Fast Track To Fun!

It was playtime for Charlene’s adorable twins, Gabriella and Jacques, when they enjoyed an outing to Monaco’s E-Prix with Dad

- Lindsay De Freitas

THEY may be the kids of a prince, pint-sized members of one of the highest-profile royal families in Europe and the son and daughter of one of South Africa’s most glamorous and intriguing exports.

But when it comes to having fun, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques of Monaco are just like any other six-year-olds.

Clowning about? Goofing around with a cousin? Going to Dad for a hug every now and then? Check, check, check.

It was a delightful display of playfulness that showed, yes, the twins do often have to be on their best behaviour at important events – but at heart they’re happy, energetic youngsters who really just want to have fun.

The occasion was the Monaco E-Prix, a biennial Formula E (electric) world-championship car race through the streets of Monte Carlo against the glittering backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

Their mom, Princess Charlene, wasn’t present on the platform overlooking the track so it was up to their dad, Prince Albert; cousin Pierre Casiraghi (33), son of Albert’s sister Princess Caroline (64); and a few minders to keep an eye on the kids. Gabriella and Jacques were also joined by their cousin Kaia-Rose Wittstock (7), daughter of Charlene’s brother Gareth (41), who’s the general secretary of her charity foundation, and the trio hammed it up and giggled together as they watched the race.

Clearly the noise got a bit much for Jacques at one stage – the prince, cool in a pair of shades, put his fingers in his ears as the cars zoomed by.

Gabriella, who’s looking more and more like her mom, was cute in a Daisy Duck-emblazoned denim dress by children’s fashion house Monnalisa that retails for €173 (R2 941).