Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques of Monaco, the almost 2-year-old twins of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, made a rare public appearance during Monaco’s National Day (also called The Sovereign Prince’s Day) celebrations on Saturday, 19 November.
Prince Albert II of Monaco (R) holding Princess Gabriella, and princess Charlene of Monaco (L) holding Prince Jacques, appear on the balcony of the Monaco Palace during the celebrations marking Monaco’s National Day, on 19 November 2016 in Monaco. (Photo credit: VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)
The twins, who will turn two on 10 December, made their appearance through one of the windows of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, in the arms of their parents. The Monégasque Princely Family traditionally wave and greet the crowds from the windows during the National Day celebrations.
Little Jacques was seen waving to the crowds and clapping along to the band playing below. Gabriella, who is 2 minutes older than her twin, seemed a bit more reserved but did offer a wave after some convincing by Albert and Charlene.
This was the second appearance of Prince Jacques for the holiday. On Friday, Princess Charlene took Prince Jacques with her to visit a French Naval Ship, in honour of Monaco’s National Day.
Princess Gabriella Thérèse Marie, Countess of Carladès, was born on 10 December 2014 at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. Two minutes later, Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco (Jacques Honoré Rainier) was born. He also holds the title of Marquis of Baux. Their birth was celebrated with a 42-gun salute from Fort Antoine and the ringing of the church bells. They were presented to the Monégasque people by Prince Albert and Princess Charlene on 7 January 2015, which was declared a national holiday in the small principality. On 10 May 2015, they were baptised at the Cathedral of Monaco.
Even though Jacques was born two minutes after his sister, he is the heir to the throne. Monaco is one of the few remaining European monarchies which still reigns under male-preference primogeniture.
Princess Charlene looks so incredibly elegant! Much more sophisticated than the Duchess of Cambridge most of the time.