Still More Babies on the Way?

Hello! Magazine started the rumors and the other media in Europe have been running with it; that Tatiana and Andrea Casiraghi are expecting another child. At a recent wedding in the Thurn und Taxis princely family of Germany, to which the couple were invited, someone thought they noticed a slight "baby bump" under the loose-flowing fashions sported by Tatiana and the story has taken off from there. In the Spring of last year Tatiana gave birth to the couple's first child, Sacha, in London (the two were married first at the end of August 2013 and then secondly at the end of January 2014). So far there has been no official confirmation from the palace about this, nor do most expect there to be any time soon given past behavior. However, it seems that babies have suddenly become quite popular in Monaco these days and when Princess Charlene delivers, the new arrival will have several cousins of similar age to play with. Nice to see the family growing, presuming this rumor turns out to be true and we wish the couple all the best in any event.

Married - Again!

This past weekend it was all glitz and glamour for the second wedding of Andrea Casiraghi and Tatiana (technically Casiraghi now) Santo Domingo. It was a far cry from their first, low-key, exchange of vows in Monaco. The reception was held at a Swiss resort with a star-studded guest list and such activities as a fondu party and a torch-lit ski down the mountain. Tatiana wore a Valentino wedding dress and both returned to the hotel wrapped in white furs in a horse-drawn carriage. The bride walked down the isle in an 11th Century convent founded by the Order of Cluny on a carpet of rose petals to the serene sound of “Ave Maria”. The day before the ceremony the couple also appeared at the church of St Joseph to have their son Sacha baptized into the Catholic Church. Congratulations to the new little Christian. The wedding sounds (no photos so far) like a great mixing of Old World charm and modern day celebrity. I was rather surprised at how traditional it all seemed for a couple that has mostly been known for doing things in their own way, and it sounded lovely ("traditional" is not a bad word around here). Princely uncle and aunt Albert II and Charlene were there of course as was little brother Pierre, sister and new mother herself Charlotte Casiraghi (along with her baby-daddy Gad) but of course pride of place went to the mother of the groom HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover. Others on the guest list included royals and celebrities from Prince Nicholas of Greece to Hollywood star Uma Thurmon. We wish them the best, especially since Andrea is next in line to the throne of Monaco until Prince Albert and Princess Charlene get busy and do their duty. And, yes, that was a not-at-all subtle hint!

Andrea is Married

Saturday (as in yesterday), a little before noon, Andrea Casiraghi and Tatiana Santo Domingo were married in a civil ceremony near the water in Monaco, witnessed by about 400 special guests (no cameras please) followed by a reception in the gardens of the Princely Palace. A religious wedding is also planned but will be several months from now in the bride's native Switzerland. So, congratulations to the happy couple and to their little son Sasha who, being legitimized by this union, officially takes his place in the line of succession to the Monegasque throne. My only problem with that is that there still has not even been an official birth announcement from the palace. Now, I realize, we were warned ahead of time that this wedding would be a very low-key, private affair but, really, there wasn't even a wave from the balcony by the happy couple. I also remain at a loss as to why Andrea has no official title. Look at it this way; think about all of the (valid and deserved) fuss and fanfare over the birth of little Prince George of Cambridge. Now, consider for a moment that, until Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene do their duty, little Sasha is just as close in the line of succession to a throne, one of the oldest in the world at this point, as baby Prince George is. And yet, very little coverage of the birth, not much for more the wedding of his parents and both father and son remain, legally, commoners. That just doesn't seem right. Anyway, perhaps it will be remedied in the future, perhaps they know something we do not. Not to sound impatient or anything but, of course, this whole picture changes if the Sovereign Prince and his Princess consort give us an heir to the throne...

Charlotte Causing a Stir, Andrea Setting a Date

Not a few people (including yours truly) were less than thrilled when Charlotte Casiraghi started getting serious with the Jewish-Moroccan-French actor/comedian Gad Elmaleh, 15 years older than her and already the father of a 12-year old son, but it seems things have only gone further and recently Charlotte has been causing the rumor-mill to go into overdrive. Recent photos of Charlotte have shown what many see as the beginnings of a 'baby bump' and (as seen above) Princess Caroline's youngest was recently spotted shopping for baby clothes. Are they for big brother Andrea's offspring -or one of her own? Charlotte recently celebrated her 27th birthday and has been keeping company with Gad for about eighteen months now. Rumors are thick that the two are already engaged but, if so, there has been no official announcement of it as yet. Still, many are running with the story that Charlotte is expecting a baby and that the two will be married before the year is out. Time will tell if these people are correct.

