“Prince Albert said he wanted today to be as close to a normal National Day as possible,” a palace source tells PEOPLE. “And in particular, as much as can be for the children.”
Prince Albert, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques.VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images
With their mother away, Jacques and Gabriella’s special bond was on display. During the courtyard presentation of medals (which was made longer this year due to last year’s cancelation amid the pandemic), the duo watched closely alongside their aunts Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie. At one point, Jacques reached over and sweetly held his sister’s hand. Gabriella then reached for her brother’s hand moments later.
Prince Albert with twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques.VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images
Gabriella, who is already taking after her late grandmother, Princess Grace, was adorable in a white lace dress from Tartine et Chocolat under a brown Brunello Cucinelli coat and pink beret. Mom Charlene also wore a beret to the 2019 National Day celebrations. Prince Jacques, meanwhile, suited up in his Carabinieri ceremonial uniform, which he debuted in 2019.
Prince Albert, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
This year’s outdoor ceremony was intended to be a welcome home celebration for Charlene and included several elements commemorating the couple’s 10th anniversary. The princess had been “grounded,” as she previously put it, in South Africa since early May due to an ENT infection which necessitated a number of corrective surgeries over her six-month absence.
For more on Princess Charlene and other top stories, listen below toour daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day.
Charlene’s prolonged absence from Monaco caused the princess to miss her 10th wedding anniversary and gave rise to numerous reports concerning a rift in the couple’s marriage as well as speculation concerning the true nature and degree of her medical issues. The couple consistently denied these tabloid reports.
Prince Albert.VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images
“Because I know there are rumors out there, let me say: This is not COVID,” Albert tells PEOPLE. “And it’s not cancer-related. It’s not a personal relationship issue. And if you want to discuss another speculation, it isn’t related to plastic surgery or facial work at all.”
Her current state, he says, is the result “of several factors which are private matters.” He adds, “she was clearly exhausted, physically and emotionally. She was overwhelmed and couldn’t face official duties, life in general or even family life.”
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
Prince Albert, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques.Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Jacques and Gabriella “knew that she was tired. That she was not quite herself,” Albert continues. “And then I told them that she needed some time to rest, and that she is now somewhere not too far away, that we can go see her one day. They understood that.
“They know that she’s going to talk to them very soon. They miss her, of course, but they understand. Kids at that age they understand.”
source: people.com
