Wow, Princess Charlene looks wiped out. As it should be, I suppose. Princess Charlene and Prince Albert welcomed their twins, Gabriella and Jacques, on December 10th. The babies had to stay in the hospital for more than week, probably because they were born about three weeks premature (Charlene gave birth via C-section). The babies will be formally presented to the people of Monaco on January 7th, during some official Monaco thing. I think Albert and Charlene will probably have the babies on the balcony, as opposed to letting the babies mix it up with the people they will one day rule over. But Charlene and Albert decided to release some portraits of their family in time for Christmas.
These photos made the cover of Paris Match this week, plus every other site is carrying them. A nice little royal Christmas present, I suppose. Gabriella is the baby in pink, obviously. Jacques has a bit of lemon-sucked face, but I’m sure that will change. They’re just newborns, you can barely tell the features of newborns. Albert told Paris Match:
“I was present in the operating room and assisted at their birth. I helped my wife as I could – that’s to say, by my presence. It was wonderful. I don’t have the words to describe how it felt then or the deep joy I feel now. Having children – and twins at that – is an extraordinary experience. It’s unique. And it’s a challenge for us as parents.”
I mean… I wouldn’t expect him to mention his other children, I guess. But he does a nice impression of a man going through the motions of first-time fatherhood. Do you want to discuss this? “I helped my wife as I could – that’s to say, by my presence.” I’m sure a lot of men think their “presence” helps and maybe some women agree, but it’s just a funny way of saying it. Like, Charlene should be so grateful that he was PRESENT at the birth of his (legitimate) children. See, he helped! He was there.
You can see more photos here, plus I’m embedding a tweet with more pics.
The first photos of Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco were released today by the Princes Palace pic.twitter.com/qOsShP96nU
— Royaltyspeaking (@Royal_talk) December 23, 2014
Photos courtesy of Paris Match, Prince Albert.
Amazing. Even in a photo posing with their children, her whole body seems posed to make a break for it.
As for the presence of men at birth…I think it depends on the couple, but it can be comforting. My mother only had my father around for one of the three of us (military man), and she admitted to me that she did feel it helped. When the pain was making her borderline hysterical (she had us all natural, sans epidural), he helped ground her by talking her down from the cliff she was on.
Not much a guy can actually do during a c-section either except be “present” and talk to her. There’s major surgery going on. My sister had two natural births and two c-sections and wanted to kill my brother-in-law during the first c-section because he spent more time talking to the doctor and watching the surgery.
I agree- what else could he do?
I’ve been involved with C-sections and he could stay with his wife on her side of the partition holdher hand, talking to her. There’s a lot he could do. What’s going on on the other side is very interesting, but she can’t see that. She needs someone to ask questions to, relieve stress, share a moment with, etc…
•Florc•
That’s assuming they allow fathers into the OR. In Japan, non-medical personnel are not allowed into the OR at all. My guess is most places aren’t quite that strict but it’s important to keep in mind the different cultural differences in medical practices (which I’m sure you do anyhow!).
She always looks drugged.
My husband was a comfort to me during my C-section. It wasn’t planned, and I was exhausted from 12+ hours of labor before we got to that point. The C-section was surgery, scary, and not part of the plan. And the OR was so jarring compared to the zen, spa-like birthing suite I had been in before.
My husband held my hand during my emergency c section at 27 weeks with identical twins. When they were whisked off to the NICU he stayed behind with me for comfort and support. The nurses and drs told me he is a keeper. But I already knew that.
Francesca
I think that when i’ve seen that. There isn’t much husbands/fathers can do in those cases. It’s up to the doctors and nurses to handle it. What’s more important is to stay with the woman who just had a major procedure happen who’s also worried about their children, but can’t move without the contents of her abdomin going where they shouldn’t.
Yes, she looks completely drugged.
I’ve had two c-sections, the first one after 19 hrs of labor and I made my husband promise to go with the babies each time instead of staying with me. In my stupor, I was frantic the hospital would switch up my babies. 😉
She looks so totally out of it. The woman needs a rest.
she looks like she is shackled to her chair.
Good’ol Al had to drug her up before shackling her to the chair.
