What now for Princess Charlène: Duties, Roles and Responsibilities

[victor1319]

It is good to be Sovereign!

The British Monarch though is merely a figurehead whereas the Sovereign of Monaco has to make real decisions.

That is absolutely correct! And because of that can nobody a) demand anything from the wife of a Sovereign Prince, b) will there be no need to mention a "work shy" Princess, which is wasting "taxpayer's money ", how it is happening in England all to often and c) am I convinced, that the Prince knows, what he is doing.

The only absence that disturbs me, is the French of the Princess. How can she have an ear for her subjects and the overwhelmingly mighty neighbour France, if she does not speak the language?

 

[tommy100]

It would certainly seem to me that Albert is fine with the current status, with what Charlene does/doesn't do now.

For all we know this could have all been agreed beforehand:

Maybe Charlene didn't want to do the public duties one might expect so Albert agreed she didn't have to so they could marry for love.

Maybe Albert, mindful of his mother and how she overshadowed Ranier asked Charlene not to undertake official duties.

Maybe Albert and Charlene agreed not to step on the toes of Caroline and Stephanie so allow them to undertake most of the public duties Charlene would otherwise do.

Or maybe Charlene is laughing all the way from the Grimaldi's French chateau at the very thought of having to get out and do anything remotely like work.

Who knows. But it doesn't seem that there is all that much getting missed by Charlene not doing events, Albert goes alone or one of his sisters goes.

I will say though I am surprised Charlene doesn't seem more proficient in French even if Albert and those around them also speak English. That said, I am rubbish with languages so may the same is true of Charlene and she is trying but struggling.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

That is absolutely correct! And because of that can nobody a) demand anything from the wife of a Sovereign Prince, b) will there be no need to mention a "work shy" Princess, which is wasting "taxpayer's money ", how it is happening in England all to often and c) am I convinced, that the Prince knows, what he is doing.

The only absence that disturbs me, is the French of the Princess. How can she have an ear for her subjects and the overwhelmingly mighty neighbour France, if she does not speak the language?

"Subjects"?
The Prince has no "subjects". He always and ever speaks about "Chers compatriotes (the 5.000 monégasques), chers résidents (the 30.000 non-monégasques), chers amis".

"Overwhelming neighbour France"
There is no any problem when the non-native French tongue of the Princess is not sufficient to communicate with the Élysée. There are translators. Like the ones they use when Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin or Donald Trump see the French president.

"An ear for her subjects"
The ear of the State of Monaco is not the human ear of the Prince. That is the ear of the lady behind the counter of the social care office, that is the ear of the carabiniere calming a lady whose portefeuille has been pickpocketed, that is the ear of the officer of the Monaco environment agency fining a resident for littering.

I know this is a royal forum and we all have a romantic idea but I am astonished by the doom and gloom which is predicted in case of a regency of Charlène. As is not exactly so that no one else but Charlène is the very first to make sure that any interest of her Jacques, the apple of her eye, her everything, is defended and protected to the maximum. She will do everything to pass it in perfect state to Jacques and she will be helped by professionals. No any worry.

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

Hardly but being a Princess doesn't exclude her from having an Easter Vacation,the Spanish and Belgian RF were also on holidays over Easter.

They probably also do a lot more work than Charlene.

 

[Susan D]

Wow! Reclusive! Maybe she's at home with the children. I must admit, however, that I do not understand Princess Charlène; for instance, I am baffled as to why she does not wear the Grimaldi ice. Then, she was not suitably dressed for a Swedish royal wedding that she attended some years back. So, her behaviour is odd and I hope that she does NOT become a recluse. I also hope that the children go to posh schools so that they grow up more royal than their mom.

 

[Lee-Z]

I don't think it's correct to call her a recluse, she shows up at events of her preferred causes a lot, travels regularly (especially to south africa) and i recall pictures of her on holiday with jetset friends were she seems very open and outgoing, she also shows up at big public events like F1 races (also outside of Monaco) so i don't think she's uncomfortable with those things either, and she does do some local events in Monaco like visit the elderly..

She's just not into "foreign royal events" which is a pity for us royalty-followers

With regards to a regency: i'm sure she'll "defend the apple of her eye" but as there is much more to a regency than that it's all the better that there will be a team of people helping her with all the non-apple-of-her-eye stuff.
For the foreign royal events i could see that team having at least one Grimaldi/Casiraghi family member..
But, in my personal opinion, it will be best if a regency is not necessary and P.Albert can educate P.Jacques on all the items that are required to be the monarch of Monaco, and not to be a cherrypicker..

