The devoted princess

It is a major event in Monaco's year and the wife of the sovereign prince is a regular feature there. But no one would have raised an eyebrow had Charlene not been out and about in the cool night air for the traditional boat burning ceremony that takes place the night before the feast of Saint Devota. But just six weeks after giving birth to twins, the princess is devoted to duty.

The look of devotion - Princess Charlene smiles at Prince Albert during celebrations on the eve of St Devota's Day

(photo Palais Princier Facebook)

Saint Devota is the patron of Monaco, She was martyred on Corsica in the fourth century and after her death it is said that Christians took her body across the sea to prevent it being burned but they were hit by a storm and a dove guided their boat to Monaco where they came ashore. Fishermen discovered Saint Devota's body and built a chapel in her honour there.

Looking stylish, calm and confident - Charlene is back on duty

And it was at that chapel that Princess Charlene famously wept on her wedding day. After her religious marriage she had gone to the special spot to leave her bouquet and on her exit from the chapel, she wiped away a tear. No one knows why the new princess cried then but after rumours, which Charlene always denied, that she had tried to flee the principality before the ceremony some took it as a sign of sadness rather than an overjoyed bride overcome with emotion.

Charlene and Albert set fire to a boat as part of celebrations for the feast of St Devota on January 26th 2015

Since then she has been a devoted consort and one of her most high profile appearances every year has been at the cermonies marking the feast of St Devota. But two six week old babies to look after and a major operation to recover from might have been enough for anyone to excuse the princess from the duties this year. Charlene was having none of it and strolled out looking happy and relaxed on this special day for the principality.

Albert and Charlene looked very happy indeed on St Devota's Day 2015

She spent lots of time greeting the many people who had come out to see her and her husband and to take part in the celebrations before helping set fire to a fishing boat in a traditional ceremony that always takes place the day before the saint's feast day. Charlene seemed to be having a great time on this first big night out since becoming a mum. A happy mum taking part in celebrations - Charlene is the devoted princes..