Princess Charlene
Due Early –
Birth Imminent
December will be a momentous month in Monaco as Princess Charlene will deliver the next heir to Prince Albert, present ruler of Monaco. The Palace’s joy extends beyond the principality of Monaco especially since the news broke that twins are expected. Of course immediately there was discussion as to who would be the rightful heir — as there is a theory that the first conceived is not usually the first born.
In addition, Monaco in the time of Prince Rainer and Princess Grace had a stipulation that if no male heir was produced, Monaco would revert back to France. So when Princess Caroline was first born, there was jubilation – yet still trepidation. Thankfully, the following year, Princess Grace gave birth to Albert which resulted in a tremendous celebration, including a 101 canon salute.
In 2002, Prince Rainier did amend the constitution of Monaco to allow his daughters, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie, and their children to inherit the throne should Albert fail to marry and produce an heir. 12 years later the real question is: if both babies are boys – or indeed girls – determining which one is the rightful heir could prove a constitutional headache, with some arguing that the second baby born should be first in line as that child was conceived first.
However, clarification has been provided stating that indeed according to Monaco’s constitution, the first-born baby is the closest in line to the throne, with priority given to males. “If there are twins that are a boy and a girl, the boy takes precedence,” Carolyn Harris, a royal historian who teaches at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, told TODAY.com. “If the twins are both the same gender, the older twin takes precedence.”
Actually, Princess Charlene, probably in order to have a more relaxed pregnancy, does know the sex of the babies – yet she is under strict orders to keep it secret and not to tell Prince Albert as he prefers the surprise. Yet, it is elementary to preclude that some in the inner circle of the ‘government’ also know the gender of the babies so that adequate preparations can take place.
Historically, the birth of a girl is announced with a 21 cannon salute while that of a boy is celebrated with a 101 cannon salute. Ironically, there is a press release from the palace stating “The palace says there will be 21 cannon shots for each baby and bells tolling for 15 minutes, followed by boat horns.” This may have inadvertently revealed the true sex of the twins by announcing that they are setting up a 42 cannon salute – giving some to speculate it could be two girls – but will we all have to wait and be as surprised as Prince Albert.
Princess Charlene’s pregnancy seems to have been relatively smooth, and her body has served her well – not even needing a “Kelly Bag” for protecting her baby bump from paparazzi.
Since the Monaco National Day celebration on Novemebr 19th, Princess Charlene has been officially on leave from royal duties in anticipation of the birth of the twins that is expected close to Christmas. Although Prince Albert revealed that the birth will likely come several days, if not weeks before: “As it is a twin pregnancy the birth will surely take place a dozen days early”.
So Monaco awaits its new heirs, and once they are born it will likely endear Princess Charlene to the Monegasque people, just as Princess Grace was embraced after becoming a mother.
courtesy Paris Match
Some Highlights on Princess Charlene Pregnancy:
Inadvertently, the news is leaked via Twitter as a friend of the princess’s father Mike Wittstock revealed: ‘My old Bulawayo schoolmate Mike Wittstock has phoned to say his daughter is pregnant with twins. Congrats Princess Charlene and Albert!’
May 30: The Palace only finally confirms the rumors on pregnancy – in what has to be the shortest press release ever:
June 08: More solid rumors on twin pregnancy
June 23: Princely Family of Monaco taking every caution & reveals birth in December
Sep 21: Princess Charlene and Prince Albert travel to New York meet world leaders and give exclusive pregnancy interview
Oct 08: Princess Charlene and Prince Albert are in Hollywood for the Princess Grace Foundation Awards Gala
Oct 09: While in the USA, the Palace feels pressured to release official confirmation regarding expecting twins
Oct 09: Who will be Monaco’s newest heir? What Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene’s twins mean for throne
Courtesy of TODAY
Oct 12: Intimate details revealed on how Prince Albert found out how Princess Charlene was having twins
Oct 17: Princess Charlene shares feelings towards impending motherhood
Oct 23: Clarification on Which Of Princess Charlene Of Monaco’s Twins Will Be First In Line?
Nov16: Princess Charlene father shares his excitement over birth and recent move to Monaco
Nov 19: Princess Charlene blesses Monaco’s National Day as Prince Albert still does not know the sex of the twins
Courtesy: Daily Mail
Nov 22: Monaco to celebrate birth of its royal twins
Dec 02: Princess Charlene is officially on leave from royal duties and any more public appearances. Prince Albert shows up solo for his sister’s Princess Stephanie Aids Charity Benefit.
Dec 10: THE BIRTH – see details
The world wishes the Princely Family well ,,, and may the joyous days of kids inside the Monaco Palace return as shared in the new book “My Days with Princess Grace of Monaco” (www.PrincessGraceofMonaco.com)
(Did you want to know what happen before twins were expected – more about Princess Charlene first pregnancy)
The best way to stay in touch for all the latest news: Twitter @GraceKellyNews
