Charlotte Casiraghi ran a gauntlet of emotions at the Gucci Masters this weekend. The Monegasque royal was in her element as she galloped round the cowboys and Indians-themed equestrian event in fancy dress, but there were tears when the 26-year-old horsewoman didn't get the result she had expected and was prematurely eliminated.
The emotional display is hardly surprising given that the Gucci Masters is a frequent event in Charlotte's life. This appearance is just the latest in a long line of engagements with the riding competition during which 12 teams – consisting of a professional and an amateur – battle it out to complete the course in the fastest time. Charlotte regularly competes and wears riding gear designed exclusively for her by Italian fashion house Gucci, who partner the event. In fact, it was their newly-pregnant creative director Frida Giannini who suggested that the contest adopt a fancy dress theme to make proceedings all the more interesting. This year, Charlotte – who is the face of the luxury label – opened the equestrian extravaganza with a distinct Wild West vibe. Her suede tassels and painted face were a colourful alternative to the slick, Gucci-designed riding gear she later slipped into.
On the course, things didn't work out as planned, but luckily, Monaco's Princess Caroline was on hand to support her daughter. The 55-year-old royal was spotted watching intently from the sidelines, and even though Charlotte didn't triumph on the day, her mum still had reason to be proud. The entire event was organised to raise money for the Princess Grace-founded children's charity AMADE, which the mum-of-four passionately supports. Funds will go towards projects caring for vulnerable children in the Philippines – a country that Caroline has visited on several occasions to hear locals' stories at first hand.Back home in Monaco, there is good news in the air. Earlier in the month, Tatiana Santo Domingo showed off her baby bump at a fashion event in Madrid, and in doing so, the fiancée of Caroline's eldest child Andrea confirmed rumours that the Grimaldis are preparing to welcome a new arrival – making the princess a first-time grandmother.
Charlotte's own personal happiness will also be a source of comfort to her mother. Her relationship with charismatic French actor Gad Elmaleh is going from strength to strength and things have been progressing nicely since the 41-year-old wooed Charlotte following her split from British gallery owner, Alex Dellal. In the summer, Charlotte even hopped on a plane to Canada to support her man on promotional rounds for his latest film, The Capital. For his part, Gad – who is of Moroccan descent – joined his girlfriend on a cruise with her mum and family, a move which showed Princess Caroline has accepted her daughter's romance. Gad's rugged looks and acting credentials make him an interesting addition to the Grimaldis' close knit set. He is well known in his native France for starring in films such as Hors de Prix, a comedy with Audrey Tautou, a sort of Pretty Woman for the Noughties. He has also appeared in international movies such as Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris.