Monaco's little cherubs: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene are all smiles as they celebrate their first National Day as a family of four

  • The royal couple held daughter Princess Gabriella and son Prince Jacques on balcony
  • Twins, who were born on December 10, 2014, greeted the crowd from the palace's balcony
  • The foursome joined the rest of their family as Monaco's royals gathered to celebrate Monaco's National Day
  • In light of the events in Paris this week, it was a much more sombre affair than usual

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco celebrated their first Monaco National Day with their twins on Thursday - and made quite the picture-perfect family.

The royal couple held daughter Princess Gabriella and son Prince Jacques - who were born on December 10, 2014 - as they greeted the crowd from the palace's balcony.

Prince Albert, 57, who is one of the world's wealthiest royals with a fortune of more than $1billion, was all smiles as he held Prince Jacques in his arms, whilst his South African-born wife, 37, tenderly held an inquisitive looking Princess Gabriella. 

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Princess Charlene of Monaco with Princess Gabriela and Prince Albert II of Monaco with Prince Jacques greet the crowd from the palace's balcony during the Monaco National Day Celebrations on Thursday

Princess Charlene of Monaco with Princess Gabriela and Prince Albert II of Monaco with Prince Jacques greet the crowd from the palace's balcony during the Monaco National Day Celebrations on Thursday

Their cherubic children were dressed in coordinating grey outfits with casual trainers as they greeted waiting wellwishers. 

The foursome joined the rest of their family as Monaco's royals gathered to celebrate Monaco's National Day - but in light of the events in Paris this week, it was a much more sombre affair than usual.

Charlotte Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo and Princess Charlene put on a glamorous display as they joined their families at the annual traditional Thanksgiving Mass at Cathedral Notre-Dame.

Ahead of the event, Prince Albert of Monaco sent a message of support to the President of France, Mr François Hollande, and to the people of France. 

The prince cancelled the traditional fireworks on the eve of the celebrations and at the weekend he ordered flags to be flown at half mast on official buildings.

France and Monaco have an extremely close relationship, with Monaco only gaining sovereignty from the country in 1419. 

The royal couple showed off their baby twins in public as the royals gathered to celebrate Monaco's National Day on Thursday

The royal couple showed off their baby twins in public as the royals gathered to celebrate Monaco's National Day on Thursday

Princess Charlene of Monaco blows a kiss to the crowds as she holds onto Prince Jacques, whilst Prince Albert II of Monaco - holding Princess Gabriella - waves

Princess Charlene of Monaco blows a kiss to the crowds as she holds onto Prince Jacques, whilst Prince Albert II of Monaco - holding Princess Gabriella - waves

Get the royal stamp of approval in a purple dress like Princess Charlene's

Whilst the Duchess of Cambridge will always be our favorite royal fashionista, we do like to keep our eye on other stylish members of the European monarchy.

One style maven that’s always on our radar in Princess Charlene of Monaco who is a pro when it comes to chic dressing, and the Monegasque national day was no exception.

Wearing a bespoke Akris look, Charlene dressed head to toe in plum purple, wearing a double face dipped hem coat dress, teamed with coordinating opaque tights, shoes, suede gloves and a netted cloche hat.

Charlene’s look has more than a touch of 1920s gamine about it and we’re loving this retro aesthetic on the princess.

Whilst you can’t buy her exact dress, you can click right to shop the current Akris collection at Nordstrom now. Or for more choice, check out our edit of plum dresses in the carousel below.

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The doting new parents swapped children mid-way through their balcony appearance, with Princess Charlene of Monaco holding Prince Jacques and Prince Albert holding Princess Gabriella

The doting new parents swapped children mid-way through their balcony appearance, with Princess Charlene of Monaco holding Prince Jacques and Prince Albert holding Princess Gabriella

The new parents proved they're natural with children as they carried their little ones onto the balcony so that waiting fans could catch a glimpse of the cherubic duo
Princess Charlene of Monaco and Princess Gabriella greet the crowd from the palace's balcony during the Monaco National Day

The new parents proved they're natural with children as they carried their little ones onto the balcony so that waiting fans could catch a glimpse of the cherubic duo 

Prince Albert was all smiles as he held Prince Jacques in his arms, whilst his South African-born wife tenderly held Princess Gabriella

Prince Albert was all smiles as he held Prince Jacques in his arms, whilst his South African-born wife tenderly held Princess Gabriella

The foursome joined the rest of their family as Monaco's royals gathered to celebrate Monaco's National Day - but in light of the events in Paris this week, it was a much more sombre affair than usual

