Prince Albert II Reflects on Family Life and Personal Challenges in Rare Interview
The Sovereign Prince of Monaco discusses parenting, media attention, and cherished memories in a candid interview.
In a rare and personal interview conducted on June 14, Prince Albert II of Monaco shared insights into his family life, parenting experiences, and the challenges of maintaining privacy in the public eye.
The interview took place at the Prince's Palace, where the Prince opened up about his relationship with his ten-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
During the interview, Prince Albert expressed the joy he finds in simple moments spent with his children, saying, "This morning, I had time to take my children to school.
Just that puts me in a good mood for the day." However, he acknowledged that such moments are increasingly rare due to his royal duties and the public's interest.
The twins, who recently celebrated their tenth birthday, are described as having distinct personalities.
Prince Albert noted, "Jacques is a bit more reserved, more cautious about certain things.
Gabriella is more expressive.
She already has a strong character." He explained that both he and Princess Charlene strive to shield their children from media attention, saying, "We try to preserve them as much as possible from media scrutiny.
They have learned to behave in official situations, but this cannot happen in formal sessions."
The Prince also shared some frustrations related to his status.
"Sometimes, I wish I could walk simply down the street without security.
It's unfortunately almost impossible now.
I regret that," he confided, reflecting on the limitations that come with his position.
He reminisced fondly about his student years in the United States, expressing nostalgia for the increased freedom he once enjoyed.
In the interview, Prince Albert revealed how he plans for personal family time amidst his busy schedule, stating, "One has to organize oneself.
One sometimes has to say no.
I have moments reserved for family or friends." He noted the lessons he received from his parents on accepting responsibilities while preserving personal space and intimacy.
He also reflected on cherished childhood memories with his late mother, Grace Kelly, mentioning friendships with prominent figures in cinema, such as Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock.
Prince Albert painted a picture of a childhood filled with unforgettable encounters, revealing, "I have extraordinary memories of great names in cinema.
My mother maintained those friendships, and it was an opportunity to be close to those people and to be able to converse with them."
As the conversation shifted, the Prince spoke about his aspirations and dreams as a child, noting that he once dreamed of becoming a cowboy or a soldier before coming to terms with his destiny as the Prince of Monaco.
He emphasized his commitment to balancing his royal responsibilities with his role as a father, reflecting on the importance of preserving the innocence of his children as they grow up within the spotlight of royal life.
The interview took place at the Prince's Palace, where the Prince opened up about his relationship with his ten-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
During the interview, Prince Albert expressed the joy he finds in simple moments spent with his children, saying, "This morning, I had time to take my children to school.
Just that puts me in a good mood for the day." However, he acknowledged that such moments are increasingly rare due to his royal duties and the public's interest.
The twins, who recently celebrated their tenth birthday, are described as having distinct personalities.
Prince Albert noted, "Jacques is a bit more reserved, more cautious about certain things.
Gabriella is more expressive.
She already has a strong character." He explained that both he and Princess Charlene strive to shield their children from media attention, saying, "We try to preserve them as much as possible from media scrutiny.
They have learned to behave in official situations, but this cannot happen in formal sessions."
The Prince also shared some frustrations related to his status.
"Sometimes, I wish I could walk simply down the street without security.
It's unfortunately almost impossible now.
I regret that," he confided, reflecting on the limitations that come with his position.
He reminisced fondly about his student years in the United States, expressing nostalgia for the increased freedom he once enjoyed.
In the interview, Prince Albert revealed how he plans for personal family time amidst his busy schedule, stating, "One has to organize oneself.
One sometimes has to say no.
I have moments reserved for family or friends." He noted the lessons he received from his parents on accepting responsibilities while preserving personal space and intimacy.
He also reflected on cherished childhood memories with his late mother, Grace Kelly, mentioning friendships with prominent figures in cinema, such as Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock.
Prince Albert painted a picture of a childhood filled with unforgettable encounters, revealing, "I have extraordinary memories of great names in cinema.
My mother maintained those friendships, and it was an opportunity to be close to those people and to be able to converse with them."
As the conversation shifted, the Prince spoke about his aspirations and dreams as a child, noting that he once dreamed of becoming a cowboy or a soldier before coming to terms with his destiny as the Prince of Monaco.
He emphasized his commitment to balancing his royal responsibilities with his role as a father, reflecting on the importance of preserving the innocence of his children as they grow up within the spotlight of royal life.