Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques, Princess Gabriella and Prince Albert of Monaco at Prince Albert’s birthday celebration at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco on March 14.Photo:Palais Princier de Monaco/Instagram
Palais Princier de Monaco/Instagram
Prince JacquesandPrincess Gabriellaof Monaco were total pros during their latest royal appearance.
On Thursday, the 9-year-old twins looked more grown up than ever at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco forPrince Albert’s birthday celebrations. Prince Albert, who is the head of state of Monaco, turned 66 on March 14, and the special occasion was marked with a changing of the guard and orchestra performance on the Place du Palais courtyard, plus a towering cake.
Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella appeared on the palace balcony with their father and mother,Princess Charlene, and expertly greeted well-wishers during a mini walkabout after a serenade.
A sweet shot from the Princely Palace’sInstagramcarousel from the event showed Prince Jacques putting a hand around his sister’s back as they met members of the public waving national flags.
Speaking toPEOPLEbefore his birthday last year, Prince Albert shared how Prince Jacques is always there for Princess Gabriella. Explaining how the young royals have adjusted to making more public outings, Prince Albert said that Gabriella “can sometimes feel a little uncomfortable around too many people,” so her brother steps in to help.
Princess Charlene, Princess Gabriella, Prince Jacques and Prince Albert of Monaco at Prince Albert’s birthday celebration at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco on March 14.Palais Princier de Monaco/Instagram
“Between them now, Jacques talks more, engages more, in public,” Prince Albert said at the time, adding that Gabriella is spirited behind the scenes. According to the royal, the princess “has that little mischievous twinkle in her eye. She has her own little personality and sometimes does things that are, you know — she’ll try to use her brother and get him into trouble…”
The twins’ bond was similarly on display at the Sainte-Dévote celebration in January, where they shared a tight hug. Participating in the tradition, the young prince and princess helped set fire to a votive boat which symbolizes Monaco’s patron Saint Dévote.
Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques share a hug at the traditional celebration of Sainte Devote in Monaco on January 26.VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty
VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Though Florentine raiders were said to have stolen the saint’s relics in the 11th century, they were captured and their boat was burned before they could escape. The burning of the ship is reenacted each January, and members of the Monegasque royal family typically attend.
Prince Albert, Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella set a sailboat ablaze during the traditional festivities of Sainte Devote in Monaco on January 26.VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty
source: people.com
