Royal thanks for SA’s messages of support
PRINCE Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco have sent thanks to everyone in South Africa for all the messages of love and goodwill on the birth of their twins – Jacques, Honoré, Rainier, Marquis des Baux and Gabriella, Thérèse, Marie, Countess of Carladès.
That was the message from Princess Charlene during an exclusive interview with the Saturday Star after the first public appearance of the twins in the arms of their parents on the balcony of the Palais Princier in Monaco on Wednesday.
“My husband and I are extremely touched by the kind messages, expressions of love and goodwill from South Africa,” said Princess Charlene.
Already described by inter national press as being “crazy in love” with their new babies, Princess Charlene said, “It is such a wonderful feeling. We are so happy. At the same time, with this joy comes a deep sense of responsibility never experienced before.”
Born on December 10 just after 5pm, the twins tur n one month today and the princess said she is thoroughly enjoying bathing and feeding her little ones, both of whom she described as “growing by the day and very active”.
Prince Albert rushes to see his babies whenever he can escape his many obligations and close family and friends have said how the royal couple’s faces light up with joy when cuddled up with the twins.
On Wednesday, the courtyard outside the palace was packed with an elated Monagesque crowd, who sported large pink and blue balloons, as well as the traditional red and white Monaco flags, as the beaming parents carried their small royal bundles of joy onto the balcony to present to the public for the first time.
There were cheers of approval from the crowd when Princess Charlene placed a tender kiss on the forehead of baby Gabriella.
In 2000 Princess Charlene, who is from Benoni and a for mer South African Olympic swimmer, met Prince Albert, head of the Grimaldi royal house that has ruled Monaco for centuries. In 2006, the couple’s relationship became public and they tied the knot in 2011.
Adapting to a new country, a new language, as well as royal protocol, was a challenge for the princess, but the birth of the Prince’s heirs has cemented her position in Monaco and according to succession rules baby Jacques will inherit Prince Albert’s throne.
The princess spent the last few weeks of her pregnancy at Roc Agel, a 50ha hideaway which was given to Princess Grace by Prince Rainier, Albert’s parents.
There, she has handwritten recipes left by Princess Grace, which in years to come will see her preparing meals for her family.
The property also includes a number of animals, including two baby elephants, Baby and Nepal, which remind Princess Charlene of the times she spent in Hwange Game Reserve in Zimbabwe, the country of her birth.
When she was 12, her family moved to South Africa, where she started training for her future as an Olympic swimmer.
Princess Charlene’s love for children is well-known and her Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation focuses on bettering the lives of disadvantaged children.
The foundation has a South African office based in Durban. Its primary aim is to teach swimming skills and empower children living in poverty.
“Having my own babies only deepens my love and respect for children, especially those in need,” she said.
She believes that well-educated children are the most powerful weapon to change the world and passes on advice given to her by Nelson Mandela: “Go as far as your limits, don’t let anything stop you.” – Additional information: Paris Match, France