Monaco’s Royal Twins Steal the Show at National Day — and Reveal Their Different Hair Colors
It’s a royal cute alert!
Dressed in matching white car coats, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco made their second annual appearance at Saturday’s National Day, Monaco’s most important national event.
The day turned into quite a treat for royals watchers with Princesses Caroline and Stephanie accompanied by their children and grandchildren representing three generations of Monegasque royalty. But the day belonged to the youngest royals whose brief balcony appearance (their first public appearance in months and first of several planned this holiday season) showed them at ease in front of a crowd of thousands.
The annual day-long ceremonies, which aired on Facebook Live, began with the traditional cathedral mass before a ceremonial presentation of decorations at the Palace’s Court of Honor, where the royal family makes an appearance on their balcony.
Princess Charlene was visibly touched when the crowd of several thousand assembled in the courtyard greeted Prince Albert and her family with cheers. She smiled and blew a kiss to the gathered masses.
Charlene held Gabriella — who hasn’t been seen in public for months — for the event while the tot wore a small pink ribbon.
“She’s actually a true beauty,” said one observer. “Her hair is curly now and she’s a darker shade than her brother. She’s more of a reddish blonde.”
While they may have only had a few moments in the sunshine, a source tells PEOPLE that behind the scenes the family was in great spirits.
“The children were in a great mood, and all the young children really enjoyed using the opportunity to play together in the Palace’s Salon des Glaces,” says the source.
RELATED VIDEO: Prince Albert II of Monaco Visits Philadelphia After Purchasing Late Mother Grace Kelly’s Childhood Home
Monaco’s National or Sovereign Prince Day has been celebrated in Monaco since 1857 under Prince Charles III. Traditionally, the principality’s fête nationale was a moveable holiday whose date was set by the reigning sovereign. However, it has been held on Nov. 19 since 1951 when the date selected by Prince Rainier in honor of St. Rainier.
In 2005, when Prince Albert II ascended the throne, rather than change the date to reflect his own ascension, he chose to retain the Nov. 19 date, making it permanent in memory of his father.
Falling on the weekend, this year’s celebration became a two-day event complete with red and white flags and celebrations around the port city of Monte Carlo. Following mass, the courtyard ceremony and balcony wave, events continue with a presentation of Nabucco by Verdi and fireworks on Saturday evening.
