Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella celebrate First Holy Communion in Monaco

MONACO – In a touching religious and royal milestone, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, the 10-year-old twins of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène of Monaco, received their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The ceremony, held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, marked a significant spiritual step in the lives of the young royals and was quietly celebrated within the Principality.

The event was announced through official social media channels of the Prince’s Palace, which shared two portraits taken by court photographer Axel Bastello. One photo featured the twins standing solemnly in ceremonial attire, while the other depicted the entire princely family together on the cathedral steps. The post conveyed a warm congratulatory message: “On this First Holy Communion day, we extend our most sincere congratulations to Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella who received this sacrament with faith and commitment.”

Though details of the ceremony remain private, the occasion is a notable chapter in the lives of the first twins born to Monaco’s royal family. Now more frequently appearing at public engagements, the siblings are growing into their roles under the discreet guidance of their parents.

Preparing the Next Generation of Monaco’s Royal Family

Crown Prince Jacques, who is second in line to the throne, and his sister, Princess Gabriella, have gradually stepped into the spotlight in recent years. While Gabriella was born minutes before her brother, the Principality’s adherence to Salic law—prohibiting female succession—places Jacques as heir apparent. Nonetheless, Princess Gabriella is expected to take on significant ceremonial responsibilities in the future, similar to the role historically held by Princess Caroline prior to Prince Albert’s marriage.

In past interviews, Prince Albert has acknowledged the evolving public roles of his children, remarking, “They have to get used to it,” in reference to their future in the public eye. While official duties are still many years away, their presence at events and religious ceremonies signals the beginning of their public journey as Monaco’s future generation of royals.

The First Holy Communion not only underscores the children’s spiritual development but also reinforces the principality’s traditions and the close-knit nature of Monaco’s royal family.