Meanwhile, August 31 has been named as the date for the wedding of Andrea Casiraghi and Tatiana Santo Domingo. According to the Princely Palace it will be a small, private ceremony. Not long ago the couple welcomed their first child, a boy, to the world; Sacha, Princess Caroline's first grandchild. Will another be far behind?

Happy Birthday Andrea!

 It was on this day in 1984 that Andrea Albert Pierre Casiraghi was born to Stefano Casiraghi and HSH Princess Caroline of Monaco. Doesn't seem that long ago does it? Yesterday's bundle of joy is today's proud papa. How time flies...

In a Family Way

Many of us were suspicious when Andrea Casiraghi and Tatiana Santo Domingo announced their engagement in July after seven years of keeping steady company and acting very much like a couple. Well, it is official, Tatiana herself has confirmed that she is not only a bride-to-be but a mother-to-be as well. HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover will be a grandmother (the first Grimaldi of her generation to reach the rank) and I'm sure she is happy about that. According to Tatiana, the baby is due in January of next year. Now, I'm the old fashioned sort who thinks that the wedding is supposed to come before the baby announcements but I realize I'm a dying breed on that front. All the same, we send our heartfelt congratulations to the expectant parents and I am sure everyone involved is happy to see the family continuing to grow. As for what this means for the monarchy; who can say? All still depends on HSH Prince Albert II doing his duty by Princess Charlene. If he does not, Andrea is next and come January Tatiana may be giving birth to an heir to the Monegasque throne. If he does, the Casiraghi line will be 'in the clear' and the Grimaldi-Polignac line will carry on for another generation. In any event, we wish all the best to Tatiana and Andrea, I'm sure they will be great parents and I'm sure the new addition will be getting all sorts of attention from Aunt Charlotte, Uncle Pierre, Great Aunt Stephanie, Great Uncle Albert and Her Royal Highness the Grandma of Monaco! Congratulations all around!

MM Video: Andrea and Tatiana

Yes, Andrea is Engaged!

It has been all over the "news" that Andrea Casiraghi, oldest son of HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover and currently second-in-line to the Monegasque throne (until such time as Albert II and Charlene do their duty) is set to marry his girlfriend of seven years Tatiana Santo Domingo, a Brazilian-Colombian, U.S.-born socialite and heiress who was introduced to Andrea many years ago by his little sister Charlotte. The rumors have come and gone more than once over the years and when word first started to leak out this week, some (such as yours truly) were not inclined to take it seriously. However, it has been confirmed by the Princely Palace, though they have released no information about the details of the wedding (no 'when', no 'where' and I think we all know why ;-)) but it is expected to take place some time next year. Congratulations are certainly in order for the happy couple, and though there have been false reports before, I think most of us knew this day was coming. Andrea and Tatiana have been together for a long time now, they have survived some nasty rumors, good times and bad times and have always just seemed very comfortable with each other. Tatiana landed quite a catch and I think Andrea made a fine choice as well. She's very intelligent, well educated, knows business and she's very lovely. We wish them all the best and look forward to a stylish Casiraghi wedding!

Happy Birthday Andrea!

It was on this day in 1984 that Andrea Albert Pierre Casiraghi was born to HSH Princess Caroline of Monaco and Stefano Casiraghi. We have watched Andrea go from cute little toddler to teenage hunk who made the girls swoon to a mature, educated businessman well informed on world affairs. And, until such time as the Sovereign Prince and Princess Charlene give us some princely heirs he is second-in-line to the Monegasque throne. Happy Birthday Andrea!

Andy Joins the Guard, Charlie Goes to Court

Remember when the little Casiraghi boys used to dress in miniature Princely Rifles uniforms? Prince Albert II and Prince Rainier III did the same thing back in their day and it always made for a cute sight. Well, we may see it again soon for real. On Saturday, HSH Prince Albert II and nephew Andrea Casiraghi attended a special mass for the Feast of Saint Sebastian, patron saint of soldiers and the patron saint of the Prince's Company of Carabiniers, the military and palace guard of Monaco. Colonel Fringant, chamberlain to the Prince and High Commander of the Public Forces (that's right, he IS the "high commander") along with Philippe Rebaudengo, commander of the Princely Carabiniers were naturally among those who attended. The Sovereign Prince took the occasion to formally bestow the rank of "Brigadier" on Andrea at a reception held after mass at the Oceanographic Museum. The senior Casiraghi (and currently still the second-in-line for the throne) is now officially a soldier. I wouldn't expect to see him turning up for guard duty any time soon, but this is good news to me. Royals always look their best in uniform anyway.