Do you have Prince Albert in a can?
Yes, and I’m not letting him out, the jerk.
*Snickers*
Haha.
The babies are beautiful. I wish them well.
•PunkyMama•
Aren’t they???
*sigh*
It’s shake n bake, and I helped!
They look really happy in these photos. I can’t see criticizing her for not having a huge grin plastered on her face. She just looks tired and it will take a while for her to get her strength back, not to mention she had two babies. I had a C-section in my 30’s and it sucked a lot more out of me than the one did in my 20’s.
Maybe she is doing Olympic breastfeeding?
Cute babies.
As redundant the concept of monarchy is in the modern world (my opinion) I wish they modernize the rules to let the first born irrespective of gender be the hereditary to the title.
Anyway I think Charlene just doesn’t like to smile for the camera,I can’t believe in this day and age she would marry and stay married to someone she didn’t want to.
This pic is the sweetest: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/12/24/243E78F200000578-2885151-image-a-3_1419415574650.jpg
A person can feel trapped and unable to leave. Even if on the outside looking in you’d think it would be easy to walk out the door. When trapped you see things differently.
I think she tried to leave before the wedding and that has never been disproven. Even when Albert took the paper to court he couldn’t prove it was a false event.
Getting out of a relationship is never as easy as people think. Even in these days.
•Florc•
Except we’ve had a few people (one person for sure) on here that have met them and said they are actually fairly happy. And not very bright. Hehe. But that both are different when no ones watching. Personally I’m glad that she’s not trapped as we thought.
LadySlippers
Thanks, Yes I have read that comment too. Did not remember the “not very bright ” part haha !
Besides he is the prince of Monaco, why would he have to force someone to marry him after that someone has dated him for years altogether ( a decade I guess?). And she was an Olympic swimmer so she wasn’t exactly a nobody. She may have developed cold feet, she may be wherever before the wedding but just because she doesn’t smile much in posed pictures is not a real proof of her actual happiness.
And if he truly “forced” her to marry him then surely he can “force” her to smile and giggle in front of cameras 😛
On the neutral /sad face: I can “kind of” relate because while “posing” I can never smile for the cameras and goodness if someone were to scrutinize many many family/friends/holiday pics of mine I would look so out of place and glum lol…but I am quiet happy actually.
But whatever…CUTE babies!
Well that’s nice to hear. Maybe things have improved. That still happened though.
•Mrs Darcy•
The ‘not very bright’ part had me in stitches!
•Florc•
Or it was a story cooked up by the press.
Go back 3-5 stories about Charlene/Albert and you’ll see the comment I’m referring to. The woman who commented works at a hotel that was and is frequented by both and states that they are quite happy together. She said she’s seen them over the years and doesn’t buy the ‘bolt story’ at all. She was pretty firm on the fact they are actually happy together. She was also the one that said neither are all that bright. Hehe
LadySlippers – the ‘not too bright’ is making me giggle too, I missed that comment you mentioned. But it is nice to hear from someone who has been around them a few times and feels they are happy. I do feel if Albert waited this long and chose Charlene, there has to be a few good reasons. He definitely dated around, as we all know ha.
That story was reported on by legitimate news stories. It wasn’t in Star magazine. At the very least I think there was some trouble in paradise before the wedding. Exhibit A: the wedding.
i wonder how Albert’s other children feel? Being considered”illegimate” and then having to see a magazine cover of my new siblings who are considered legimate and heirs to the throne. I would be a little upset and hurt.
I was thinking the same thing. I feel sorry for those kids. The only time their pictures are published is for the tabloids and gossip sites. And because of the circumstances of their conceptions and births, Albert’s outside-of-marriage children are ineligible for the Monegasque throne. (I think before Rainier died, the succession was changed so Albert could not “legitimize” his biracial son so he could be in the line of succession.) A lot of public figures have outside children, but some will publicly acknowledge them without pressure and openly include them in their families. Albert could have had the law changed to accommodate these children; the rules were bent for his nephew when he married his baby mama. The nephew’s kids were conceived before marriage, but when they were married they were put in line. The rule was an heir had to be conceived and born after his/her parents said “I do”. Albert’s a jerk.
