Monaco’sPrince Albert,Princess Charleneand their royal twins gathered together on the palace balcony alongside the rest of the royal family on Tuesday to celebrate Monaco’s National Day.
In addition to the pomp and circumstance and a colorful parade, there’s also a severe space crunch, according to the principality’s ruler. The number of marriages and births which have swelled the Grimaldi family ranks in just the past few years have created something of a royal traffic jam on the balcony.
Last year, Monaco’s Princess Caroline came to a crowded window holding two newborn grandchildren — with a third being held beside her and another grandson perched on the balustrade. Behind her, other family members had to wait their turn.
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty
“We’re running out of space for everyone,” Prince Albert II tells PEOPLE. “We’re going to have to create new windows, build new balconies.” Turning half-serious, he adds, “It is actually an issue. Before we used to have family and high-ranking staff from the palace, people who worked with us very closely from the household stand in the windows.
Monaco royal family.Arnold Jerocki/Getty
“There’s no room. All the other senior palace officers are in another location now at the foot of the palace entrance,” he adds, noting his growing family has celebrated two weddings —niece Charlotteandnephew Louis— and three christenings since last year’s National Day event.
Prince Albert jokes, “I don’t think I can face up to another christening or wedding right now,” before adding, “Actually, it’s great feeling to have that many new members of the family and everybody seems to get along well.”
Beatrice Casiraghi and her son Francesco.Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty
Princess Charlene and Prince Albert.Arnold Jerocki/Getty
There was another new tradition added this year. Albert’s 4-year-old son,Prince Jacques, appeared before gathered crowds wearing his first-ever uniform.
“Yes, he’s being outfitted this year. I think they still have one fitting to do but he’ll be in a uniform. And that’ll be great fun,” Albert previously told PEOPLE.
Prince Jacques looked sharp in his uniform, and even appeared at the window wearing a red, white and blue helmet to complete the look.
Jacques’ twin sister,Princess Gabriella“has outgrown her little Monegasque outfit, and I’m not certain whether the new one will be ready in time — but she’ll be very elegant though,” Albert added.
Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty
Prince Albert shares that Gabriella can be camera shy.
“It’s funny,” her father says. “There are some moments now where she adores the camera and some moments where she shies away completely, where she says, ‘No, no more photos.’ And she kinds of turns away or turns a grumpy face. You kind of have to catch her in a good mood.”
Arnold Jerocki/Getty
The National Day program contained two specific tributes this year, including one celebrating the historic centennial relationship between Monaco and the U.S. Military. The USAF Drill Team has been invited to march in front of the palace.
“There’s a link to 1919, when a detachment of soldiers came to Monaco to thank it for treating wounded here during the last two years of the conflict,” Prince Albert explains.
The event will also honor the late Princess Grace.
“We’re going to have a small tribute to mom because [Nov. 12 marked] the 90th year anniversary of her birth,” says Albert. The planned tribute will culminate a great number of organized events and exhibitions across the world over the past year celebrating American actress turned princess. “You know, it’s amazing how much people care,” the prince reflects.
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source: people.com
