Screenshot/Monaco Info/Fair Use
Monaco’s royal family has had a high profile in recent days as Christmas approaches and taking a starring role in the public image of the Grimaldis are the heir to the throne, Prince Jacques, and his sister, Princess Gabriella.
The twins turned nine on December 10th 2023 and to mark the birthday, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene shared a new image of them, taken on the country’s national day in November.
Prince Jacques is in traditional uniform while his sister wears a chic coat and beret. Jacques and Gabriella were born on December 10th 2014 in Monaco. Although the princess was born first, a few minutes before her brother, the Principality’s succession laws mean that Jacques was heir from the moment of his arrival.
The two had taken part in national day celebrations with their parents and their wider family. A few days afterwards, they joined their mother, Princess Charlene, and their aunt, Princess Caroline of Hanover, at a special event marking the International Day of Children’s Rights which took place at the Princess Antoinette Park in Monaco.
The birthday celebrations for Jacques and Gabriella are just the latest event in a busy time for the royals. Just before the birthday celebrations, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene had officially opened Monaco’s Christmas village which this year honours the centenary of the birth of Albert’s father, Prince Rainier III.
The end of November also saw Prince Albert make a three day State Visit to Malaysia which had a focus on environmental issues and partnerships between the two countries. The Sovereign Prince went straight on to an official visit to Singapore where he toured biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. He then took part in COP28 in Abu Dhabi.
On his return to Monaco, in early December, Prince Albert oversaw the signing of a convention between his country and the Tour de France which will see part of the most famous cycling contest in the world take place in Monaco in 2024.
Meanwhile, Princess Charlene had also hosted the Christmas ball which took place at the Hotel de Paris in Monaco just hours before her twins turned nine.
Monaco’s royals are also preparing to host a Christmas celebration for citizens of the Principality.