A Surprise from His Twins: Prince Albert of Monaco's Birthday Gift

At eight years old, the royal Monegasque twins, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, already know how to make their father's birthday a special one. With the help of their mother, Princess Charlene. 

On March 14, 2023, The Sovereign Prince of Monaco, Albert II, who has been reigning since April 2005, celebrated his 65th birthday but ahead of the celebration he enthusiastically revealed to People magazine that he was tipped to be "kidnapped" on his birthday 😄

©Eric Mathon/Prince's Palace

Speaking on People magazine, the five-time Winter Olympian shared how he would celebrate his 65th birthday:  

"It's going to be very subdued. We'll have a little family lunch on Tuesday. Afterward, when the children return from school, I'm going to be kidnapped," he tells PEOPLE exclusively. 

"Really. I've been told to be available to be kidnapped. At 5:30. It's a secret. The kids want to kidnap me," Prince Albert smiles. "They want to take me to a play at a theatre, but actually, I've only been warned I'm going to be kidnapped." 😄

©Eric Mathon/Prince's Palace

On March 14, the official Facebook page of the Prince's Palace of Monaco shared several photos of the Sovereign Prince and his family. 

Changing of the Guard at the Prince's Palace ©Eric Mathon 

Images showed him on the balcony with Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella as the Prince's Band of Carabiniers performed a special birthday musical number.

In a statement, the palace shared that the Sovereign Prince had enjoyed a family lunch with his wife, Princess Charlene, and their twins.

The Sovereign Prince's family after the performance. ©Eric Mathon

Later, the surprised birthday gift to Prince Albert II was revealed. Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella invited their parents to the Theater des Muses to watch a special theatrical performance of "The Witch of the Broom Closet," created especially for their father's 65th birthday. The play was directed and performed by Antea Sogno and her troupe of comedians. 

Following the performance, the Sovereign Prince's family posed outside the Théâtre des Muses with the performers for photo souvenirs.

The Sovereign Prince's family after the theater performance ©Eric Mathon/Prince's Palace

Princess Charlene rocked in a double-face bomber cashmere jacket from Akris, cropped tan trousers from Louis Vuitton, and a pair of black pumps also from Louis Vuitton.

Princess Gabriella looked stylish in a furry velvet blue jacket and matching tights, while Jacques wore a blue bomber jacket.

The Sovereign Prince's birthday celebration will continue today as they scheduled to attend a St. Patrick's Day concert at the Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco before Prince Albert heads to Ireland for the formal dedication of "a new statue of my mother in County Mayo."

Princess Gabriella is the mini-me of her father ©Eric Mathon/Prince's Palace

Speaking to People magazine, Prince Albert II downplayed the significance of turning 65, saying with a laugh, "It's only really important in that I see friends, who are the same age, retiring now. I can't do that."

"I mean, 65 is important, but it isn't. I prefer decimals, so 60 was important, 70 will be important. And hopefully, I'll reach 80 and 90 and beyond. 

©Eric Mathon/Prince's Palace 

Sixty-five has some resonance, I suppose, but for me, it's just another birthday. It's not a milestone. I've said before that 60 was the new 40," he laughs. "And so it continues incrementally — 65 is the new 45!".

Yes, indeed! Age is nothing but a number. Just live life happily and appreciate with gratefulness whatever comes along with it. Happy birthday Prince Albert II!