ambassador of Monaco ever accredited to the United States.
Ambassador Noghés is passionate about Wyoming and about the long relationship between the Principality and the American west. In fact, the Ambassador worked to re-open the Consulate of Monaco in Las Vegas and to make it serve Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming.
The Consulate was first opened in 1956, after Prince Rainier III appointed Captain Henry Leigh Hunt to the post. Captain Hunt’s consular immunities were signed into recognition of the Law of Nations by President Dwight Eisenhower, whose distinguished granddaughter graces the very table at which I dine tonight. Ambassador Noghés intends to build on this legacy.
And now to the Ambassador’s remarks:
Distinguished Guests and dear friends of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center,
I trust our dear Consul Jonathan Warren, whose brother is Louis Warren, the famous Bill Cody’s historian, will express my regrets better than I could, for not being with you tonight at the Patron’s Ball.
As you may know, 2013 will be a special year for us all as we will celebrate, with enormous pride and pleasure, the centennial of the visit to Cody of one of our most illustrious princes of Monaco. Albert I, the Scholarly Prince and co-founder of oceanography, came in September 1913 to Cody and went Hunting with the Iconic Buffalo Bill.
Dear friends, I have the distinct honor of informing you that Prince Albert II of Monaco, his great, great-grandson, has accepted the kind invitation of the governor and the Board of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center to participate in his celebration and will be present here next year!
I wish to thank the members of the Board who are wonderful friends in the venture, among them: Chairman Collier, Mrs. Naoma Tate and Ambassador Bodini. I would like also to salute some of the exceptional partners: Dr. Bruce Eldredge, Executive Director and CEO of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Dr. Charles Preston, founding Curator of the Draper Museum of Natural History and General Tim White, Director of Content and Programming, who is my most precious adviser.
Like William Cody, Prince Albert I was a visionary. He was concerned with the deforestation and also overfishing the oceans. In the same way, Prince Albert II has become a formidable advocate of the environment. One of the reasons for that is that he spent many vacations in American summer camps when was younger. Six years ago he created the Prince Albert II Foundation which is represented here tonight by a distinguished member of its US Board, Mrs. Nancy Roe.
Prince Albert II and his foundation have recently decided to honor the biodiversity in the greater Yellowstone system by awarding, for the first time next year, an important price of biodiversity which will soon be announced. in our minds, there will be no better way to pay tribute to this extraordinary ecosystem and to the pioneers who understood its immense value for mankind.
Dear friends, in 1913, Prince Albert I and Bill Cody created Camp Monaco in the Shoshone Forest. the tree trunk where the name of the camp was engraved is in the Buffalo Bill Museum today. This has created a permanent link between Wyoming and Monaco and long lasting friendship which is worth celebrating – with panache!
I look forward to celebrating this centennial with you next year. In the meantime, I wish you a very pleasant night at the Patron’s Ball.
Thank you,
Gilles Noghes
Ambassador of HSH the Prince of Monaco
Cocktails at the Consulate hosts Ambassador of Monaco, Officials, Consulate supporters July 2, 2012
Posted by jonathanwarren in Consul of Monaco, Consulate of Monaco, Las Vegas, Las Vegas Consular Corps, Monegasques in the USA, Nevada Consular Corps, Principality of Monaco.Tags: Consulate, Las Vegas, Monaco, monegasque, Monte Carlo, Nevada Consular Corps, Principality
add a comment
Visiting dignitaries meet with local friends of the Consulate
H.E. Ambassador Gilles Noghès, Deputy Chief of Mission Lorenzo Ravano, Casino Monte Carlo Director Patrice Solamito, Casino Monte Carlo Public Relations officer Michel Marchese, and Monaco Director of Conventions and Tourism Guillaume Rose were among the dignitaries hosted at the Consular Residence for a cocktail with supporters of the Consulate, on the evening of June 15th in Las Vegas.
