The sleeping superstars

There were bells, there was cheering, there were cameras clicking all over the place and yet these two little superstars in the making slept all the way through it. As Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella were presented to the people of Monaco it seemed the least excited of the thousands there were the babies themselves. Wrapped in cream blankets and nestled in their parents' arms, the newest royals in Europe had a good snooze while celebrations for their arrival went on all around them.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco with their children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella

(photo Palais Princier Facebook page)

The square in front of the Prince's Palace was packed out and decked out as well as the red and white of the Monegasque flag fluttered in the weak winter sunshine, The new mum and dad appeared on the balcony with Charlene holding Gabriella and Albert showing off Jacques.

A kiss from mother to daughter - Charlene and Gabriella alongside Albert and Jacques on January 7th 2015

(photo Palais Princier Facebook page)

Auntie Caroline and Auntie Stephanie were also there to join in the celebrations, watching from another window. And there was also time for a walkabout as the new parents popped the babies back into the nursery and headed out to receive the good wishes of the huge crowds who had turned out to see them, The princess, in cream and with a new haircut, looked relaxed and very happy while the prince beamed with pride. And they were soon surrounded by thousands who wanted to pass on their own personal congratulations.

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert in the middle of the huge crowd that turned out to see them as they officially presented their son and daughter to the people of Monaco

(photo Palais Princier Facebook page)

The twins were born by Caesarean section on December 10th 2014 at the Princess Grace Hospital and came home on Christmas Eve. Gabriella Therese Marie is two minutes older than Jacques Honore Rainier but it is the baby prince who is now heir to the throne.  On the day of their birth there were 42 cannon shots fired - 21 for each baby - and the church bells of Monaco rang for fifteen minutes before all the boats in the principality sounded their horns. Today, the celebrations continued.

Princess Charlene is greeted by a young fan as she goes on a walkabout after showing off her twins for the first time

(photo Palais Princier Facebook page)

Their parents had already shown them their twins in images taken for Paris Match magazine but today's event follows in the tradition that Albert himself was part of when a newborn - Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace officially presented their son soon after his own arrival. Now their grandchildren, Albert's heir and spare, have made their own royal debut. These babies will grow up to be two of the most photogaphed people in Europe but on their first big day out they slept through the whole thing. Calm, peaceful and serene - Their Serene Highnesses Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco.