Princess Gabriella Dedicates Her Official Debut to Princess Charlotte

A few days ago, Princess Gabriella visited Carladès, a region in France, with her parents, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, and her brother, Prince Jacques. At ten years old, Princess Gabriella, Countess of Carladès, was the central figure in her first historically significant official engagement, entirely centered around her. The location—the County of Carladès—represents one of the oldest historical ties between Monaco and France.

Princess Gabriella, Countess of Carladès inaugurated a square named after her and received the keys to the city from the mayor. Later, in Mur-sur-Barrez, she opened a media library and briefly took the microphone to say, “Hello and thank you, Carladès,” before blowing a kiss.

The event was part of a series organized by the principality to mark the 20th anniversary of Prince Albert’s reign. Beyond the ceremonial key presentation, public appearances, and inaugurations, Princess Gabriella had a unique task: to share a piece of family history. At the end of the day, in a place that still symbolically belongs to Monaco, she fulfilled that mission by recreating a historic family photograph.

The family—Albert, Charlene, and their two children—recreated, in the same location and under the same tree, a photo originally taken by Princess Charlotte of Monaco in 1912 during a similar family outing. This symbolic act connected three generations through a personal gesture, rather than a formal tribute.

Princess Charlotte, Duchess of Valentinois, is a revered figure within the Grimaldi family, having played a crucial role in securing Monaco’s future. Though not a highly public figure, her discreet role was vital in ensuring the dynasty’s continuity. At 22, she was officially adopted by her father, Prince Louis II, becoming the heir to the throne at a time when Monaco risked losing its sovereignty due to the lack of a legitimate successor.

She held the title of Duchess of Valentinois until her death and became the holder of dynastic rights, enabling her son, Rainier III, to inherit the throne. This was a pivotal moment in Monaco’s history. The Franco-Monegasque treaty at the time stipulated that, without a legitimate heir, Monaco would be annexed by France.

After the birth of his children in 2014, Prince Albert granted Princess Gabriella the title of Countess of Carladès—traditionally given to the second in line to the throne—while Prince Jacques received the title of Marquis of Baux. First granted to Monaco by King Louis XIII in 1643, the Carladès title is part of the principality’s enduring historical ties with France.

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