As Princess Charlene and Prince Albert prepare to welcome their first children together, the royal palace of Monaco has released details of the arrangements which will celebrate the birth of their twins.
"On the occasion of the upcoming princely births," begins a statement from the royal household. "The Palace wishes to inform the people of Monaco and residents of the Principality of the following arrangements.
"In celebration of the joyous arrival of these two children, and without distinction, forty-two cannon shots (twenty-one for each child) shall be fired from the Fort Antoine and church bells shall ring for fifteen minutes, followed by boat horns."
The announcement adds that an official proclamation signed by Monaco's sovereign Prince Albert will confirm the birth of the twins and will be displayed at the entrance to the Princely Palace. At a later day the couple will present their new arrivals to the people of Monaco.
"The date of the official introduction will be communicated at a later date," reads the statement. "The people of Monaco, residents and workers of the Principality as well as any individuals who wish to do so, are invited to attend the Princely Couple's presentation of Their children at the Place du Palais, in order to pay tribute to them and that day will be declared public holiday for all individuals working in Monaco in celebration of this time of great joy."
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Given that one of the couple's twins will be heir to the Monegasque throne, the announcement also encourages the people to "put up bunting and flags, under the same provisions as on National Day."
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The message concludes with a request from Prince Albert and Princess Charlene asking that donations are made to their chosen charities instead of gifts for their children.
