Jacques and Gabriella of Monaco at Sainte Dévote: the happiness of being together
In the absence of Prince Albert II, affected for the third time by Covid-19, Charlène of Monaco led the celebrations of Sainte Dévote, patron saint of the principality, alone on January 26 and 27, 2023. A first for her, as for his children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, particularly accomplices!
“The celebration of Saint Dévote is in a way our Thanksgiving, confides Abbé Christian Venard, chaplain of the Monegasque police force. All the families of the principality come together to celebrate our patron saint.” Gathering such was the challenge this Thursday, January 26, 2023, on the first evening of the celebrations, for Charlène of Monaco, of rare sobriety and elegance in her taupe suit, matched with a long coat. And he was picked up hands down.
Prince Albert II, affected for the third time by Covid 19 and although asymptomatic, was forced into isolation. A slight grain of sand which forced him to give up his participation in the traditional festivities of Sainte Dévote. This is now propelled Charlene and her children, the hereditary prince Jacques and the princess Gabriella, in the front line, required to represent the sovereign couple during a symbolic event.
On her arrival on the church square, the sovereign advances towards Mgr Dominique-Marie David, the archbishop of Monaco, and Father Penzo, the palace chaplain, who have come to welcome her. A broad smile lights up his face. She takes the trouble to greet them warmly before guiding her twins to the interior of the small church where she attends the salute of the Blessed Sacrament.
At the end of the celebration, Princess Charlene gives way to her son, Prince Jacques, who is responsible for leading the procession to the place of fire in the traditional boat. But she does not avoid the crowds. Divine surprise for these Monegasques massed behind the barriers. She generously shakes hands, slows down so that the souvenir photos are taken, distributes “good evenings”, listens to a lady who asks about her. Then with a sure step, in the company of Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, also present that evening, she heads for the quays where the boat is located which will soon catch fire.
To this deliciously suspended moment is added a comical moment. As Princess Charlene follows Prince Jacques, in a hurry to set fire to the olive and laurel branches scattered in front of the boat, his torch goes out. She smiled in embarrassment before her daughter Princess Gabriella came to her rescue to help relight the torch. Phew! The princely family can therefore set the famous boat ablaze.
The bonfire delights the little princes who try to approach it. Their mother stops them in their tracks because the heat is far too intense. “When I was a child, Prince Albert II named a few days earlier in an interview with the Monaco diocese channel, I was impressed by the heat released. And I still am now!”
This first evening ended with the aerial ballet of a hundred luminous drones just above the prince’s palace. The show, lasting 8 minutes, illustrated the various symbols associated with this traditional festival.
The absence of the Sovereign Prince will not have spoiled the party, for the public and the twins, delighted to be able to have fun together and give free rein to their enthusiasm!