[Monaco] First National Day for Charlene as a Princess

It was arguably the biggest event since her wedding in July of this year. But Princess Charlene of Monaco was the epitome of cool as she celebrated her nation's first National Day in an official capacity.

The blonde South African has accompanied Prince Albert to the celebrations in previous years, but this was her first appearance as a princess.

And, despite having to recently deny runaway bride reports on a US chat show, Albert and Charlene looked blissfully happy as they led the festivities.

The morning ceremonies saw the pair take to the balcony in Monaco Palace Square.

Elegant in beige, Charlene smiled and waved to the crowds in the square below as Albert stood proudly by her side.

The royals looked close as they exchanged intimate smiles and entwined hands in a show of unity.

It was a family affair as Albert's sisters - Princess Stephanie and Caroline – strolled alongside their new sister-in-law during the parade.

Caroline's daughters, Charlotte Casiraghi and Alexandra were also in attendance.

The patriotic party culminated in a concert at the Grimaldi forum where Charlene opted for muted glamour in a brown, floor length gown and sleek up-do.

Then the princess was presented a bouquet of flowers by children dressed as Pierrots.

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[Monaco] Princess Caroline and daughter, Princess Alexandra, attend the Chanel Collection Croisiere Show 2011/2012

I am clearly in a Caroline de Monaco stretch here: just two days after attending the 44th Concours International de Bouquets, the Princess made an appearance at the Chanel Collection Croisiere Show 2011-12 at the Hotel du Cap in Cap d'Antibes, France. Several celebrities attended - Vanessa Paradis, Alexa Chung - but Blake Lively was the one to seem to get the Princesses' biggest attention. They chatted, had photos taken together and even exchanged numbers. A pure Royalty meets Hollywood moment.

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Prince Albert's fiancée Charlene Wittstock attends Monaco National Day service and celebrations

A little over 50 years ago a glamorous blonde arrived at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monte Carlo to marry Prince Rainier, thus becoming a princess of Monaco. That bride was Grace Kelly. This week, another ice-cool blonde, Charlene Wittstock was on the steps of the 19th-century cathedral, attending Monaco's National Day, with Princess Grace's son in what almost seemed like a dress rehearsal for their lavish nuptials set for next July. Dipping a low curtsy before Monaco's Archbishop, Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer, who represented her native South Africa, seemed to have mastered her future role as Prince Albert's consort perfectly. From her elegant headgear and nip-waisted suit to her court shoes, the 32–year-old looked very much the part of the princess-to-be. Inside the cathedral, she took her place alongside her future sisters-in-law, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie, in a pew decorated with flowers in the principality's colours - red and white. Caroline's husband Ernst of Hanover was not present – his absence appearing to confirm speculation that the couple's marriage has broken down. Despite her own marital difficulties, the princess has shown herself to be delighted at her brother's happiness and seemed at ease with Charlene's inclusion for the first time on such a key occasion. Also brightening her day was the fact that her children, Charlotte, Alexandra, Pierre and Andrea, joined the senior royals on the balcony of the palace to greet wellwishers. Although the House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco since 1297, the November 19 holiday celebrates the date when the state's sovereignty was officially recognized by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861.

from Hellomagazine.com