Are their twins future sports stars? - First Albert would be "proud"
Prince Albert II. and his "delightful family" of twins Princess Gabriella (9) and Prince Jacques (9) have been actively participating in the Olympics with their parents, Prince Albert II (66) and Princess Charlene (46). The family attended the opening ceremony last Friday and a rugby match a day later. In an interview with "Welt am Sonntag" (July 28 issue), Prince Albert II revealed the children's sporting abilities.
Prince Albert II. raves about his "wonderful family"
"They enjoy sports," the 66-year-old told the newspaper. His daughter practices gymnastics, and his son trains in Taekwondo. "They also fence, have started with tennis and sailing, and they are good swimmers." If the two decide to embark on a professional sports career, the Prince of Monaco would find it "quite nice," he admitted. "They will receive our full support if they engage in performance sports. That would make us proud, no question about it. We'll wait and see."
The parents' interest in their children's potential sports and possibly Olympic careers stems from a unique background. Prince Albert II's maternal grandfather, John B. Kelly, won multiple Olympic gold medals in rowing for the USA. Albert, an IOC member since 1985, represented his principality in bobsledding at five Winter Olympics before his accession to the throne. His wife, Princess Charlene, born Charlene Wittstock, competed in swimming for South Africa at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and finished 5th in the 4×100-Meter-Relay.
It's no surprise, then, that Prince Albert II and his family are enthusiastically following the Paris Games. "I would like to attend as many competitions as possible with my wife and our twins," Albert II shared in the interview. "This opportunity as a family we have not had before. My goal is also to see every sport at least once. I have managed to do so at only two Olympic Games so far." Regardless of the sport, "it always excites me when I'm there." In addition to attending the competitions, there will be a special family day for the Monaco royal household on August 1. "On that Thursday, we will celebrate with our relatives from Philadelphia my grandfather's Olympic victory," the head of the Grimaldi family explained.
When asked if he currently considers himself a happy prince, Albert II replied: "Yes, I am blessed with a wonderful family, wonderful family members, and friends." He is, however, aware of the current challenges and is doing his best "to make the world a place where people can live peacefully, respectfully, and equally with one another."
- Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, both nine years old, showed their love for sports during their attendance at the Olympic Games.
- The twins' interest in sports is likely inherited from their grandfather, John B. Kelly, who won multiple Olympic gold medals in rowing.
- Following in the footsteps of their parents, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, the twins are honing their skills in gymnastics, Taekwondo, fencing, tennis, sailing, and swimming.
- In an interview, Prince Albert II expressed his enthusiasm for his children's potential sports careers, stating that they would receive his full support if they choose to pursue them.
- With the Paris Games currently underway, the family is eager to attend as many competitions as possible and celebrate their maternal grandfather's Olympic victory on August 1.
- The Prince of Monaco, an IOC member since 1985, represented his principality in bobsledding at five Winter Olympics before his ascension to the throne.
- Princess Charlene, born Charlene Wittstock, competed in swimming for South Africa at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and finished fifth in the 4×100-Meter-Relay.
- Prince Albert II, showing his dedication to his family and love for sports, shared his goal of attending every sport at least once at the Olympic Games, having achieved this feat at only two previous events.
