SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Monaco

Monaco’s royal twins enjoy St. John’s celebrations from palace balcony

Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco have joined their parents, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, to watch traditional celebrations for St. John’s Day in Monte Carlo. The family watched events unfold from the balcony of the Prince’s Palace.

It was the first public engagement for Jacques and Gabriella, who are now five, since the coronavirus pandemic began. The Hereditary Prince and his sister saw a bonfire being lit and traditional dancing unfold in a ceremony on the square in front of their royal home.

[getty src=”1251580412″ width=”594″ height=”396″ tld=”co.uk”]

The event, which marks the midsummer feast of St. John the Baptist, took place on June 23rd with social distancing in place. It began with a religious service in the Palatine Chapel before the traditional bonfire, called a batafoegu or fire of joy, was lit on the Place du Palais.

Physical distancing was in place at all times with many of those involved in the ceremony on the square wearing face masks.

[getty src=”1251616416″ width=”594″ height=”395″ tld=”co.uk”]

St. John’s Day celebrations in Monaco usually take place across two days. On the eve of the feast, June 23rd, elected representatives usually take part in the religious service at the Palatine Chapel which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It is followed by the lighting of the bonfire and traditional dancing. On June 24th, the feast day itself, another fire is lit in the Moulins area of Monaco.

The family’s appearance comes less than a week after Prince Albert and Princess Charlene led mourners at the funeral of his cousin, Elisabeth-Anne de Massy, in Monaco.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.