[Monaco] First National Day for Charlene as a Princess

It was arguably the biggest event since her wedding in July of this year. But Princess Charlene of Monaco was the epitome of cool as she celebrated her nation's first National Day in an official capacity.

The blonde South African has accompanied Prince Albert to the celebrations in previous years, but this was her first appearance as a princess.

And, despite having to recently deny runaway bride reports on a US chat show, Albert and Charlene looked blissfully happy as they led the festivities.

The morning ceremonies saw the pair take to the balcony in Monaco Palace Square.

Elegant in beige, Charlene smiled and waved to the crowds in the square below as Albert stood proudly by her side.

The royals looked close as they exchanged intimate smiles and entwined hands in a show of unity.

It was a family affair as Albert's sisters - Princess Stephanie and Caroline – strolled alongside their new sister-in-law during the parade.

Caroline's daughters, Charlotte Casiraghi and Alexandra were also in attendance.

The patriotic party culminated in a concert at the Grimaldi forum where Charlene opted for muted glamour in a brown, floor length gown and sleek up-do.

Then the princess was presented a bouquet of flowers by children dressed as Pierrots.

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[Monaco] Princess Caroline and daughter, Princess Alexandra, attend the Chanel Collection Croisiere Show 2011/2012

I am clearly in a Caroline de Monaco stretch here: just two days after attending the 44th Concours International de Bouquets, the Princess made an appearance at the Chanel Collection Croisiere Show 2011-12 at the Hotel du Cap in Cap d'Antibes, France. Several celebrities attended - Vanessa Paradis, Alexa Chung - but Blake Lively was the one to seem to get the Princesses' biggest attention. They chatted, had photos taken together and even exchanged numbers. A pure Royalty meets Hollywood moment.

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Prince Albert's fiancée Charlene Wittstock attends Monaco National Day service and celebrations

A little over 50 years ago a glamorous blonde arrived at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monte Carlo to marry Prince Rainier, thus becoming a princess of Monaco. That bride was Grace Kelly. This week, another ice-cool blonde, Charlene Wittstock was on the steps of the 19th-century cathedral, attending Monaco's National Day, with Princess Grace's son in what almost seemed like a dress rehearsal for their lavish nuptials set for next July. Dipping a low curtsy before Monaco's Archbishop, Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer, who represented her native South Africa, seemed to have mastered her future role as Prince Albert's consort perfectly. From her elegant headgear and nip-waisted suit to her court shoes, the 32–year-old looked very much the part of the princess-to-be. Inside the cathedral, she took her place alongside her future sisters-in-law, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie, in a pew decorated with flowers in the principality's colours - red and white. Caroline's husband Ernst of Hanover was not present – his absence appearing to confirm speculation that the couple's marriage has broken down. Despite her own marital difficulties, the princess has shown herself to be delighted at her brother's happiness and seemed at ease with Charlene's inclusion for the first time on such a key occasion. Also brightening her day was the fact that her children, Charlotte, Alexandra, Pierre and Andrea, joined the senior royals on the balcony of the palace to greet wellwishers. Although the House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco since 1297, the November 19 holiday celebrates the date when the state's sovereignty was officially recognized by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861.

from Hellomagazine.com

[One photo per day] [1] Princess Alexandra of Hannover

To close the day, a photograph of little Princess Alexandra of Hannover, daughter of (now separated) Caroline of Monaco and Ernst of Hannover, in Monaco last week.

Charlotte Casiraghi and Alex Dellal at showjumping event in Monaco

Three years after Cupid's arrow struck for Princess Caroline's daughter Charlotte Casiraghi and Alex Dellal, they seem as passionate about each other as ever.

The strength of their bond was evident when 26-year-old Alex - the owner of trendy London gallery 20 Hoxton Square - joined Monaco's first family at a Monte Carlo showjumping event, where the striking royal was competing.

In between putting her horse Tintero through its paces, the 23-year-old found time to share intimate moments with her beau, who is the son of millionaire property developer Guy Dellal and his Brazilian model wife Andrea.

Exchanging lingering kisses and glances, the young lovers at times appeared wrapped up in a world of their own.

Alex, being very much part of the Monegasque clan now, also chatted with Charlotte's mother, uncle, Prince Albert, and sister Alexandra, Caroline's daughter with Prince Ernst of Hanover.

from Hellomagazine.com

I didn't know Charlotte had a boyfriend. That is what happens when you spend almost 3 years without checking Royalty News out, I guess.

Princess Caroline's daughter Alexandra charms the crowds at the palace

The wedding of Prince Albert of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock is still only in the planning stages.

But if the couple are thinking of bridesmaids they surely need look no further than the Monegasque royal's niece Princess Alexandra.

Ten-year-old Alexandra, the daughter of his sister Caroline and husband Prince Ernst of Hanover proved she has all the credentials for the role at a family gathering this week.

As their engagement was made public, Albert chose to carry on with his scheduled duties, attending a traditional Midsummer's celebration. His attractive South Africa fiancée was not present.

Instead the royal ladies were ably represented by Caroline and her daughter at the festivities for the feast day of Saint John the Baptist.

Pretty in a simple white dress, the youngster stole the show, standing on the balcony of the royal palace, where Albert will present his bride to the crowds next summer.

Alexandra has settled in well since her 53-year-old mother moved her back to the principality from the marital home in Fontainebleau.

Despite ongoing speculation about her parents' marriage she seems happy and well, and is now often seen at events in Monte Carlo.