Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco Look More Grown Up Than Ever at Father's Birthday
Prince Albert previously gave PEOPLE a glimpse of what the twins' unique personalities are like
Palais Princier de Monaco/Instagram
Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques, Princess Gabriella and Prince Albert of Monaco at Prince Albert's birthday celebration at the Prince's Palace of Monaco on March 14.Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco were total pros during their latest royal appearance.
On Thursday, the 9-year-old twins looked more grown up than ever at the Prince's Palace of Monaco for Prince Albert’s birthday celebrations. Prince Albert, who is the head of state of Monaco, turned 66 on March 14, and the special occasion was marked with a changing of the guard and orchestra performance on the Place du Palais courtyard, plus a towering cake.
Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella appeared on the palace balcony with their father and mother, Princess Charlene, and expertly greeted well-wishers during a mini walkabout after a serenade.
In a video shared to Instagram by the Princely Palace, Jacques and Gabriella followed their parents' lead and shook hands with members of the crowd, including kids who seemed to be around the same age. According to the court, the Objectif Monaco association invited locals, workers and schoolchildren to the courtyard celebration for Prince Albert’s birthday.
Related: Princess Grace's Granddaughter Charlotte Casiraghi Separates from Husband of 4 Years: Reports
A sweet shot from the Princely Palace’s Instagram carousel from the event showed Prince Jacques putting a hand around his sister’s back as they met members of the public waving national flags.
Speaking to PEOPLE before his birthday last year, Prince Albert shared how Prince Jacques is always there for Princess Gabriella. Explaining how the young royals have adjusted to making more public outings, Prince Albert said that Gabriella "can sometimes feel a little uncomfortable around too many people," so her brother steps in to help.
Palais Princier de Monaco/Instagram
Princess Charlene, Princess Gabriella, Prince Jacques and Prince Albert of Monaco at Prince Albert's birthday celebration at the Prince's Palace of Monaco on March 14."Between them now, Jacques talks more, engages more, in public," Prince Albert said at the time, adding that Gabriella is spirited behind the scenes. According to the royal, the princess "has that little mischievous twinkle in her eye. She has her own little personality and sometimes does things that are, you know — she'll try to use her brother and get him into trouble..."
The twins’ bond was similarly on display at the Sainte-Dévote celebration in January, where they shared a tight hug. Participating in the tradition, the young prince and princess helped set fire to a votive boat which symbolizes Monaco's patron Saint Dévote.
VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty
Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques share a hug at the traditional celebration of Sainte Devote in Monaco on January 26.Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
As the legend goes, Corsican-born Dévote was killed in the 4th century for her Christian beliefs. Locals retrieved the martyr's body and set it adrift on the Mediterranean. Surviving a storm, it crossed the straits to Monaco and was miraculously led to shore by a dove.
Though Florentine raiders were said to have stolen the saint's relics in the 11th century, they were captured and their boat was burned before they could escape. The burning of the ship is reenacted each January, and members of the Monegasque royal family typically attend.
VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty
Prince Albert, Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella set a sailboat ablaze during the traditional festivities of Sainte Devote in Monaco on January 26.For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
