Prince Albert of Monaco takes twins Gabriella and Jacques, six, for day out at museum in Monaco

Prince Albert II of Monaco took his children for a fun day out at the Oceanographic Museum today – after Princess Charlene was unable to return home from South Africa trip due to infection.  

Princess Gabriella, six, and her twin brother Prince Jacques stole the show as they gave each other a heartwarming hug as they took to their seats alongside their royal father, 63, who donned a sharp navy suit jacket and dark beige trousers.

The young royal was wearing a gold floral headback and frilly pink dress and seemed enthralled by the afternoon’s presentation, while Prince Jacques looked dapper in a smart blue blazer. 

The trio all donned protective face masks in keeping with the country’s strict coronavirus safety guidelines.  

Prince Albert II of Monaco took his children for a fun day out at the Oceanographic Museum today (pictured, together)

Princess Gabriella, six, and her twin brother Prince Jacques stole the show as they gave each other a heartwarming hug as they took to their seats (pictured)

This year, children from the Roya valley were invited to discover the oceanographic museum and its treasures, a few months after the Alex storm which hit the valley and the entire Nice hinterland hard. 

The Principality immediately made a commitment, in particular financially, alongside the affected valleys and continues this commitment with actions such as the event held today.

The pair could be seen sitting next to their father offering a round of applause, however their mother Charlene was notably absent – after she was unable to return home from a recent trip to South Africa after contracting an infection, according to Hello!.  

Charlene, who also missed out on last week’s Monaco Grand Prix, was visiting the country where she was raised, to highlight the fight against rhino poaching – but is now battling an ENT (Ear, nose and throat) infection ‘that does not allow her to travel’, according to a statement from the Palace of Monaco.  

Prince Albert II of Monaco donned a sharp navy suit jacket and dark beige trousers. Pictured, with Princess Gabriella

The young royal was wearing a gold floral headback and frilly pink dress and seemed enthralled by the afternoon’s presentations, while Prince Jacques looked dapper in a smart blue blazer (pictured)

This year, children from the Roya valley were invited to discover the oceanographic museum and its treasures, a few months after the Alex storm which hit the valley and the entire Nice hinterland hard. Pictured, with their father, Prince Albert II of Monaco

The trio all donned protective face masks in keeping with the country’s strict coronavirus safety guidelines. Pictured, applauding during the event

On Saturday 22 May, the Palace of Monaco revealed Princess Charlene had extended her stay in South Africa after picking up an ENT infection ‘that does not allow her to travel’. 

In a statement, the palace said: ‘During a trip to the African continent as part of a wildlife conservation mission, SAS Princess Charlene contracted an ENT infection that does not allow her to travel.

‘Unfortunately, she will not be able to attend the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. SAS The Princess Charlene sends her best wishes to the Automobile Club of Monaco, organizer of the event, as well as to the drivers and teams involved in this great automobile competition.’

Prior to the announcement, Princess Charlene had been sharing images of her conservation efforts on Instagram.

She appeared alongside a rhino that had its horns removed in a painless process to try and deter poachers, who would harm the animal for its horns.  

The royal, sporting a camouflage jumper, was photographed hugging one of the rhinos while it had bandages over its eyes and ears following the procedure.   

Prince Albert II of Monaco took his children for a fun day out but Princess Charlene was notably absent after being unable to return home from South Africa trip due to infection. Pictured, with Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella

Prince Jacques reached out for his sister Princess Gabriella’s hand as they arrived at the event without their mother today 

Prince Albert II of Monaco and his children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella arrived at the museum earlier today

The Oceanographic Museum, which was founded by Prince Albert II of Monaco’s great-great-grandfather Prince Albert I, has been watching over the oceans for more than a century. 

The Museum is renowned throughout the world for its expertise and has more than 6,000 specimens on display. 

According to its official website: ‘From the flourishes on the façades to the décor in the halls, every aspect of the Museum’s architecture evokes the marine world.

Since it was opened on 29 March 1910, this Temple of the Sea, 6,500 square metres of which are open to the public, has been an international benchmark for loving, protecting and raising awareness of the oceans.’

Typically stylish, the young royal donned a gold floral headback and frilly pink dress and seemed enthralled by the afternoon’s presentation

Prince Jacques looked dapper in a smart blue blazer as he sat beside his royal father, Prince Albert II of Monaco (pictured)