As they smiled and beamed for the crowds, holding their precious twin babies in the Mediterranean spring sunshine, it was hard to imagine that the marriage of Prince Albert of Monaco (57) to Charlene Wittstock (37), a South African swimming champion, in July 2011 had appeared to be doomed from the start. Reports at the time suggested that the bride had previously tried to flee Monaco while suffering a bad case of pre-wedding jitters.
During the ceremony itself, she spent much of her time in tears – in complete contrast to the UK’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge who had appeared radiantly happy throughout her own wedding day just a few months earlier. It was speculated that Charlene’s distress was the result of rumours that Albert, who is 20 years her senior, was about to be the subject of a paternity suit, having already fathered at least two illegitimate children. Only the most optimistic royal fans held out hope that a successful union could be forged.
Fast forward to 2015, and the princess has clearly put all her doubts behind her. She and Albert are obviously besotted with their five-month-old twins, Princess Gabriella Thérèse Marie Grimaldi, Countess of Carladès and Jacques Honoré Rainier Grimaldi, Hereditary Prince of Monaco. Despite being two minutes younger than his sister, Jacques is next in line for Monaco’s throne.
Their Serene Highnesses were christened in the same building their royal ancestors were crowned, wed and buried.
Their christening service took place at the Grand Cathedral of Monaco, in front of a sea of royal faces from Europe’s various monarchies and the South African sporting world. The people of Monaco watched the occasion streamed live on TV, or on huge screens outside the church, where crowds had gathered for a glimpse of the happy royal family.
Princess Charlene, as well as her small son and daughter, were dressed by iconic French fashion house Dior. The babies wore Baby Dior christening gowns with Calais lace trim, while their mother looked elegant in an ivory top and skirt from Dior Haute Couture.
Princess Caroline (58) and Princess Stéphanie (50) were there for the occasion, as were Charlene’s South African parents, Lynette and Murray Wittstock. The couple attended with their sons – Gareth (34) and Sean (32). Gareth was chosen to be Gabriella’s godfather, while Nerine Pienaar, the wife of former South African rugby star Francois Pienaar, is her godmother.
Jacques’ godparents are Christopher Le Vine, Albert’s cousin who was best man at the royal wedding in 2011, and Diane de Polignac Nigra, a mutual friend of the couple. Princess Charlene is said to have spent weeks organising details for her twins’ special day – including the flowers at the cathedral, where the perfume of 6000 white roses filled the air and lilies from her homeland featured in the bouquets.
Albert held Gabriella, his little princess, while Charlene cuddled Prince Jacques.
After a second private palace service, at which the twins were presented with special medals denoting their place in the royal lineage, guests were treated to a sumptuous outdoor luncheon which included lobster flown in especially from South Africa.
Albert and Charlene are said to have exchanged loving glances throughout the day. It seems the royal couple’s far-from-fairytale wedding has led to great happiness for the pair, which is now firmly cemented by the arrival of their already much-loved twins.
