Princess Charlene of Monaco declares 'love and support' for husband Prince Albert in emphatic speech at glitzy Red Cross Gala in Monte-Carlo - and vows she's 'always by his side'
Taking to the stage at a charity event in Monte-Carlo, the Princess, 47, made an impassioned speech in tribute to her 'dedicated' spouse, 67, in a rare insight into their marriage.
Charlene, who shares 10-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella with Albert, was speaking at the 76th annual Monaco Red Cross Gala, held at the stunning Salle des Étoiles, part of the legendary Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) Resort.
Addressing a packed room of dignitaries and celebrities, she spoke of her 'support' for her husband and insisted she remains 'by his side' in an emphatic declaration - hitting back at reports speculating about the state of her marriage.
She told a packed room: 'Monseigneur! Albert! We love you, we support you and we thank you for being there for all of us.'
The glitzy event, a highlight of Monaco's social calendar, welcomed guests including rock icon Billy Idol and Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc.
Princess Charlene stunned in a pleated silk-georgette gown by Elie Saab, while her niece Camille Gottlieb paid tribute to Princess Grace in a monochrome ensemble inspired by her grandmother's iconic style.
Later, Charlene made a speech, addressing her husband directly.
The Princess began by thanking Prince Albert, 67, for his tireless dedication to the Monaco Red Cross, which he has supported for over four decades.
'Thank you for leading this institution over the past 40 years and working tirelessly for its development and influence,' she said.
She then turned to the personal significance of the date, marking two decades since Albert's accession to the throne: 'This July 12 marks exactly the twentieth anniversary of your accession.
'Twenty years ago, you took the reins of the Principality, and since that day, you have guided Monaco with wisdom, courage and determination.'
Charlene praised her husband's steady presence in international politics, his commitment to environmental causes and his leadership decisions.
She described him as a 'value-based force' whose 'wish for unity and serenity for Monaco' had been his guiding principles.
The speech concluded with a powerful declaration of support: 'You know that I am always by your side along with the Monegasques.
'We are standing with you, with all our hearts to protect Monaco and its future under your leadership.'
Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc poses with his girlfriend Mexican-Italian influencer, Alexandra Saint Mleux at the star-studded soiree
The gala was held in support of the Monaco Red Cross, which was established in 1948 to provide assistance to all in need with a politically impartial stance.
As the Monegasque premier, Prince Albert now presides over the charity.
To raise money for the charity, VIP guests descended on the Salle des Etoiles, which hosted the first 'Red Cross Night' in 1948.
They were treated to a raffle and tombola with glamorous prizes, including a first prize dazzling earring and bracelet set by REPOSSI and a second prize Audemars Piguet Watch.
The third prize was a classic cream Lady Dior bag, donated by the French fashion house, and fourth was a VIP experience at Art Dubai.
Fifth prize was a two night stay at the stunning Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo in a suite overlooking the coastline of the Cote d'Azur, which was donated by the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
Charlene's glowing tribute to her husband is an emphatic show of support after she pulled out of a planned trip to Japan due to 'current events' in the Middle East.
The Princess had been due to travel to the country at the end of June for the World Expo 2025 with Prince Albert and their 10-year-old twins.
However, a palace statement via Hola! read: 'In light of current events taking place in the Middle East, this has led to the decision that H.S.H. Princess Charlene and the Princely children would not be participating in this trip.'
However, 67-year-old Prince Albert still carried out the planned engagements in Japan.
Instead of travelling with his immediate family, Albert was joined by his younger sister, Princess Stephanie, and her children, Louis Ducruet, Pauline Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb, and her daughter in-law Marie Ducruet.
In the statement, Princess Charlene expressed her gratitude: 'H.S.H. Princess Charlene wishes to express her sincere thanks to the teams of the Monaco Pavilion, as well as to the partners and hosts who were to welcome her in Japan, for their understanding and ongoing commitment.'
The royal's activities commenced on June 27 with a charity football match titled 'United through Legends' at Panasonic Stadium Suita in Osaka.
Elsewhere, Albert attended an official luncheon and enjoy an orchestra concert.
While Charlene has kept a low profile in recent months, the family celebrated Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella's Holy Communion in May.
The heir to the Monegasque throne - also known as the Marquis of Baux - and his twin sister, both 10, marked the religious ceremony with a series of sweet family portraits shared to the royal household's official Instagram page.
The First Holy Communion, also known as the First Eucharist, is one of the most important milestones in the Catholic faith.
It is a key step in in a child's faith journey, symbolising their deepening relationship with Jesus and the Church, and it involves receiving the consecrated bread and wine, believed to be the body and blood of Christ.
The young royals beamed as they were joined by their parents Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene at the important ceremony.
A translated statement shared to the palace's Instagram page read: 'On this day of First Communion, we extend our most sincere congratulations to Crown Prince James and Princess Gabriella who received this sacrament with faith and compulsion'.
It further read that the palace extended its 'heartfelt congratulations' to the prince and princess who 'received this sacrament with faith and reverence'.
The prince and princess looked adorable in white floor-length robes and matching gold necklaces.
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