Yesterday, Monaco’s Princely Family celebrated the principality’s National Day (or Prince’s Day), and Princess Grace was on all their minds as this year would have marked her 90th birthday.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene were there with their twins, Princess Gabriella (who donned a cute red beret) and Prince Jacques (who was wearing a mini military uniform). Prince Albert’s sisters, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie attended alongside their children, their children’s spouses and grandchildren.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlso in attendance was Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, the eldest child of Prince Albert from a previous relationship. Jazmin posted photos on her Instagram account from the celebrations but remained out of sight of the public. She praised her father on her Instagram saying, “Happy National Day to my Father, the most noble, genuine, gracious and generous leader!”
It’s not known if Prince Albert’s son from a previous relationship was also in attendance.
The day began with a military ceremony in the courtyard. Next came a Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate (or Monaco Cathedral) before the family returned to the Princely Palace where they greeted the public on the balcony. The Prince’s carabinieri orchestra performed before a military parade that included members of the United States Air Force and the playing of the official “US Air Force Song”. The Air Force drill team also performed with announcers talking about the work of both the Air Force drill team and Air Force, as a whole, in both English and French.
Prince Albert invited American military members to take part in memory of his mother, former American actress Grace Kelly who became the Princess of Monaco. They played the American tune “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “America the Beautiful” in honour of their American guests, and the orchestra also played “Amazing Grace” as a tribute to Grace, while forming her monogram, which brought Prince Albert to tears.
Princess Caroline also paid tribute to her late mother by wearing the Princess’s golden necklace, earrings and bracelet, referred to as the Gold Leaf suite.
Embed from Getty ImagesPrincess Gabriella and Prince Jacques stole the show on the balcony with their cousin, Kaia-Rose, who is the daughter of their uncle (their mother’s brother), Garrett Wittstock. The trio first looked bored with everything going on but eventually waved to crowds and waved Monaco flags. Of course, their adorable outfits got the cameras flashing, as well.
National Day festivities ended in the evening with a gala at the Opera in Monte-Carlo. The Prince and Princess of Monaco were joined by Princess Caroline, and her two sons and their wives (Andrea Casiraghi and Tatiana Santo Domingo and Pierre Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo).
