Princess Charlene of Monaco has celebrated the country’s Mother’s Day with the release of a rare image of her with her 11-year-old royal twins.
An unseen photograph of Charlene, 48, with her arms wrapped around Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques was shared on the royal household’s official Instagram page to commemorate the annual occasion, which falls on the last Sunday of May.
Captioned ‘wishing all moms a Happy Mother’s Day’, the image offered a rare insight into the lives of the two young royals, who are largely kept out of the spotlight despite being members of the Monegasque royal family.
Coordinating for the special occasion, Charlene was dressed in an off-white jumper, while Jacques opted for a white crew-neck and Gabriella showcased a sparkly white dress.
Images from the same photo shoot were previously released on December 10 in honour of the royal twins’ 11th birthdays, with adorable portraits showing the youngsters looking the spitting image of their former Olympian mother.
While Gabriella is slightly older, being born mere minutes before her brother, Jacques is the first heir to the throne due to male-preference succession.
Jacques holds the title of Marquis of Baux, while Gabriella is the Countess of Carladès, honours given to them upon birth by their father, Prince Albert, 68, who married former Olympic swimmer Charlene.
The royal twins look distinctly more grown-up in their official portraits compared to the series of candid snaps posted for their 10th birthday last year.
A new photograph of Charlene, 48, with her arms wrapped around Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques was shared on the royal household’s official Instagram page to commemorate the annual occasion, which falls on the last Sunday of May
Jacques holds the title of Marquis of Baux, while Gabriella is the Countess of Carladès, honours given to them upon birth by their father, Prince Albert, 68, who married former Olympic swimmer Charlene. Pictured: the family pose for the young royals’ Holy Communion
In recent months, Jacques and Gabriella have made more public appearances, and in March were present during Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Monaco.
Gabriella, who bore a striking resemblance to her mother, were joined by Jacques and Prince Albert for the occasion, which saw Pope Leo make his first visit to the European country since his election in May.
Both Charlene and Gabriella wore white in line with the so-called ‘privilege of the white’ – a rare exception to the historic dress code that permits only queens and princesses from Catholic countries to wear white when meeting with the Pope.
They are each one of only seven women in the world who have the rare ability to wear white when meeting with the Pope.
Called le privilége du blanc in French or il privilegio del bianco in Italian, the special tradition is extended solely to designated Catholic queens and princesses and is reserved for important events such as private audiences, canonisations, beatifications and special masses.
Normal protocol for papal audiences requires that ladies wear a long black dress with a high collar and long sleeves, and a black mantilla.
For the outing, Charlene, 48, also donned a small brooch with the flags of Monaco and the Vatican, alongside a midi dress that contained lace detailing and a short veil, which she placed over her head in line with the necessary protocol.
While her mother opted for white heels, 11-year-old Gabriella wore white ballet flats, alongside a long coat and the same brooch as her mother.
In recent months, Jacques and Gabriella have made more public appearances, and in March were present during Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Monaco
Both Charlene and Gabriella wore white in line with the so-called ‘privilege of the white’ – a rare exception to the historic dress code that permits only queens and princesses from Catholic countries to wear white when meeting with the Pope
In May, the royal twins made their first Holy Communion and marked the religious ceremony with a series of sweet family portraits shared to the royal household’s official Instagram page.
The First Holy Communion, also known as the First Eucharist, is one of the most important milestones in the Catholic faith.
It is a key step in a child’s faith journey, symbolising their deepening relationship with Jesus and the Church, and it involves receiving the consecrated bread and wine, believed to be the body and blood of Christ.
The young royals beamed as they were joined by their parents Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene at the important ceremony.
In 2019, Princess Charlene gave a rare insight into family life with her two young twins and described how her ‘smart’ daughter Gabriella bounces out of bed to go to school on a Saturday – and is left disappointed when it’s closed.
She said they feel ‘blessed’ to have two children who fill them with ‘love and happiness’, and are also ‘well behaved and kind’.
She told French magazine, Point de Vue, according to People, that they also take time to remember those less fortunate in their prayers every night.
‘They know what they want, they speak very well and understand many things. It’s hard to believe they’re already four,’ the former Olympic swimmer explained.
Charlene continued to give an insight into her home life with her family, and their bedtime traditions will melt hearts.
She explained: ‘We think of children who do not have a mom or dad, or who do not get gifts. Pray they will have some comfort.’
Charlene went on to reveal the children love studying so much they wish school was open on the weekends.
She added that her husband Prince Albert is ‘at his happiest’ when he’s spending time with their twins.
