You've Come a Long Way, Charlene

Monaco’s Princess Charlene is a far cry from the trembling bride she was five years ago. Today she’s an accomplished mom, wife, royal and philanthropist – and it’s nice to see her happy!

- Nicola Whitfield

SHE’S come a long way since that sun-dappled day five years ago when she married her prince in the pinprick principality she now calls home. Back then she seemed shy and even sad, bursting into tears once the official ceremony was over and prompting prophets of doom to write the marriage off before it had even begun.

But just look at Princess Charlene now. She’s the mother of two adorable children, she’s spread her philanthropic wings, she’s unfailingly poised and regal on the arm of her husband and she’s managing to hold her own in a land that’s notoriously elitist and un welcoming. What’s more, she’s cemented her position in her husband’s family – and stands up to her controlling sister-in law, Princess Caroline, as much as possible (YOU, 14 April 2016).

And in the midst of it all, she never forgets her roots – or ignores the fact that she can use her position of power and privilege to make a difference. Charlene (38) was recently announced as the patron of the South African Red Cross Society and held a cocktail party in the palace gardens to celebrate her appointment.

In attendance were Constance Motshumi, head of the SA Red Cross, and Derick Naidoo, who heads the Durban branch of the organisation. Guests were serenaded by the Cenestra Male Choir, a South African group that also performed at the surprise birthday party Charlene threw for her dad, Mike Wittstock, in February.

There were plenty of family members at the Red Cross reception – Mike, Charlene’s brother Gareth and his wife, Roisin, among them. But two surprise guests made an appearance too – and they practically stole the show.

Royal twins Gabriella and Jacques toddled into the throng, cutely clad in their sun-sensible bathing suits, and made a beeline for the pool their late grandmother, Princess Grace, had installed at the Pink Palace in the ’50s.