I believe the succession laws were changed so that Caroline’s son would inherit if Albert died without a legitimate heir, otherwise Monaco would go back to France. As far as the nephew’s son, he automatically became legitimate upon his parents’ marriage to each other, that is how he was added to the line of succession.
•Lucky Charm•
They were but Caroline came (and still does) before her children in the line of succession.
One of them is a girl, so she wouldn’t inherit anyway.
•Stef Leppard•
That changed with the sucession laws in 2002. If Albert hadn’t provided a legitimate heir or heiress, Caroline would have become the sovereign Princess of Monaco as she was heiress presumtive before the twins were born.
Unfortunately for the children, there is a difference in how he will feel toward these children as opposed to those he fathered from a one night stand (with the girl) and a few illicit nights with another (the son). They did not have had a say in their coming into the world and I’m sure their mothers love them with their whole hearts. However, for Albert, he slept around with whoever took his fancy at the time, got a few women pregnant and went on about his playboy lifestyle.
He has been with Charlene for years and I believe he loves her (as much as he is able). For a man there is a difference in fathering children with women you barely know and never see again and having a child with a woman you love, marry and plan to spend the rest of your life with.
It may not be fair, but it is reality.
I dislike Prince Albert so much. He seems like such a mean asshole to Charlene. He doesn’t give two f**ks about his other kids. Even that statement is such a slap to his kids and current wife. Ugh!
Those tiny little babies are adorable. I’m sure Charlene will find much happiness with them in her life.
OT, but does anyone have an accurate number on how many children Albert has out of wedlock? I’ve been reading mixed numbers.
I’ve only heard about two out of wedlock. A daughter and a son. There might be more ,but he only acknowledges those two.
Well, there’s 2 atleast. I hope he’s involved in their lives.
Thanks FingerBinger.
I’ve only heard of the two as well, Jazmin and the little boy with the flight attendant. There was a rumor during Albert’s engagement that another woman/child came forward, but I never heard any more of that. Seems like they wanted to jump on the publicity and made it up.
What the HELL is he wearing???
legit he looks like a lumberjack. if i were a royal and about to have portraits taken of my first ‘legitimate’ children, i’d pick something other than a red flannel.
I had to do a double take on the lumberjack plaid on the cover on Paris Match no less. Hilarious. Is he trying to go for the “everyday man” of the 80’s on a picture that will be shown all over the world? Groan. I finally realize who he reminds me of Dick Chainey.
Positive note: those babies look so precious and adorable. Hope Charlene can get some rest, she looks exhausted. She gave them an heir and a spare in a one punch, now the palace can leave her alone.
Right? He looks SO unregal, if that’s a word! Why not take a clue from Roger Federer? Such great, casual style.
T.C. – Oh my, please no, no, not Dick Cheney LOL! He reminds me more of Harry Smith of CBS news. http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/files/2011/07/harrysmith-300×225.jpg
He put on his Christmas pajamas a little early!
Look at the decorations on the tree…js 😉
maybe he wants to look Christmassy
I had a Co worker who was talking about her labor and she said she was very specific with her husband. Sit down, be quiet ( she was not into that lamaze motivation), and watch TV until it time for the birth. He compiled and she said it was bliss.
Thats pretty much me as well, it’s like ‘i dont mind you talking but i dont need the constant you’re doing so good, keep it up, etc. just let me be and lets get it over with’
Oof, the poor woman looks like she lost a lot of blood and still needs another transfusion. Albert still looks like a creeper. It’s like he can’t rein it in.
Either that or she’s still on some pain meds.
She’s been giving that same face for most of her pregnancy. Glazed over peaceful and loving. I thing pregnancy agreed with her.
I have tried to put my finger on it and it seems that she cannot open her eyes, the eyelids always seem so heavy. This half-gaze gives her the drugged look. Is this plastic surgery or what? She cannot be drugged all the time, can she?
The babies are adorable. Jacques looks so chill. Gabriella looks to be a handful. Charlene looks exhausted but happy. Albert looks ridiculous but happy. Thrilled for all of them.