News has not been so good for our beloved Charlotte though. Following the example of her often media-harassed mother, lovely Charlie has evidently come to the end of her patience with the press and Charlotte has decided to sue. The paparazzi, according to her lawyer Alain Toucas, follow her relentlessly day and night and have put her through, "daily hell". He even went so far as to compare her to the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales who, as we know, was hounded to her death by the paparazzi in 1997. Of course, us sticklers for protocol could not fail to point that, like many (alas even many media "royal watchers"), Toucas referred to our Charlie as "Princess Charlotte" which she is not. The only members of her immediate family to hold that title are her mother and little half-sister Princess Alexandra of Hanover. True, she has the Grimaldi blood and all the proper qualifications (and we certainly think no less of her) but she is not a princess nor are her brothers princes. If she were to marry a handsome young prince and gain the title, of course, we would all be properly thrilled. In any event, I am glad she is taking her case to court as Princess Caroline has done in the past. I do think we live in a litigation-soaked world but this is not someone suing "for" something like so many frivilous cases, this is someone suing to get something to stop -and so she should. And this is why her lack of a title is someone pertinent. Charlotte is not a princess, she holds no hereditary title in Monaco and is a private citizen. Granted, she is an extraordinary one who comes from the Princely Family but she is still entitled to her privacy as anyone else should be. I certainly hope she wins and expect she will.

MM Video: Andrea Casiraghi

Happy Birthday Andrea!

It was 27 years ago today that Andrea Albert Pierre Casiraghi was born at the Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco to HSH Princess Caroline of Monaco and Stefano Casiraghi. He is currently second in line to the Monegasque throne (though with the upcoming marriage of his uncle that could be changing). Mad for Monaco wishes Andrea a very happy birthday!

Annual AMADE Gala

On Thursday the Casiraghi Duo (no Pierre this time) and Princess Caroline were out in all their Mediterranean glory for the annual AMADE charity gala. Princess Caroline, dressed in black and notably subdued, still seemed to be feeling the loss of her aunt Princess Antoinette, but, as has often been said, the House of Grimaldi is all too familiar with tragedy and they have carried on quite well. It helps that AMADE (the World Association of Children’s Friends, a foundation started by HSH Princess Grace) is near and dear to Princess Caroline and she has devoted herself to her charity whole-heartedly. Charlotte looked her usual stunning best in a yellow dress (you see Charlie, there are colors other than black!) and big brother Andrea turned more than a few heads with his choice of footwear. A handsome black tuxedo was set off by a pair of quite unusual zebra-striped shoes. Longtime girlfriend Tatiana Santo Domingo was also on hand with Andrea for the event. The gala included an auction of artwork and other items along with a performance by a stand-up comedian (possibly a first?) to raise money for AMADE which helps children in impoverished countries around the world.

Happy Birthday Andrea!

It was on this day in 1984 that Andrea Albert Pierre Casiraghi was born to Stefano Casiraghi and HSH Princess Caroline of Monaco at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre in Monte Carlo, the first grandchild of HSH Prince Rainier III. Over the years Andrea has gone from teen heart-throb to a man serious, still well known on the social scene, but informed and prepared for the possibility of inheriting the Monegasque throne to which he is currently the second-in-line. Mad for Monaco wishes Andrea a very happy 26th birthday with many, many more to come!

Casiraghis at Cannes

Saturday night Charlotte and Andrea Casiraghi, with their significant others, attended the Vanity Fair and Gucci Party honoring famed director and filmmaker Martin Scorsese during the 63rd annual Cannes film festival. The party was held at the Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc in Cannes. The stars were out that evening, also showing up were Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Benicio del Toro, Meg Ryan, Kate Beckinsale, Salma Hayek, Naomi Campbell and Queen Noor of Jordan. The above picture was taken at the Chopard 150th anniversary party where Charlotte arrived accompanied by her mother's longtime friend Khadija Nin which happened last night. All this events surrounding the Cannes film festival would seem to explain the absence of Andrea and Charlotte at the Grand Prix gala Sunday night.

Andrea Casiraghi in Hola!

Andrea Casiraghi, eldest son of Princess Caroline and second-in-line to the Monegasque throne as things stand now, was recently interviewed in Hola! Magazine and gave some interesting and important information on his current status. The occasion of the interview was Andrea becoming patron of the Motrice Foundation which is dedicated to the assistance of people suffering from cerebral palsy. The photos were taken from a party for the foundation in Paris attended by his mother and a number of other celebrities.

When asked about his charity work Andrea said it was his mother, Princess Caroline, who instilled in him the drive to help others by her own example of devoting so much of her time to the less fortunate. Since he was a small child Andrea said he had watched his mother working for charitable causes on behalf of people all over the world and it was this that inspired him to become involved himself. The (possible) future Prince of Monaco also said that he no longer lives in the USA, having finished his studies there in political science and that he now resides in Paris where he is working in an internship with the embassy of the Emirate of Qatar. Such a job might at first seem unusual but learning the political and diplomatic ropes of a very small, wealthy monarchy might prove quite useful for a potential Prince of Monaco.

Also on hand for the party and included in the photographs was Andrea’s current girlfriend Tatiana Santo Domingo whom Andrea referred to as ‘an exceptional young woman’. He said despite his elite princely background he feels as normal as anyone with the same sort of family life anyone might have. He also said he enjoys painting and dabbling in art and greatly enjoys the opportunities offered by the considerable artistic community in Paris. Perhaps most importantly though was the respect Andrea voiced for his uncle Prince Albert II and that he is kept well informed of all current events in the Principality of Monaco. So, it seems he is not neglecting the possibility that he could, hopefully a considerable time off in the future, be called upon to take up princely duties in his native country.

Andrea Active for Charity

Yesterday, Andrea Casiraghi appeared with the French deputy of Beaune Alain Suguenot, the French singer and actor Patrick Bruel and the President of the Cotes d'Or Francois Sauvadet at the 149th edition of the Hospices de Beaune charity auction wine sale, the best known part of the most famous Burgundian festival and the greatest charity sale of its kind in the world which has attracted the biggest names and experts in wine for the past 80 years. It was a very grand event and all for a very good cause and Andrea seemed to have a good time lending his name and celebrity to the cause. Andrea Casiraghi is the eldest son of HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover and currently second in line to the Monegasque throne.

Everyone Has Those Days

Rich or poor, we all put our pants on one leg at a time and we all have car trouble from time to time. Monegasque heir Andrea Casiraghi was out for a drive with his girlfriend Tatiana Santo Domingo when he made the mistake of filling up his tank with diesel instead of gasoline. Did the automotive gene of Rainier III skip over his grandson? Perhaps it was simply a moment of absent-mindedness but it brought things to a screeching halt. Tatiana took the wheel while Andrea pushed the car to the side of the road where they waited for a mechanic to come to the rescue. I'm sure there was plenty of teasing in the meantime. Unfortunately, if they ran a gasoline engine on diesel there will be little a mechanic can do other than call 'time of death'. Everyone has those days, even the most elite amongst us.

Andrea and Tatiana Still Together

On the 5th, Andrea Casiraghi attended the 'Mario de Janeiro Testino' booklaunch at Cafe Carmen in Paris. Longtime girlfriend Tatiana Santo Domingo was also on hand, though the two were not photographed together which led some to continue muttering about problems. However, the following day Andrea and Tatiana were also at the Fendi 'O' party For Pixie Lott at the VIP ROOM Theater. They were also together at the launch of a new Jewellery collection called 'NEREE for ERE' by Repossi at the Ritz Hotel on the 7th. So, it seems that despite the earlier scares the two are still together and still an item.

Andrea Casiraghi

Andrea Albert Pierre Casiraghi is the oldest son of Hereditary Princess Caroline of Monaco and, as things stand today, second-in-line to the Monegasque throne. He was born on June 8, 1984 in Monaco at the Princess Grace Hospital Center in Monte Carlo to Princess Caroline and her husband Stefano Casiraghi. Sadly, young Andrea was only 6-years-old when his father died in a boating accident. Described as sensitive, introverted, friendly and athletic he inherited a sizeable oil fortune from his father (sister Charlotte was given an island) and it did not take him long to become one of the most photographed "royal" lady killers in Europe. Not surprisingly he is rarely seen without some lovely creature on his arm. However, Andrea is no brainless jock; he speaks four languages and earned a degree in visual arts and international politics at the American University of Paris. His known hobbies include football (soccer), horseback riding, an assortment of water sports, skiing, reading and collecting "swatches" (you know, those wristband watches from Switzerland that were big in the 80's) and he has taken on increasingly more official duties over the years on behalf of his mother. According to his uncle, Reigning Prince Albert II, since 2007 he has been living in New York City doing under-grad work.

Although still untitled, Andrea has taken on the style of a Renaissance prince having studied at the International School of Paris, McGill University in Canada and the American University of Paris he rides horses, skis and plays guitar. He has also taken on more serious duties recently in keeping with his status as potential heir to the Monegasque throne. Since 2004 he has worked with his mother's organization AMADE (World Association of Children's Friends), has taught children in Africa and in 2006 went to Manila on behalf of AMADE and the Virlanie Foundation. He was accompanied on that trip by his most consistent girlfriend to date Tatiana Santo Domingo. In 2007 he became the patron of the Motrice Foundation which works to find a cure for cerebral palsy.