 

[victor1319]

"Subjects"?
The Prince has no "subjects". He always and ever speaks about "Chers compatriotes (the 5.000 monégasques), chers résidents (the 30.000 non-monégasques), chers amis".

Well semantics, just wording! The folks there call him Boss, Patron, Monseigneur what means "Mylord".

 

[O-H Anglophile]

Wow! Reclusive! Maybe she's at home with the children. I must admit, however, that I do not understand Princess Charlène; for instance, I am baffled as to why she does not wear the Grimaldi ice. Then, she was not suitably dressed for a Swedish royal wedding that she attended some years back. So, her behaviour is odd and I hope that she does NOT become a recluse. I also hope that the children go to posh schools so that they grow up more royal than their mom.

It would have been inappropriate for Charlene to wear Grimaldi jewels to the Crown Princess’s wedding in 2010. Albert and Charlene were not yet married.

 

[JR76]

It would have been inappropriate for Charlene to wear Grimaldi jewels to the Crown Princess’s wedding in 2010. Albert and Charlene were not yet married.

I think they meant Princess Madeleine's wedding were Charlene wore neither orders or a tiara.

 

[An Ard Ri]

I think they meant Princess Madeleine's wedding were Charlene wore neither orders or a tiara.

Can't recall if Charlene even wore earrings to Princess Madeleine's wedding?

 

[JR76]

Can't recall if Charlene even wore earrings to Princess Madeleine's wedding?

Looking at a picture now and it doesn't look like it

 

[sophie25]

Can't recall if Charlene even wore earrings to Princess Madeleine's wedding?

She wore no jewellery at all even though she received 2 tiaras as wedding gifts and had also received the Order of St. Charles at that point. She looked bizarre compared to all the other guests.

 

[Queen Claude]

Since it's being discussed, some photos of Princess Charlene of Monaco from the Wedding Of Princess Madeleine & Christopher O'Neill

https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/...rlene-Monaco-wore-glamorous-gown-Princess.jpg

https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/...ess-Charlene-Monaco-among-guests-Princess.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f3/8b/49/...2a1--princess-madeleine-princess-charlene.jpg

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Wedding+Princess+Madeleine+Christopher+O+Neill+aajg7rTgjwdx.jpg

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Wedding+Princess+Madeleine+Christopher+O+Neill+W7fuO1PTcXNx.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrZb-Nwny...k+Princess+Madeleine+Marries+gO4AUCQmobIx.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/31/91/ba/3191baf287865882a756b085258489a8.jpg

http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Princess+Mary+Prince+Frederik+Wedding+Princess+Qs1WNkCVX49x.jpg

 

[Pranter]

She definately needed some bling.


LaRae

 

[Susan D]

I've just found out that the Grimaldi jewels belong to a foundation. Therefore, it is appalling that the Princess of Monaco, Princess Charlène, does not wear these pieces from time to time. There are many negatives about a monarchy and there are a few positives and one of these positives is the image of continuity. Thus, Princess Charlène would be a proper First Lady if she wore the Grimaldi jewellery. She is not doing her job and she is wrong.

 

[Elly C]

Her lack of jewellery is so striking as we look back at her appearance amongst other royals at that wedding. I recall at the time there was talk she was allergic to metal which later proved to be unfounded. It makes me think this was following the advise of some fashionista that this look required no jewels. I prefer not to think it was done out of any sense of pique.Either way, I think Charlene has a better sense of royal etiquette and the traditional expectations. Without harping on too much about jewellery (as there is a separate thread for this), I do wonder if the lack of tiaras and wearing traditional Grimaldi pieces is an outward aspect that defines her view of her role, as less regal and more approachable - just a thought.

 

[An Ard Ri]

She's have to be seen to be deemed approachable and there are long gaps between her appearances,the Sovereigns sisters are far more visible than his consort.

 

[Elly C]

She's have to be seen to be deemed approachable and there are long gaps between her appearances,the Sovereigns sisters are far more visible than his consort.

Yes, very true. I did say it was her perceived “view” of her role.

 

[TRCRoyal]

I think we often forget that prior to the birth of the twins, Princess Charlene, even since before the engagement, was accompanying Prince Albert all over the world, from Ireland to Japan on events. This is the woman that made MULTIPLE trips to the US for forums and the Princess Grace Awards while heavily pregnant. So it's not like she's always been "lazy" or "invisible". What happened after the birth of the twins? we don't know.

