Princess Charlene has taken a leading role as the President of France makes a State Visit to Monaco and she’s added a rather unexpected companion to proceedings – one of her dogs.

Charlene welcomed Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, in a spectacular ceremony at the Prince’s Palace in Monte Carlo before holding a series of informal chats with the French First Lady in the royal gardens. And during one of their conversations, the Princess cuddled up to her pet pooch.

The talks were about several of the issues important to both Princess Charlene and Brigitte Macron, including education, inclusion and anti bullying measures.

The conversations took place in the gardens of the Prince’s Palace as the State Visit began in earnest.

Earlier, Princess Charlene and Prince Albert had overseen the ceremonial welcome for the President and First Lady of France which saw them greeted by a military parade.

Albert and Charlene’s two children, ten year old Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, joined their parents for the event.

Prince Jacques, heir to the throne, was greeted with handshakes and a kiss on the head from the President of France. Princess Gabriella, second in line despite being several minutes older than her twin brother, was responsible for presenting Brigitte Macron with a posy of red flowers.

The twins joined Princess Charlene for the talks in the garden with the French First Lady with the royal palace saying that they brought a ”relaxed and lively presence” to the conversations which were a reminder of the ”direct, human” links between Monaco and France.

However, the ten year olds went to bed before the big gala of the State Visit. On the evening of the first day, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene hosted the French President at a State Banquet.

Emmanuel Macron will join Prince Albert at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum being held in Monaco on June 8th where Prince William will make a key note address to delegates focused on protecting the world’s oceans.