Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco at the children’s holiday party at Prince’s Palace of Monaco on Dec. 20.Photo:Stephane Cardinale/PLS Pool/Getty
Stephane Cardinale/PLS Pool/Getty
There were giant elves and acrobats in the palace courtyard this year at Monaco’s annualchildren’s Christmas party!
In truth, the elves were palace volunteers dressed in costumes, assistingPrince Albert,Princess Charleneand Santa Claus in handing out gifts to Monagasque children.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco at Prince’s Palace of Monaco on Dec. 20.VALERY HACHE/POOL/AFP via Getty
VALERY HACHE/POOL/AFP via Getty
Camille Gottlieb, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco at Prince’s Palace of Monaco on Dec. 20.VALERY HACHE/POOL/AFP via Getty
Each child uniquely has the opportunity — if only for a few moments — to speak directly with the reigning sovereign.
While the first party featured a borrowed reel of Disney cartoons, the annual event now held in the open-air courtyard with cabins and stalls set around a giant Christmas tree truly resembles a Christmas market. Children aged 5 to 12 (this year, 680!) and a number of chaperoning adults line up outside the palace gates, entering on the clocktower stroke.
Festivities at the children’s holiday party at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco on Dec. 20.Stephane Cardinale/PLS Pool/Getty
There’s acrobats, magicians and entertainers, but the highlight is unquestionably when each child, in turn, is ushered before a member of the royal family. Each then has their name called before receiving a bespoke gift, something which has been researched or requested when the child was invited to attend. In top demand this year were a lot of Playmobil Novelmore and Spiderman racing sets — but that’s not all!
Continuing the festivities, the courtyard cabins feature many treats including gingered cookies, cakes and the palace’s ownfabled hot chocolate.
The story goes that when Princess Caroline and Prince Albert were children, Prince Rainier became dissatisfied with a local farmer’s milk. The Prince then brought dairy cows to his farm at mountaintop Roc Agel. The same herd continues to supply the palace and years ago, palace chef Christian Garcia created a thicker-than-imaginable hot chocolate recipe. One returnee says it tastes like melted candy bars and cinnamon. “I begin dreaming of in May. Right after Easter,” he swears.
Next up for the royal family is a planned vacation, which will take Prince Albert, Princess Charlene and their twins on a voyage to Antarctica. The parents described the trip as part learning experience when disclosing holiday plans toMonaco Matinin November.
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It will also mark the second time that Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella have visited polar climates. The twins accompanied their father on a sail across the Arctic Circle during their trip to Norway last June.
Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques, Princess Gabriella and Prince Albert at the Monaco National Day celebrations on Nov. 19.Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty
source: people.com
