Little Princess Alexandra of Monaco was the star attraction on Monday as Monaco’s royal family stepped out to celebrate the principality’s National Day. Prince Albert and Princess Caroline joined their father Prince Rainier in presiding over the ceremonies, which took on a solemn tone this year as international tensions and instability cast an inevitable shadow over the annual event.
But the two-year-old daughter of Princess Caroline and Prince Ernst of Hanover was all smiles and waves. Well wrapped up in a plaid skirt and button-up sweater, Alexandra needed little prompting to wave her tiny hand at the crowds from the palace balcony, and she grinned happily throughout the proceedings.
Her aunt, Princess Stephanie, was absent from the proceedings, which began with the royal family attending mass, choosing instead to spend the day with her new partner, circus owner Franco Knie, and her own children.
Prince Rainier later addressed the people of Monaco, explaining this year’s sober celebrations as a sign of solidarity with the victims of the September 11 attacks.
“Peace and liberty have a price: that of determination and courage,” he said. “The current events can only serve to reinforce our union with the rights and morals of humanity, the foundations of democracy.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