Consul General Gary Furlong (Uzbekistan), DCM of Monaco Lorenzo Ravano, vice-Consul Tomas Abreu (Monaco-Miami), Chief of Protocol J. Kathleen von Schaefer, Consul Terry Murphy (Ireland), Ambassador Gilles Noghes, Consul Lena Walther (Sweden), Consul Jonathan Warren (Monaco), Consul Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl (Chile), Count Deiro, Consul General Maguey Maccario (Monaco-NYC), Consul Tom Horn (Monaco-SF), Aner Iglesias (El Salvador)
The evening was hosted by Jonathan Warren, Honorary Consul of Monaco in Las Vegas, Consul Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl, Honorary Consul of Chile in Las Vegas and Baroness J. Kathleen von Schaefer, Chief of Protocol for the Consulate of Monaco in Las Vegas, at the Consular Residence. Local supporters of the Consulate, as well as members of the Nevada Consular Corps enjoyed an evening of cocktails and celebration after a series of successful meetings and events in Las Vegas.
Other attending members of the Consular Corps included Consul Terry Murphy (Ireland), Consul Aner Iglesias (El Salvador), Consul Lena Walther (Sweden) and Consul General Gary Furlong (Uzbekistan).
Supporters of the Consulate present included Official Archivist of the Consulate Bradley Payne and Mrs. Payne; Opera stars Marco Verela and Betsy Ann Fiore; music director Mark Wherry and Mrs. Elena Wherry, Cultural Advisor Surya Bonaly, financial advisor Felix Danciu of Elmcore Group, and of course the Chief of Protocol Baroness J. Kathleen von Schaefer. Support for the evening and all of the previous events also came from Tuxedo Junction, Haberdasher and Sartorial Advisor to the Consulate and from Earth Limos, Official Transportation Provider for the Consulate of Monaco in Las Vegas. Las Vegas community leader Steve Schorr was instrumental in arranging much of the Consulate events over three days.
Other local friends and dignitaries included the incoming President of the Nevada Public Health Association, Dr. Christina Madison. Col. Annette Whiteside, President of the Las Vegas World Affairs Council, joined the festivities. Las Vegas institutions and dear friends of the Consul, Count G. Robert Deiro and Countess Deiro also greeted the guests. Consuls representing six consulates of Monaco in the USA were also in attendance.
The finale of the evening was when Ambassador Noghés and Counselor Lorenzo Ravano joined Las Vegas opera stars Marco Varela and Betsy Fiore to perform a performance of O Sole Mio.
Las Vegas hosts Embassy and Consulates of Monaco for annual meeting July 1, 2012
Posted by jonathanwarren in Consul of Monaco, Consulate of Monaco, Las Vegas, Las Vegas Consular Corps, Monegasques in the USA, Nevada Consular Corps.Tags: Ambassador Gilles Noghes, Consular Corps, Consulate, Las Vegas, Monaco, monegasque, Nevada Consular Corps, Principality
add a comment
.
Ambassador Gilles Noghés makes first official visit of any ambassador of Monaco to Nevada
.
Consuls of Monaco from around US convene with Ambassador at Wynn
In 1955, famed Parisian author and former Las Vegan Louise de Vilmorin visited Monaco to receive a literary award from HSH Prince Rainier III. Three days later her husband, Henry Leigh Hunt of Las Vegas, was tapped to be the first Consul of the Principality of Monaco in Las Vegas. Hunt was the first consul of any foreign state based in Nevada. His appointment came at the end of a long and illustrious career. Consul Hunt retired in 1963.
Las Vegas Meeting of the Embassy and Consuls of Monaco: vice-Consul Tomas Abreu, Deputy Chief of Mission Lorenzo Ravano, vice-Consul Raffaella De Laruentiis, Consul Calvin Fayard, Ambassador Gilles Noghes, Consul Thomas Horn, Consul General Maguey Maccario, vice-Consul Ale Gicqueau, Consul Jonathan Warren, Consul Charles Battle (not pictured)
In 2006 His Excellency Gilles Noghès became the first Ambassador of Monaco accredited to the United States. Ambassador Noghès worked to increase consular representation of Monaco in the United States, including recommending the 2010 appointment of Consul Jonathan Warren in Las Vegas. The appointment returned the Consulate of Monaco to Las Vegas after a forty-seven year hiatus.
On June 14th, 2012, the Consulate of Monaco in Las Vegas hosted the first meeting of the Consulates of Monaco to take place outside of Washington, D.C. Seven consulates joined the Ambassador Noghès and Deputy Chief of Mission Lorenzo Ravano at the Wynn Resort for their annual meeting.
