Monaco twins turn 10

The future ruler of Monaco and his twin sister celebrate their tenth birthday today, and to celebrate, we look at their young lives so far.

Born on 10 December 2014 in Monaco’s Princess Grace Hospital Centre, Princess Gabriella and Hereditary Prince Jacques are the only children of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco. Although Gabriella was born two minutes ahead of her twin brother, she is second in line to the throne since Monaco follows male-preference primogeniture – meaning younger brothers take precedence over older sisters.

Jacques’s full title is His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Jacques, Marquis of Baux. Gabriella holds the full title of Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella Thérèse Marie of Monaco, Countess of Carladès.

They have two older half-siblings from their father’s previous relationships: American-born Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, 32, and French-born Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste, 21.

Eric Mathon/Palais Princier

Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques were presented to the Monegasque people on 7 January 2015 from the Princely Palace. A few months later, on 10 May, they were christened at Saint Nicholas Cathedral and bestowed the Order of Grimaldi by their father.

The twins attended Petite Ecole, a private preschool; they now attend the François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré primary school. They speak Monaco’s native language of French and their mother’s native language, English.

The twins attend some events alongside their parents and siblings each year, including the National Day celebrations in November, St John’s Day in June, and the traditional Christmas party for Monegasque children in December.

As time has gone on, the young royals have begun attending more and more events, but the Prince and Princess of Monaco work to make sure they have as normal lives as possible.