Christmas Cheer in Monaco

A Boy for Charlotte

The official announcement has been handed down. Yesterday at the Princess Grace Hospital Charlotte Casiraghi was delivered of a healthy baby boy, named Raphael. Both parents are said to be doing fine and there was even a joke worked in about the "grandmas doing well", a reference to HRH Princess Caroline being a grandmother twice over now. Congratulations to the new parents on their little bundle of joy and we hope Raphael will be revealed to the world soon.

Baby Anticipation in Monaco

 The time is getting close for expecting mother Charlotte Casiraghi. Although official outlets are keeping quiet since, as Charlotte likes to point out, she has no title and is "only" the niece of a head of state, a special room has been reserved in the Princess Grace Hospital, traditional birthplace of Grimaldis since the days of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. The time is drawing close.

Charlotte's 'baby daddy' (who is already a father) has also made arrangements to be close when the time comes. The actor/comedian is ending his latest tour with a performance in the Principality of Monaco so that, when the big day comes, he can quickly rush to the side of his girlfriend.

Princess Charlene Keeping Busy

 On Tuesday afternoon this week, HSH Princess Charlene attended the opening of the "Monte-Carlo Munchkins Club" for the care of children.

 Tuesday morning HSH Princess Charlene attended the official opening of the first "Starbucks" coffee shop franchise in the Principality of Monaco.

And on Tuesday night HSH Princess Charlene met with "Soweto Gospel Choir" from South Africa at the Grimaldi Forum, sponsored by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The group has won many awards around the world including more than one Grammy in the United States.

Highland Style in Monaco

To commemorate St Andrew's Day, the national day honoring the patron saint of Scotland, HSH Prince Albert II and HSH Princess Charlene attended a special gala dinner at the Hermitage organized by the 'House of Scotland'. Also on hand was Charles Maclean, patron of the Monte Carlo Whiskey Society and other whiskey experts in Monaco for a conference. As some may know, the Sovereign Prince of Monaco is not without Scottish connections as his great-great grandmother, Lady Mary Victoria Douglas-Hamilton was born in the family palace of the Dukes of Hamilton in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. She was the wife (for a time) of Prince Albert I and mother of Prince Louis II who was the grandfather of Prince Rainier III.