I agree with the top comments at the Daily Mail article. Charlene does not look happy. Lots of fake smiles and fake happiness.
I think she looks exhausted. Sick most of the pregnancy, twins, 36, c-section. And she has the pressure to “look happy or people will be convinced you’re unhappy.” She looks happy in events with kids, she just doesn’t do “smile for the camera” very well.
ITA.
Charlene and Albert actually resemble each other in the header photo. Their facial features appear to be similar.
I’ve never though Albert was a looker, but he did have a gorgeous mother. Maybe it only shows up in that one photo.
Given the apparent fertility problems, I would think that added stress alone would make Charlene extra tired after delivery. I wish them the very best.
What about height, weight and eye color? Perhaps that wasn’t announced because they were pre-term.
As for the speculation about what Charlene’s facial expressions reveal, that continues to flabbergast me. Her photos to me, never reveal any emotion. Her affect appears very flat and neutral to me.
•MinnFinn•
Nope they were delivered at 38 weeks so not pre-term (pre-term is anything before 37 weeks). So while they are early they aren’t considered preemies. Twins normally are delivered at 36 weeks so that’s awesome they stayed in so long.
preterm is actually anything before 36 wks as infants are fully developed then. the last 4 wks is mainly weight gain for them. Twins who come prior to 34 wks are usually delivered under close monitoring and via C section.
All babies usually have blue eyes and their true color will show around 4 mths of age. I’m surprised no weights or heights were announced. Jacques looks to be slightly bruised along the left side of the forehead. Perhaps that occurred during delivery
•dolphindoll•
Not true.
Pre-term is before 37 weeks (see definition below). And late pre-terms (34-36 weeks) and almost all babies born before 39 weeks still have some developmental delays — there is a reason we ‘bake’ for 40 weeks (especially for the lungs).
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-birth/basics/definition/con-20020050
See info on multiple gestations.
http://multiples.about.com/od/twinpregnancyfaq/f/twinpregnancy_f.htm
MinnFinn
When Charlene vacationed with her rugby personal trainer she looked delighted! And when she hung out with the Olympic Swimmers bedore the Olympics she showed much emotion. She was so happy!
All I have to say is, GIRL, I feel you!!! Charlene does look exhausted, poor thing!! I would HATE to have a photoshoot so soon after having my twins, I wouldn’t be really smiling either LOL
But her little daughter is smiling ALREADY and looking straight into camera! That’s a real royal princess )))
She looks lovely and motherly, the babies look newborny, he looks like a potato with a crust of hair.
Maybe I’m just grumpy because I’m at my parents’ house, and as much as I adore them, it’s like a fricking oven in here and I’m still having hot flashes, but… I’m losing patience with her photo face. I get the resting sad face – I HAVE resting sad face, but if you know you’re being photographed, can’t you perk it up a little? I’ll give her a pass this time since she just had surgery and twins, but she ALWAYS looks as if she’s about to burst into tears. Always, at least on here.
The twins are cute.
•GoodNames•
Oh Dahling, there there. Perhaps an iced drink would cool you down? A Bloody Mary??? Ice cream and Kahlúa? Or do you prefer Bailey’s over Kahlúa??? (I can never remember Dahling!!)
I just think Charlene is very uncomfortable in front of a camera. And it’s gotta be hard to smile with all the work done too (she no longer looks like herself but I can’t figure out who she does look like — and it’s not her MiL either).
It’s not just you. I see (and wonder) the same thing.
Good luck with the oven house. My MIL is the same — if it isn’t around 80 degrees in her house, she is not happy. Throw the body heat of a bunch of visitors, and it’s not pleasant.
@Goodnames…lol…I feel your pain! I went to visit my 90 year old mother last winter and I had to sleep in my old twin bed and she had the heat up to 80, and kept saying, is it cold in here! And, since I was also having hot flashes, every morning I woke up, as if I had just gotten out of the bathtub…Only for my Mom woud I have endured that!!!!
Despite his shirt, I think Albert looks happier and more animated than I’ve ever seen him. Charlotte does look tired, poor thing. It’s actually a sweet picture.
To me, she appears drugged. Maybe she’s on pain meds.
