Prince Albert of Monaco welcomed royal twins less than a week ago, but he took time to bond with other children as he carried out an official engagement on Tuesday. The reigning monarch paid a visit to a day nursery where he showed off his top-notch parenting skills. Albert, 56, played the role of Father Christmas as he handed out presents to an excited group of children. All eyes were on the prince as he beamed at the youngsters and gave one little boy a car racing toy set.
© Photo: Getty ImagesNew dad Prince Albert played Father Christmas at the day nursery
Taking his seat for the highlight of his visit, Albert was then treated to a special performance by the kids, some of whom had dressed up as mini Santas and danced and sang their way through a routine. Albert, who became father to twins Gabriella and Jacques when his wife Princess Charlene gave birth on 10 December, then fulfilled another benevolent engagement – handing out food parcels at the Monaco Red Cross. As president of the charitable foundation, Albert played a crucial role in the annual Christmas gifts ceremony and chatted to locals as he presented them with their giveaways.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Albert clapped and cheered as the children did a dance routine
The prince was a constant presence at his wife's side in hospital, after his babies were born last week.
Albert, however, took a few hours off to sign his children's birth certificates on Friday in a special ceremony attended by around 20 guests, including Albert's sister Princess Stephanie and her daughters Pauline and Camille.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Albert later gave out food parcels at the Monaco Red Cross
Albert and Charlene, who has not been seen in public since the birth, will present their twins to the nation on 7 January from the palace balcony – much like Albert's own parents Princess Grace and Prince Rainier did 56 years ago. Little Gabriella was born first at 5.04pm and her brother Jacques followed two minutes later at 5.06pm. According to Monegasque law, which favours males, Jacques is heir to the throne and has displaced Albert's sister Princess Caroline in the line of succession.