Participating consuls included Consul General Maguey Maccario (New York), Consul Thomas Horn (San Francisco), Consul Charles Battle (Atlanta), Consul Calvin Fayard (New Orleans), Consul, vice-Consul Tomas Abreu (Miami), vice-Consul Raffaella De Laurentiis (Los Angeles) and Consul Jonathan Warren from Las Vegas. Following the meeting, the consuls and Ambassador were joined by special guests for lunch in the Villa.
Embassy of Monaco Luncheon with Special Guests: Baroness Kathleen von Schaefer, Buzz Feitschans, Karla Modolo, Ambassador Noghes, Frances Fayard, Counselor Lorenzo Ravano, Alina Gicqueau, Consul Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl, vice-Consul Tomas Abrea, Consul Calvin Fayard, vice-Consul Raffaella De Laurentiis, Andre Bilodeau, Consul Thomas Horn, Consul General Maguey Maccario, Mr. Guillaume Rose, vice-Consul Ale Gicqueau, Mr. Michel Bouquier, Consul Jonathan Warren
In addition to consular meeting, the group was hosted by the Consulate of Monaco in Las Vegas to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Dolphin Habitat and Secret Garden of Siegfried and Roy, led by Siegfried and Roy themselves. Consul Warren hosted the group at a cocktail reception at the consular residence, as well as tours of the Smith Center and Springs Preserve before taking participants to Phantom the Las Vegas Spectacular, including a meeting of with cast members.
Photos by Adam Silversmith
Ambassador Noghès and Consuls of Monaco hosted by Siegfried and Roy in Las Vegas June 24, 2012
Posted by jonathanwarren in Consul of Monaco, Consulate of Monaco, Grace Kelly, Las Vegas, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Princess Grace of Monaco, Principality of Monaco.Tags: Consulate, Grace Kelly, Las Vegas, Monaco, Monaco Royal Family, monegasque, Monte Carlo, Nevada Consular Corps, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Princess Grace of Monaco, Principality, Siegfried and Roy
1 comment so far
Rare Tour by the ‘Masters of the Impossible’ themselves takes Monaco diplomats behind the scenes in rare animal habitat.
Forty-six year friendship of the performers with the Principality evidenced by hospitality during historic Las Vegas visit of Monaco officials
Siegfried and Roy with “Chico,” circa 1966
Long before they ever came to Las Vegas, Siegfried and Roy made a Royal Command Performance for HSH Princess Grace of Monaco at the 1966 Red Cross Ball (Gala de Roi) at the Sporting House in Monte Carlo. During the performance, Chico, the Cheetah who starred with the duo, ran off stage and headed for the kitchen. The event was a big hit and garnered much press. Some say it was the big break for the magical duo. Two decades later, with unprecedented Las Vegas success accredited their show, they would return to the Principality and serve as judges for the Grand Prix of Magic in Monte Carlo.
Friends of the Monaco Royal Family for a generation, Siegfried and Roy were the consummate hosts of the official representatives of the Principality during the first meeting of the Monaco US Consular Corps in Las Vegas. The group held its first meeting outside Washington, D.C, at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas on June 14. The meeting also marked the first official visit of the Ambassador of Monaco to Las Vegas.
Siegfried and Roy with Crown Prince Albert of Monaco and HSH Prince Rainer III
The Consulate of Monaco in Las Vegas, with the help of a team of volunteers including Las Vegan Steve Schorr, arranged for H.E. Gilles Noghès, Ambassador of Monaco to the USA and Canda, and consuls from 6 districts in addition to the Las Vegas consulate, to meet with Siegfried and Roy and tour their Dolphin Habitat, Secret Garden and the behind-the-scenes lairs of the their legendary white tigers, white lions and other great cats.
The group was astounded at the high quality of life, health and beauty of the great cats. Touring the garden with the narration that only Siegfried and Roy could give was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not lost on the audience of Monaco officials.
Consulate Hosts Historic Las Vegas Visit of Ambassador and Consuls of Monaco June 21, 2012
Posted by jonathanwarren in Consul of Monaco, Consulate of Monaco, Las Vegas, Las Vegas Consular Corps, Monegasques in the USA, Nevada Consular Corps, Principality of Monaco.Tags: Consular Corps, Las Vegas, Monaco, Monaco Private Label, monegasque, Monte Carlo
1 comment so far
Exclusive Monaco Private Label dinner welcomes Las Vegas society.