The babies are beautiful.
It must be a generation thing. My father wasn’t present at my birth, it was not accepted practice for the male to be present back then. Dad said her saw a movie about giving birth which was very explicit and detailed; he said he had to flee the theatre and spewed his guts out, outside. He said it is one thing point blank he could never, ever, ever do. Be present at a childbirth. It disgusted him almost to nausea, talking about it. So I guess it depends on societal expectation and whether the father could handle it.
Geez that is a lot of flash! So it looks like a random stranger took those pictures instead of a professional.
I see I am going to be the odd one, by saying I like the red plaid shirt. I rather see the plaid shirt versus being in his normal blue blazer, white shirt and french cuff links. Looking stiff.
And had these pictures had a lot less flash… they both would have looked better.
No it doesn’t look like a professional photographer took these. The first thing I saw was Albert’s massive head… then I noticed the newborns. A professional would have posed them better, so His Royal Baldness’ dome didn’t take up a third of the frame! Also, too much flash. Why??
Right? You’d think a Prince would have access to a decent photographer. These pictures are horrible strictly from a photographic standpoint, much less the background choice, clothing choices, poses, etc.
These pics are lovely. I’ve seen earlier pics of Charlene with a wide natural smile. I think she has simply botoxed herself into this unnatural looking smile and this is the best she can do.
He’s wearing red and white because these are the official colors of Monaco’s flag.
Every time I read a comment somewhere from someone who actually met them, they claim that they’re actually quite comfortable and happy with each other.
•Other Renee•
I think it’s a combination of not being too comfy in front of a camera and all the work she’s had. She’s had WAY more done to her than just some Botox.
She looks exhausted and possibly on pain medication but happy. He looks happy too, even in his ridiculous plaid lumberjack shirt – I suppose Monaco’s colours are red and white, so that’s what he was going for 😉
as to his other kids, here is an interesting story, told my his son’s mother. Even her account is not all negative, sounds like she blames Charlene for him distancing himself but then who knows ..
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2614075/Why-DOES-Prince-Monaco-refuse-son-Fashion-designer-child-Albert-claims-impossible-10-year-old-dad-hes-married-Princess-Charlene.html
here is a photo of his daughter, Jazmin Grace, with Albert and Charlene at the Princess Grace Awards.
http://thisblksistaspage.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/prince-albert-and-princess-charlene-of-monaco-win-libel-case-against-the-uks-sunday-times/
Yes, always blame the woman, it’s not like the man has any control over his life and actions or anything. I realize that woman is still angry at Albert for… not marrying her when she got pregnant, and then making his wife a priority… but she should take her anger out on the man responsible, not a woman who isn’t responsible.
Hopefully she was able to land a few punches during the ordeal – that would be the best way he could help.
Jesus! I read the comments before the photos and when you ppl said she looked exhausted I thought just “tired”, but she looks like she’s about to pass out! I have no idea why they couldn’t wait to get better photos and let her rest or why they thought it was ok to publish pics of her in that state.
BOOM! She’s done!
Oh, yes, stick a fork in it. It’s done, alright. And that shirt looks like a picnic tablecloth. Wan-looking Charlene, adorable children.
+1
1 boy. 1 girl. Done in 1 shot! And now we get to see Charlene smile and vacation more?
Yeah, the red flannel shirt is a miss.
I realize they were going for a festive look, but with the age difference he ends up looking like the proud granola uncle.
•Citresse•
“Proud granola uncle” is nicer than what I thought. I was thinking stoner grandfather… 😉
LOL
😉
He looks pleased, she looks tired. Mazel. The kiddies are cute. Contract complete.
Yay!! No more insemination dungeon!!
She always has an unhappy look. Her smile never meets her eyes to indicate full happiness. Yes, I know she has just given birth, but her look is always the same – wedding day, post wedding, etc.
I was going to say ‘Lucky girl. Had the heir and spare in one go. No need to get pregnant again,” but then I realized that one of them is a girl, which means the daughter is not going to be neither the heir nor spare. So Charlene might have to get pregnant again to try for another boy, if it matters a lot to Albert that is.
