- Their twin children joined them for the event
- READ MORE: Princess Charlene of Monaco cuts a glamorous figure at the principality’s Formula 1 Grand Prix on Sunday
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco joined four Monegasque tourchbearers at a relay ceremony in Monaco today ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, marking the second time in history the Monaco has welcomed the Olympic Flame.
Dressed in white from head to toe in the offical Relais De La Flamme (which means Olympic Torch Relay) uniform, Albert, 66, and Charlene, 46, proudly held up the historic torch, smiling at crowds alongside the other chosen torchbearers.
The couple, who held hands as they arrived, were joined by their twin children Princess Gabriella, Countess of Carladès, and Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco for the special event, who watched on as their parents proudly held up the Olympic Flame.
Gabriella and Jacques were also matching, complementing their parents ensembles with all-black outfits, both wearing polo shirts with white stripes and and matching shades.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco were joined by their twin children Princess Gabriella, Countess of Carladès, and Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco for relay ceremony
Gabriella and Jacques were also matching, complementing their parents ensembles with all-black outfits
Charlene and Albert dressed in white from head to toe in the offical Relais De La Flamme (which means Olympic Torch Relay) uniform
Monegasque bobsledder Rudy Rinaldi (left) and Monaco’s Prince Albert II (centre) hold Olympic Flame torches next to Princess Charlene (right)
Joining the Prince and Princess of Monaco for the ceremony was Charles Leclerc, a Formula 1 driver and recent winner of the Monaco Grand Prix, Alexandra Coletti, an alpine skier and specialist in speed events, Xiaoxin Yang a table tennis player who has qualified for the Paris games and Rudy Rinaldi, an Olympic bobsleigh pilot.
The tourchbearers gathered in front of the statue of Juan Manuel Fangio at Port Hercule in Monte Carol, beginning with Charles Leclerc will be the first torchbearer.
The Flame was then passed on to Alexandra Coletti on a tour around the harbour, followed by Xiaoxin Yang and Rudy Rinaldi, who then handed it to H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene in front of the statue of Malizia at the Palace Square.
Prince Albert II has strong links with the Olympic Games, as president of the Monegasque Olympic Committee and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1985.
The Flame was handed it to H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene in front of the statue of Malizia at the Palace Square
It was a fun day out for the whole family who matched perfectly in monochrome tones
The family looked in high spirits, putting on a united front after what has been a turbulent few years
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco joined four Monegasque tourchbearers at a the relay ceremony
Before watching the procession, spectators were able to see a montage of archive images, designed and produced by the Audiovisual Institute and the Palace Archives of Monaco and looking back to Monaco’s participation in the Paris Olympics 100 years ago.
Both Princess Charlene and Prince Albert have previously participated in the Olympics.
Prince Albert has taken part in five Winter Olympics as part of Monaco’s bobsleigh team, first carrying the Olympic Flame in 1996 to mark the Atlanta Summer Olympics. While Princess Charlene swam for South Africa in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
The whole family looked in high spirits, putting on a united front after what has been a turbulent few years.
Earlier this year, the family faced a challenging period after Prince Albert’s former accountant Claude Palmero revealed Charlene’s personal spending allowance was over £1million-a-year via a leaked document that also accused the royal family of hiring illegal immigrants as nannies.
Albert said in March 2024: ‘Thankfully, my whole family is there for me, showering me with their affection, both my immediate family and the extended family of Monegasque.’
But the Prince went on to say that the situation had very much ‘upset’ his wife.
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He continued: ‘She [Charlene] was also very upset for me, and saddened by certain things that came out in the media. We supported each other. She has resumed many of her activities, more public engagements, to everyone’s delight.’
Despite their troubles, the family have remained strong, with Albert talking glowingly about his children, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, who turn 10 this year.
‘She’s a little miss with an independent character and she expresses herself quite freely,’ he said.
Before adding: ‘We thought Jacques was more of an introvert, but he’s been gaining confidence for some time now. He looks out for his sister.’
Prince Albert wenr on to say that the family are all ‘very very close’.