Inside Monaco/Playground of the Rich/BBC 2

I  have enjoyed this three-part documentary on Monaco bringing back memories of the Cote d’Azur though I have always found Monaco too congested for my taste.

I was interested to see Prince Albert had let the cameras in but I have the feeling that, wary of extensive filming and ruthless editing, he maintained strict editorial control.

The end result was a programme that was flattering or even promotional of Monaco, that tiny principality no bigger than Hyde Park.

You have to admire how it has achieved its status as the playground of the rich.

The chief reason for this is that it is a tax haven with neither income tax nor Capital Gains Tax but it also benefits from gambling, opulent hotels, the Grand Prix and the superyachties – all of which featured in this three-part series.

Above all it featured Prince Albert a jovial fellow who must have been educated in an American business school judging by his accent.

His sister Princess Caroline supports the arts notably ballet.

To be fair the programme did not disguise some of the difficulties of living there. Because of the congested land mass development is now extended to the sea with a billion pound complex of villas and apartments to be completed in a couple of years.

You buy an apartment with a sea view at your risk as that view can disappear with a fresh development. The only place you can guarantee a view is the sea hence the superyachts moored there.

The populace divides into the indigenous Monagasques – who get a  subsidised rent and first call on the local jobs – and the residents  who have to deposit half million Euros  in a  local bank.

In my last visit there my knowledgeable driver informed us that Pavarotti’s residency was questioned as his touring schedule was inconsistent with his residency.

Others pay their concierge to switch on the washing machine to provide a utility bill. Many still retain villas on the nearby Riviera.

The programme also did not feature the football team that plays in Ligue Une.

They benefit in signing players from the tax regime as Monaco salary in net terms is double every other club’s.

The prices are astronomic.

The best suite in the Hotel de Paris, called Princess Grace, is 14,000 euros a night, a waiter was flourishing a bottle of Louis Roederer at 25,000 euros, but residency which has to be approved by Prince Albert alone, is still much sought and no gimme.

Viewers are always fascinated by how the rich live. So am I.