Could it be that she wants to stay at home and take care of the twins? Possibly. Does that make a ton of sense? Not really.
Could it be that she's suffering from something that we don't know about? Possibly, especially since the Grimaldi's are very private and don't announce anything.

When the Princess was in Abu Dhabi, she spoke French in an interview and seemed to have gotten progressively better. When Prince Albert announced that she would become regent if need be, he mentioned that she was getting the help she needed to undertake the role. So Monaco and the twins will be fine.

As for wearing jewelry at Princess Madeleine's wedding, she wore ZERO jewelry to both the pre-wedding dinner and the wedding itself. Both looks were designed and styled by Albert Kriemler, the creative director of Akris. I believe it was him that decided that she should keep a minimalistic look and not wear any jewels. Was it disrespectful? Not according to the palace representative we've contacted at the time who said that tiaras were not a requirement.

What I find confusing is how she's comfortable doing many high-profile events on her own, like the Princess Grace Awards which she hosted at least twice on her own, but not lower-profile royal events like Prince Charles's birthday which was not photographed. Since she's met the Prince of Wales several times, I didn't understand why she didn't attend.

She seems to have significantly more events planned this year (compared to 2017, not to 2014) so she could be easing herself back into royal life now that the twins are at school.

 

[C4A]

^^^ previous

Sensible post.
I don’t think she is lazy or disinterested; I do believe we don’t have all the facts and details at hand to make any comments regarding her commitment to her role.
They seem to be happy with the status quo.
I, too, will be happy when she becomes more visible in Monaco and attend more events.

 

[Princess Larisa]

^^^ previous

Sensible post.
I don’t think she is lazy or disinterested; I do believe we don’t have all the facts and details at hand to make any comments regarding her commitment to her role.

I agree. Every time people start harping on about Charlene I’m reminded of Empress Masako and CP Mette-Marit.
We have no idea what is going on in a royal’s private life and what the reasons for some of their decisions might be, so I prefer to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. It’s not like any of us know these people in real life, what difference does it make to our life?

 

[Florestane]

I agree. Every time people start harping on about Charlene I’m reminded of Empress Masako and CP Mette-Marit.
We have no idea what is going on in a royal’s private life and what the reasons for some of their decisions might be, so I prefer to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. It’s not like any of us know these people in real life, what difference does it make to our life?

The difference being is that in both the cases you cite some kind of announcement has been made. If there is some personal reason for Charlene's lack of engagement in Monaco public life it might be better from a PR point of view to say something - bearing in mind that she is of course, perfectly entitled to keep her personal business private.

It's not really about the press or people on social media but more about the impression she gives in Monaco - I know for a fact there are people there who are mystified and positively vitriolic about her lack of visibility.

As to "harping on" - it's a discussion, this is a discussion forum.

 

[Lee-Z]

On 11-05 the Saint Devote rugby tournament, organized in collaboration with P.Charlene's foundation, will be held
Saint Devote Rugby Tournament Announcement - 11.05.2019 - Princess Charlene of Monaco foundation

With all the remarks we made recently about not seeing her, i have a feeling she will attend this one, so hopefully we get to see pictures on the foundation's site

 

[melina premiere]

I posted the photos of the meeting of Charlene with the Usa , South africa and Mauritius teams on the Princess charlene events board

I announced already the sainte devote tournament video on this board, because the videos are not allowed here


The children of the South Africa are the orphans of the Liv village, they came in the case of the South Africa Monaco rugby exchange


For these children, I think it must be a dream and it is the third schools where P Charlene is taking care this year


She visited two schools of desavantaged chldren in Benoni with her children at the beginning of the year and she came back to raise money at the charity royal tace for these schools and I understand that nobody was commenting this nice gesture for these children


Charlene is working with her foundation and Don't care to the critics of some persons on this forums

 

[muriel]

I agree. Every time people start harping on about Charlene I’m reminded of Empress Masako and CP Mette-Marit.
We have no idea what is going on in a royal’s private life and what the reasons for some of their decisions might be, so I prefer to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. It’s not like any of us know these people in real life, what difference does it make to our life?

I agree with you, it is difficult to assess what may well go on behind those Palace walls. There could be multiple factors at play, so I see little point in speculating.

The difference being is that in both the cases you cite some kind of announcement has been made. If there is some personal reason for Charlene's lack of engagement in Monaco public life it might be better from a PR point of view to say something - bearing in mind that she is of course, perfectly entitled to keep her personal business private.