Ambassador of Monaco receives Key to the City of Las Vegas.
H.E. Gilles Noghès, Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco to the United States and Canada, was welcomed in Las Vegas on June 14, 2012 by Consul Jonathan Warren.
Mayor Pro Tem of Las Vegas Stavros Anthony and Consul of Monaco in Las Vegas Jonathan Warren presenting the Key to the City of Las Vegas to Ambassador Gilles Noghes.
The arrival represents the first official visit to Nevada of the first Ambassador of Monaco ever accredited to the United States. It was also the first official visit of any Ambassador of Monaco to the Consulate of Monaco in Las Vegas, which was first opened in 1956.
The Consulate of Monaco in Las Vegas and the Embassy of Monaco in Washington, DC worked closely with Mr. Michel Bouquier, Special Economic Advisor to the Government of Monaco, to host the first Monaco Private Label dinner in Las Vegas. Monaco Private Label was introduced by the Principality in 2010 to offer special access, of a level and nature which money alone can not buy, to very special visitors to Monaco. Members must be invited by a consul or ambassador of the Principality. Twenty Las Vegans were presented with the honor.
Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Las Vegas, Stavros Anthony, awarded the Ambassador the Key to the City of Las Vegas. Mayor Pro Tem Anthony cited the Ambassador’s work, with the approval of HSH Prince Albert II, to re-open the Consulate of Monaco in Las Vegas by appointing Las Vegan Jonathan Warren as Honorary Consul in 2010. The Consulate had been moved to Los Angeles 47 years earlier when Consul Henry Leigh Hunt retired in 1963.
Consul Jonathan Warren with Steve Wynn at MPL Dinner
The event took place within Thriller Villa at Hacienda Palomino, the former Las Vegas residence of Michael Jackson. security was high as fifty-five guests, including such Las Vegas notables as Steve Wynn, Sig Rogich, Richard Goeglein, Steve Schorr, Aner Iglesias, Marykaye Cashman, Vera Goulet and Monaco Grand Prix champion Enrico Bertaggia joined the Embassy delegation as well as Mr. Patrice Solamito, Director of the Casino Monte Carlo and Guillaume Rose, Monaco Director of Conventions and Tourism. Seven consuls of Monaco were present, including the Honorable Maguey Maccario, Consul General of Monaco in New York, the senior consular officer of Monaco in the United States.
The evening opened and closed with opera by tenor Marco Varela and soprano Betsy Fiore, with harpist Kim DeLibero during dinner.
Photos by IM Photography
Consul of Monaco joins Board of Directors of Liberace Foundation May 9, 2012
Posted by jonathanwarren in Consul of Monaco, Las Vegas.Tags: Las Vegas, liberace, liberace foundation, Monaco, Princess Grace of Monaco, Principality
add a comment
Consul Jonathan Warren recently agreed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Liberace Foundation for the Creative and Performing Arts.
Liberace with Zsa Zsa Gabor at the Red Cross Ball in Monte Carlo, Monaco, 1955
Liberace was the opening act of the then-tallest hotel in Las Vegas, the Riviera, in 1955. He lived in a sumptuous suite in the Monte Carlo Tower, and was then the highest paid performer on the Las Vegas Strip. The Riviera Hotel had been developed on land owned by Henry Leigh Hunt, who, coincidentally, that same year would be selected as Honorary Consul of Monaco in Las Vegas.
A long-time Las Vegan, Liberace in 1977 carried out a Royal Command performance for HSH Princess Grace of Monaco. He was a regular guest on the Monte Carlo Show, filmed at the Sporting House of Monaco, and was known to be fond of both Las Vegas and Monte Carlo.
“I can have a vacation at my [Las Vegas] home comparable to a season in Monte Carlo.” – Liberace
The Liberace Foundation provides scholarships in the creative and performing arts. Consul Warren believes that fresh approaches to delivering the impact of Liberace on music and fashion has the potential to dramatically increase the profile of the Foundation. He very much looks forward to working with other board members.
Honorary Consulate of the Principality of Monaco in Las Vegas 