Princess Charlene praises Prince Albert as he celebrates 20 years on the throne of Monaco

Princess Charlene took a rare opportunity to publicly praise her husband at Monaco’s Red Cross Gala over the weekend, telling him “We love you, we support you, and we thank you for being there for all of us.”

The 76^th Red Cross Gala took place in Monte Carlo on Saturday evening, with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene leading the festivities. They were joined by Princess Stéphanie’s children, Camille Gottlieb and Louis and Marie Ducruet.

“Each year, this evening honors the actions of the Monégasque Red Cross for the most vulnerable and salutes the unwavering involvement of its donors, without whom nothing would be possible,” the Prince’s Palace wrote on its official Facebook page.

Amidst the festivities a special anniversary was also celebrated: Prince Albert celebrated the 20^th anniversary of his accession on Saturday.

Princess Charlene, dressed in a powder blue Elie Saab evening gown, took to the stage to toast her husband on this milestone.

 “This July 12^th marks exactly the 20^th anniversary of your accession. Twenty years ago, you took the reins of the principality and, since that day, you have guided Monaco with wisdom, courage, and determination,” she said.

Princess Charlene continued: “Your desire for unity and serenity for Monaco has been your guiding principle.” She praised his work with environmental causes and wielding soft power internationally through this commitment; and noted that some of his changes within the principality “sometimes involved difficult decisions but were necessary for the future of our country.”

She concluded her speech with a personal message to her husband, telling him, “You know that I will always be by your side, along with all the Monégasques. We are with you, wholeheartedly, to protect Monaco and its future at your drive. We love you, support you and thank you for being there for all of us.”

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene were joined by 800 guests for a dinner and auction for five luxury prizes. Billy Idol, the British rock star, performed a closing ceremony concert as fireworks lit up the sky above Monaco.