Beaming from ear-to-ear, Princess Stephanie and her daughter Pauline Ducruet had a lot to smile about. The royals, who are big fans of the circus, have been working on the annual International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo for months and on Tuesday, Stephanie and Pauline were able to see the fruits of their labour.
Stepping out for the lively celebration, Pauline showed off her style credentials in high-waisted black trousers and a chic white blazer. She decided to take the metallic red "Cirque" scarf, made especially for the event, and wear it as a crop top instead.
The 21-year-old is currently studying at the Parsons School of Design in New York, but made the return to her native Monaco to show her support. Her mum Stephanie looked just as glitzy in a sequined jacket and black top and trousers.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPauline Ducruet, in white, and her mum Princess Stephanie help organise the annual festival
The pair were joined by Pauline's older brother Louis Ducruet, her uncle Prince Albert of Monaco and her aunt Princess Caroline. Caroline's younger son Pierre Casiraghi also made up the royal party.
The guests of honour had the best seats in the house, from which they enjoyed watching a range of acts involving clowns, mimes, jugglers, dancers, acrobats, trapeze artists and even horses.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPauline, who "loves the circus", spent a childhood summer working at the famed Circus Knie
The festival is now in its 40th year. It was founded by Prince Rainier III, Pauline's grandfather and Albert of Monaco's father. Rainier had a permanent venue the Chapiteau de Fontvieille – a circus tent – built for the festival.
Each year the circus-loving royals attend the event, most notably Princess Stephanie – who is patron of the festival – and her children.
© Photo: Getty ImagesMonaco's Prince Albert, Princess Caroline, Pierre Casiraghi and Louis Ducruet also attended
Stephanie in particular has close ties to the circus. She had a relationship with elephant trainer Franco Knie in 2001 and moved herself and her three children Pauline, Louis and their half-sister Camille Gottlieb into Franco's circus caravan for a brief period.
Pauline, who was six at the time, also spent a childhood summer working at the famed Circus Knie.
© Photo: Getty Images"The Grimaldis are a circus family. It's in their genes," a source said
"Pauline loves the circus and says she doesn't understand people who don't," a source told People. "She loves it for the variety of the shows themselves, the commitment, the passion of the performers.
"Watch [Stephanie and Pauline] at the performances. They sit and talk non-stop to one another. They keep a running commentary on acts, critiquing tricks. If you watch them closely, they even laugh at the same gags. The Grimaldis are a circus family. It's in their genes."
