Inside Monaco’s ‘Pink Palace’ where Princess Charlene spent the last decade trying to prove herself as a royal – but is Prince Albert’s Grimaldi family residence as glamorous as it seems?
- The Prince’s Palace of Monaco has been the Grimaldi family residence since 1297 and today is home to Charlene, husband Albert and their twins Gabriella and Jacques
- The palace is full of reminders of former Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, and twins Gabriella and Jacques held messages for Charlene from its balcony on National Day last year
Last year, Charlene was in South Africa for more than eight months after a series of medical complications that apparently made her unable to return home to her family.
When she did return to Monaco, she was put into a facility to help her regain her health, the palace claimed. The extended separation from her family, now close on a year, has again raised speculation about the pressures of royal life.
Here’s what you need to know about the place Charlene has called home for more than 10 years.
The history
The oldest parts of the historic palace were built in 1215, though there was an older fortress on the site, too. It has been the residence of the Grimaldi family since 1297, sat commandingly on top of the Rock of Monaco (the Rocher), from where it overlooks the Mediterranean.
The design
The palace has undergone much change over the centuries. Built originally as a border fortress for the Republic of Genoa, the palace has evolved on those foundations and retains some militaristic elements.