I think with the change in succession laws, Gabriella is second in line. Her brother is heir because he’s male, so it is 1) Jacques 2) Gabriella 3) Caroline. If A&C have another child, if female they become #3, if male they push Gabriella to 3rd. LS, LAK, anyone is this correct?
•notasugarhere•
Correct. 😊
•anne__000•
Nope, Gabriella is the spare. Women can inheirit the Monégasques throne and there has even been one soveriegn Princess too. Caroline, prior to the twins’ birth, was heiress presumptive (this happened due to the sucession law that was changed because Albert drug his feet on marrying anyone).
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Hippolyte,_Princess_of_Monaco
I read the comments often but haven’t really commented myself. I am wondering if any of the regular comentors/royal experts know if Grace Kelly was happy in her marriage?
Apparently not – look at her wedding pictures and she looks utterly miserable. Prince Rainier was cold, unfaithful, and he only married her for the cachet and money that she brought to Monaco which was a bit of a backwater in those days, then demanded that she give up her acting career. He was supposed to have had a terrible temper and took it out on her and eventually the children. Not a fairy tale marriage. However she hid her unhappiness with loads of charity work, creating amazing botanical gardens (and apparently loved her cocktails).
I wonder why Grace married him or even knew how cold he was. Sounds like she thought she could continue with her career until told otherwise after the marriage. Unlike Charlene, Grace was a world class celebrity and didn’t need him for … well, anything.
•Other Renee•
There are lots of theories why she married him but I don’t think she had a clue as to how big of an a$$ Ranier was until well into the marriage.
I read that his people approached MM first, but she declined. The next one on their list was Grace Kelly. It was her chance and she took it. The women in HWood had it really not easy back then. They were virtually powerless against big bosses, casting couches, married actors who slept with them, but never married. At any given moment they could be tossed aside and a new “celebrity” created. Grace had to work with Hitch, and he was nasty to her, hadn’t had a healthy romance, so it was from this place that she decided to get out of the meat factory. She got herself another future than MM.
•amy l•
Monaco isn’t my area of speciality but from those that know more have said she wasn’t very happy. In fact, she drank a lot to cope.
You would think Charlene would be happier, now that she has produced and heir, she won’t have to suffer sex with that pig again!
Did she ever suffer that? Did that happen in the fertility dungeon?
I would discuss it but his shirt is causing me physical pain.
But, of course, the babies are perfect, adorable, so sweet. She does look tired. And I can’t get over his shirt.
I’ve decided that’s just her face. She’s not tired; she’s not on the brink of weeping. That’s just the way her face is built. She doesn’t have resting bitchy-face; she has resting weepy-face. And she’s darned pretty despite it.
I actually love the fact he’s wearing an eye-searing, Christmas-red plaid shirt. I don’t know if that was an intentional choice to make him look relatable and down-to-earth, but I am entertained, regardless. Hail to Prince Plaid!
Albert isn’t a cute a guy at all…especially in these pics. His mom was so gorgeous. Could be it’s just hard to see him playing the down-to-earth family man after all his shenanigans. Maybe Albert will finally grow up now …. hope so for the sake of Charlene and the twins!
Well, they have their father’s hair.
Ha!
It WAS a C-section-I am sure the Gyn’s scrubbed up and shoved him aside. Hey, he didn’t pass out…he was present.
I took his comment to be humble: that all he could do was be present and he knew darn good and well that wasn’t much.
I wish them and those precious babies all the best.
I took his comment to mean there was really nothing he could do to help her besides trying to be a comforting presence.
The same for me. I am actually even shocked he was there. I would have expected that it was the norm for princes and kings, etc., not to be in the delivery room with their wives.
yes exactly, i don´t know why people have a problem with his line. What was he supposed to do? Women do all the work! The men can only be present.
I really dislike Albert, sorry. More so when he attempts to present himself as a loving family man.
Al’s going to scare the babies with that shirt!
Well done for Monaco. I wish those kids to grow up humble down-to-Earth girl- and boy-next-door with no dramas. Monaco had enough embarrassment.
I don’t mean disrespect, but is it a good time to put away crown jewels to the museum (vasectomy)?