Yes, but whatever the issue, they many well not be at the point where it is appropriate to make a statement, irrespective of the prognosis. M-M had been ill for some time before the Palace made any announcement in relation to her health and prognosis.

 

[Florestane]

I posted the photos of the meeting of Charlene with the Usa , South africa and Mauritius teams on the Princess charlene events board

I announced already the sainte devote tournament video on this board, because the videos are not allowed here


The children of the South Africa are the orphans of the Liv village, they came in the case of the South Africa Monaco rugby exchange


For these children, I think it must be a dream and it is the third schools where P Charlene is taking care this year


She visited two schools of desavantaged chldren in Benoni with her children at the beginning of the year and she came back to raise money at the charity royal tace for these schools and I understand that nobody was commenting this nice gesture for these children


Charlene is working with her foundation and Don't care to the critics of some persons on this forums

I don't suppose she cares about your updating everyone on her 3 events of the year so far either.

Yes, but whatever the issue, they many well not be at the point where it is appropriate to make a statement, irrespective of the prognosis. M-M had been ill for some time before the Palace made any announcement in relation to her health and prognosis.

No. And they don't need to make a statement - like I said, it is her private business. If indeed, there is an issue. It could simply be that this is how she and Albert have agreed they will do things.

It might just explain to some people what's going on - and I dont mean the people on this forum, I mean the Monégasques wondering what's happening.

Anyway, it seems she has a few things lined up in the next few weeks so that should please people.

 

[An Ard Ri]

On 11-05 the Saint Devote rugby tournament, organized in collaboration with P.Charlene's foundation, will be held
Saint Devote Rugby Tournament Announcement - 11.05.2019 - Princess Charlene of Monaco foundation

With all the remarks we made recently about not seeing her, i have a feeling she will attend this one, so hopefully we get to see pictures on the foundation's site

Charlene should hopefully attend as it falls under the umbrella of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and will be hailed in some quarters as evidence of her proactiveness and others will see it as cherry picking.

 

[melina premiere]

I think you joke Florestane,


Princess Charlene attended the Sainte devote célébrations, the patron of the principauty of Monaco and the patron of the princely family, The Princess caroline and princess Stéphanie were missing


She attended the midmare miles where her foundation was raising money for the princess Charlene foundation in SA, she visited two schools of desavantaged children in Benoni


She inaugurated wit her husband and her children the one monte Carlo


She was near Albert to receive the president of China



She attended the general assembly of the road safety of Monaco with Albert


With Albert, she visited Peille and made honors citoyens of this village



She visited the mobile unit of the red cross


She attended the royal race at Johannesbourg to raise money for 2 schools


She attended the procession of the holy Friday on the balcony of the palace with Prince Albert and Jacques, where were Caroline ?


Happily, she does not read the critics of some persons on this forum

 

[Florestane]

No, it's called sarcasm.

I wish you would make up your mind about whether you think Caroline and Stephanie should be at events or not - you criticise them for not turning up to things but take every opportunity to point out that they are "only" the Prince's sisters.

Caroline and Stephanie haven't attended Sainte Dévote celebrations for years - why should you expect them this year?

Why should Caroline turn up to the Good Friday appearance? Where was Gabriella?

I could list lots of events that Caroline and Stephanie have attended and ask where Charlene was. I would have an even more impressive list if I said everything Albert did that Charlene doesn't appear at. It cuts both ways, you know. Caroline and Stephanie were at the lunch for the Chinese President as well.

You need to stop this nonsense about people criticising - it's a discussion forum, people discuss things, they have opinions and they aren't always going to agree with you. I could say the same about you and Princess Caroline - you take any opportunity to get a snide dig in at her and her children.

You should learn to recognise nuance - and stop trying to present Charlene as someone who walks on water. She's a good person who does some good things and does some admirable things, has achieved some things other people could only dream of, is a loving mother... but she has her faults just like anyone else. Just like Caroline, Stephanie, Albert, even the sainted Grace.

And by the way in a previous comment you said that people didn't comment on the nice things she does that you posted - you're wrong, people did, they were appreciative. Stop making things up to suit your narrative.

 

[C4A]

How about we try a little kindness and not get so defensive and personal?

“Judge tenderly, if you must. There is usually a side you have not heard, a story you know nothing about, and a battle waged you are not having to fight.”
— Tracei Lea LaRussa