The foursome joined the rest of their family as Monaco's royals gathered to celebrate Monaco's National Day - but in light of the events in Paris this week, it was a much more sombre affair than usual

The royal couple held daughter Princess Gabriella and son Prince Jacques - who were born on December 10, 2014

The royal couple held daughter Princess Gabriella and son Prince Jacques - who were born on December 10, 2014

Prince Albert, 57, who is one of the world's wealthiest royals with a fortune of more than $1billion, has clearly taken to fatherhood like a duck to water 

Prince Albert, 57, who is one of the world's wealthiest royals with a fortune of more than $1billion, has clearly taken to fatherhood like a duck to water 

Princess Charlene was in high spirits as she held Prince Jacques in her arms at the event

Princess Charlene was in high spirits as she held Prince Jacques in her arms at the event

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 57-year-old explained that security has been  beefed up in Monaco, which is 500 miles south of Paris.

The father of twins, Jacques and Gabriella, said: 'I think people all over are generally worried. People everywhere. It can hit anywhere. 

'Even though Monaco shouldn't be a target, it has to be taken into greater consideration and we've taken steps. It could happen anywhere because they want to send a message, so we've beefed up security and we're increasing security at certain entry points here.' 

Princess Charlene in the Palace Courtyard during the medal ceremony National Day in Monaco
Charlotte Casiraghi attends a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco during the official ceremonies during the Monaco National Day Celebrations
Beatrice Borromeo attends a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco

(L-R) Princess Charlene of Monaco, Charlotte Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo looked glamorous as they arrived at Monaco's National Day celebrations but in light of the events in Paris this week, it was a much more sombre affair than usual

Beatrice Borromeo and Charlotte Casiraghi arrive at the Cathedral of Monaco during the official ceremonies during the Monaco National Day Celebrations

Beatrice Borromeo and Charlotte Casiraghi arrive at the Cathedral of Monaco during the official ceremonies during the Monaco National Day Celebrations

L-R) Louis Ducruet, Caroline of Hanover, Alexandra of Hanover, Pierre Casiraghi and Stephanie of Monaco greet the crowd from the palace's balcony during the Monaco National Day Celebrations

L-R) Louis Ducruet, Caroline of Hanover, Alexandra of Hanover, Pierre Casiraghi and Stephanie of Monaco greet the crowd from the palace's balcony during the Monaco National Day Celebrations

(L-R) Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Charlotte Casiraghi, Princess Caroline of Hanover, Beatrice Borromeo, Louis Ducruet and Princess Stephanie of Monaco stand at the Palace Balcony as they observe a minute of silence to pay tribute to victims of Friday's Paris attacks

(L-R) Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Charlotte Casiraghi, Princess Caroline of Hanover, Beatrice Borromeo, Louis Ducruet and Princess Stephanie of Monaco stand at the Palace Balcony as they observe a minute of silence to pay tribute to victims of Friday's Paris attacks

(L-R) Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Charlotte Casiraghi, Princess Caroline of Hanover, Beatrice Borromeo, Louis Ducruet and Princess Stephanie of Monaco observe a minute of silence

(L-R) Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Charlotte Casiraghi, Princess Caroline of Hanover, Beatrice Borromeo, Louis Ducruet and Princess Stephanie of Monaco observe a minute of silence

Princess Charlene of Monaco looks lovingly at Prince Jacques whilst her husband smiles holding Princess Gabriella, who sucked on a dummy as the family greeted the crowds 

Princess Charlene of Monaco looks lovingly at Prince Jacques whilst her husband smiles holding Princess Gabriella, who sucked on a dummy as the family greeted the crowds 

The children, who are nearly a year old, looked perplexed by the scores of waiting crowds as their parents held them

The children, who are nearly a year old, looked perplexed by the scores of waiting crowds as their parents held them

Louis Ducruet, Caroline of Hanover and a playful Princess Gabriella greet the crowd from the palace's balcony

Louis Ducruet, Caroline of Hanover and a playful Princess Gabriella greet the crowd from the palace's balcony

(L-R) Beatrice Borromeo,Pierre Casiraghi,Charlotte Casiraghi, Alexandra of Hanover and Louis Ducruet attend a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco during the official ceremonies

(L-R) Beatrice Borromeo,Pierre Casiraghi,Charlotte Casiraghi, Alexandra of Hanover and Louis Ducruet attend a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco during the official ceremonies

Ahead of the event, Prince Albert of Monaco sent a message of support to the President of France, Mr François Hollande, and to the people of France
Princess Stephanie and Princess Charlene in the Palace Courtyard during the medal ceremony National Day in Monaco

Ahead of the event, Prince Albert of Monaco sent a message of support to the President of France, Mr François Hollande, and to the people of France

Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Princess Caroline of Hanover and Princess Stephanie of Monaco during the annual traditional Thanksgiving Mass as part of Monaco's National Day celebrations at Cathedral Notre-Dame 

Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Princess Caroline of Hanover and Princess Stephanie of Monaco during the annual traditional Thanksgiving Mass as part of Monaco's National Day celebrations at Cathedral Notre-Dame 

The prince cancelled the traditional fireworks on the eve of the celebrations and at the weekend he ordered flags to be flown at half mast on official buildings

The prince cancelled the traditional fireworks on the eve of the celebrations and at the weekend he ordered flags to be flown at half mast on official buildings

On Monday, Albert, Charlene and Princess Caroline also observed a minute's silence in the palace courtyard.

Princess Charlene of Monaco certainly turned heads at the event as she showed off her new do'

The 37-year-old royal was sporting a blonde pixie-crop as she arrived at the Monaco Red Cross to hand out parcels.

The choppy haircut highlighted the princess's delicate features as she and her husband Prince Albert II of Monaco greeted those who are helped by the organisation.

The mother-of-two choose to wear a sombre black coat with wide lapels for her appearance, just days after the attacks in Paris in which 129 people were killed. 

Wearing a wrap-around black jumper dress from Ralph Lauren Black Label and natural makeup, Princess Charlene let her new crop do the talking.

(L-R) Charlotte Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo, Pierre Casiraghi, Louis Ducruet and Alexandra of Hanover leave the Cathedral of Monaco after a mass

(L-R) Charlotte Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo, Pierre Casiraghi, Louis Ducruet and Alexandra of Hanover leave the Cathedral of Monaco after a mass

France and Monaco have an extremely close relationship, with Monaco only gaining sovereignty from the country in 1419

France and Monaco have an extremely close relationship, with Monaco only gaining sovereignty from the country in 1419

Princess Alexandra of Hanover and Louis Ducruet attend a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco

Princess Alexandra of Hanover and Louis Ducruet attend a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco

(L-R) Beatrice Borromeo,Pierre Casiraghi and Charlotte Casiraghi attend a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco together

(L-R) Beatrice Borromeo,Pierre Casiraghi and Charlotte Casiraghi attend a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco together

The aristocratic look very much in love after hosting not one but two wedding ceremonies to celebrate their nuptials this summer
Beatrice Borromeo and Pierre Casiraghi attend a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco during the official ceremonies during the Monaco National Day

The aristocratic look very much in love after hosting not one but two wedding ceremonies to celebrate their nuptials this summer

Although the former Olympic swimmer has often been spotted favouring shorter haircuts, her latest look marks one of her most daring styles in recent years.

The royal accessorised with a strand of pearls, a silver necklace and a pair of sunglasses.

Princess Charlene and her husband handed out parcels at the Monaco Red Cross to local citizens, shaking their hands and speaking to them at the headquarters.

She debuted her new look on Saturday, and was also seen with the choppy style yesterday while she attended the one minute's silence undertaken yesterday at the palace.

Albert, Charlene of Monaco, Princess Caroline of Hanover and her daughter, Princess Alexandra of Hanover, and members of the Gouvernement Princier de Monaco observed a moment of silence in the inner courtyard at the Palais Princier in memory of the victims. 

The Red Cross is clearly an organisation close to the Royals hearts; Princess Charlene hosted the star-studded Red Cross Ball 2015 in July with her husband. 

Beatrice Borromeo and Charlotte Casiraghi look chic as they arrive at the Cathedral of Monaco 

Beatrice Borromeo and Charlotte Casiraghi look chic as they arrive at the Cathedral of Monaco 

(L-R) Beatrice Borromeo, Charlotte Casiraghi and Princess Alexandra of Hanover look sombre as they sit in the cathedral 

Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies arrives to attend a Mass at Monaco Cathedralfor the National Day 

Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies arrives to attend a Mass at Monaco Cathedralfor the National Day 

Prince Charles of Bourbon-two Sicilies and Princess Camilla of Bourbon-two Sicilies attend a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco

Prince Charles of Bourbon-two Sicilies and Princess Camilla of Bourbon-two Sicilies attend a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco

The affair was much more sombre than usual in light of the recent events in Paris

The affair was much more sombre than usual in light of the recent events in Paris

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 57-year-old explained that security has been beefed up in Monaco, which is 500 miles south of Paris

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 57-year-old explained that security has been beefed up in Monaco, which is 500 miles south of Paris

The Monaco Cathedrale during the Monaco National Day Celebrations

The Monaco Cathedrale during the Monaco National Day Celebrations

 

 

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