Family bonding at its finest. Prince Albert's daughter Jazmin Grace Grimaldi and niece Pauline Ducruet (whose mom is Princess Stephanie) will both be taking part in something noone in the Monaco royal family has done before – a nine-day off-road rally racein the Moroccan desert. “The funny thing is, we didn’t plan this,” Jazmin told HELLO! of doing the all-female Rallye Aicha des Gazelles du Maroc alongside her first cousin. “It kind ofhappenstance brought us to do something together, which I felt was amazing. This isn’t just a rally that’s only nine days ina desert, I think it’s a lifelong experience.”
Though Jazmin, who grew up in the states, and Pauline won’t beon the same team, the 25-year-old noted, “we are still able to enjoy thisexperience.” And no, there is no good-humored family rivalry brewing either.“It’s a bond that’s going to be shared,” the aspiring actress/singer shared atthe kick-off event in NYC at Mamo on February 20. “Our family at first was, ‘Ican’t believe you guys are going to do this,’ but we are our own women and whenwe put our minds to something, we are going to do it. Now, they are supportiveand excited.”
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In fact, about a month ago Jazmin and Princess Stephanie’sdaughter traveled to Moab, Utah with their race partners – Kiera Chaplin (Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter) andSchanel Bakkouche, respectively –and the rest ofthe US team toget their off-roadcertifications and begin training for the all-female race that kicks off March16. “I’ve never done something to this extent before,” Princess Grace’s granddaughterexplained. “I like adventure sports. I’ve done skydiving in Australia, I’vebungee jumped. This was something I thought would be a personal challenge formyself.”
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During their time in the desert, the women won’t have access totheir phones or technology and will have to use satellite tracking systems tonavigate. The only time they can check in with loved ones is if they return tothe specified tent area where they will sleep. “I’m actually most excited aboutdisconnecting for this period of time in Morocco,” the Jazmin Fund foundersaid.
She will be able to say adieu to her aunt Princess Stephanie asthe royal will lead the start of the electric vehicle category from Monaco.Once the race wraps, there will also be a celebratory gala that will be anotherbig moment for the singer. “I’m hoping some of my family members will bethere,” said Jazmin, who will be debuting her new single Fearless about femaleempowerment – a subject which the rallyalso happens to be about. “That’s what was most important for me in joining this rally –all these women coming together to share a common goal and lifting each otherup when we need to and working together as team.”
For more information on the Gazelles and the rally, click here