On May 10, 2015, Monaco’s cathedral was celebrating and welcomed a symbolic event: the baptism of the hereditary prince Jacques and her sister, Princess Gabriella. Back in pictures, ten years later, in the next day of the election of the new sovereign pontiff, on a significant ceremony.
A few months after their birth on December 10, 2014, the princely twins Jacques and Gabriella, then 5 months old, were officially welcomed in the Catholic faith during a solemn baptism. A ceremony full of tradition and modernity, marked by the presence of many guests, of a sumptuous floral decoration, and a strong popular attachment.
To accompany the entry of the procession into the cathedral, 21 cannon shots were drawn. Beautifully decorated for the occasion, the latter was decorated with 6,000 white flowers, including roses, lilies, thrush, broom and peonies. A message from Pope Francis was read at the end of the mass.
The godparents of children were chosen from relatives of princely families:
- For Prince Jacques: Christopher Le Vine Jr. (American cousin of Prince Albert II) and Diane de Polignac Nigra (cousin on the side of Prince Rainier).
- For Princess Gabriella: Gareth Wittstock (Princess Charlène’s brother) and Nerine Pienaar (wife of François Pienaar, close friend of the princess)
At the end of the ceremony, Prince Jacques was made up of the order of Grimaldi, while Princess Gabriella was appointed a great officer of the same order.
© Pool Palais Prince of Monaco
After the religious ceremony, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène took the time to meet the Monegasques and spectators gathered in number on the Place du Palais. In a warm and festive atmosphere, the princely couple praised the crowd, multiplying smiles and exchanges with the locals.
On a place in the festive and sunny palace, hundreds of visitors have gathered to greet the passage of the princely family who decided to return to the palace on foot to enjoy this big crowd.
