Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Jacques and Gabriella | Prince Albert II, Nicole Coste and Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste | Jazmin Grace Grimaldi andPrince Albert II | Source: Getty Images
Princess Charlene has been instrumental in keeping her family together.
Despite her husband having kids from previous relationships, involving court sessions and an unending rift between their mothers, she encouraged him to embrace family.
Now, the Prince of Monaco is enjoying a smooth sail with his eldest kids, proving that blood is thicker than water.
His older kids, Jazmin and Alexandre, reciprocate the love and are bonding with their younger half-siblings.
Recently, Prince Albert was photographed with his two eldest kids, who he shares with former lovers, a retired Togolese air hostess, and a US waitress. The photo making the rounds showed the royal sitting close to his daughter and son.
The Prince's eldest child, Jazmin Grimaldi, 30, from his romance with Tamara Rotolo, extended her arms towards him and her younger half-brother, Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste, whom he shares with Nicole Coste.
For the family hangout, they dressed differently but adorably. The Prince donned a two-piece suit with a white undershirt. The buttons on his jacket were undone to give a more casual look.
His daughter, Jazmin, looked gorgeous in an all-black dress, and matching shoes, while her blonde tresses draped past her ears. Similarly, Alexandre opted for a collared shirt with rolled sleeves, which looked casual on his chinos pants.
Prince Albert of Monaco at the funeral of Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg on May 04, 2019 in Luxembourg, Luxembourg. | Source: Getty Images
This never-before-seen snap, taken in New York, showed the family smiling from ear to ear as they sat behind a table filled with food and drinks. Nicole later shared it.
Prince Albert's Legal Battles and Paternity Troubles
It took a long time for Albert to establish a relationship with his love kids, but of late, he has welcomed the idea of being a constant figure in their lives.
Although the rumor mills have churned out words regarding Charlene not being supportive of her husband's relationship with his love kids, an insider explained that it is false.
Nicole Coste and her son, Alexandre Grimaldi Coste at "Together" Monumental Sculpture by Lorenzo Quinn unveiling Cocktail at Hotel Mariott on July 06, 2021 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
Alexandre and his mother are also enjoying every moment of their life. First, the duo was spotted on a getaway in Rome, and later, they attended the prestigious Rose Ball in Monaco.
The first time Nicole met the Prince was at the 2000 Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo in the 1990s. This also coincided with when he met his wife, Charlene.
At the time, Nicole worked as a flight attendant and became involved with the royal. Their relationship lasted for five years until 2003 when their son was born.
Jazmin Grimaldi at the premiere of "Philomena" hosted by The Weinstein Company at the Paris Theater on November 12, 2013 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
However, it was only after the media grasped hold of the news. It took two years before Alexandre's existence became known. This happened when Nicole granted a bombshell interview with Paris Match, a French magazine. According to Nicole:
"Albert made a commitment from the start to be present, and to gradually bring his son into his family."
Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco after their civil ceremony at the Prince's Palace on July 1, 2011 in Monaco. | Source: Getty Images
Although Albert did not deny paternity, he was enraged that his ex-lover shared the details without telling him. Still, he confirmed the news two months before ascending the throne as the crown Prince of Monaco. Albert admitted:
"She had just informed me that she was going to release something, I thought it would be just a birthday photo. It was inappropriate, I was furious to find that out."
Shortly after his admission, the Prince acknowledged another child (his teenage daughter living in California), as he risked a legal battle with the girl's mom, Rotolo.
Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco at the Monaco Palace cocktail party of the 55th Monte Carlo TV festival on June 17, 2015 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. | Source: Getty Images
The duo was romantically involved in 1991 when the waitress vacationed on The French Riviera. Although their affair was brief, it led to the birth of their child. Thierry Lacoste, his lawyer, explained that Albert had intended to keep his parentage away from the media until Jazmin reached adulthood.
However, her father's identity came into question after The Desert Sun, a US newspaper, hinted that her birth certificate named Albert as her dad. Nevertheless, the Palace maintained its status quo and declined to comment on the matter, calling it a private affair.
Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II at the Yorkshire Variety Club Golden Ball at Harewood House on September 4, 2011 in Leeds, England. | Source: Getty Images
But Lacoste shed more light, claiming that Jazmin had become family and could visit Monaco. He added that she would have no claim to the throne and would not take on the Grimaldi last name. This was also the case for Alexandre.
Princess Charlene Was Encouraged by the Family Bond
Despite the age gap between Princess Charlene and her husband, they have managed to make things work, establishing an enviable relationship.
Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock at the Black Moon Benefit Gala for the Mandela Foundation, hosted by Lancia on board of the Signora del Vento on May 15, 2010 in Monaco, Monaco. | Source: Getty Images
What many believed would have been a controversial issue for the couple seems simple, with the Princess surprisingly acting as the unifying force.
Although the rumor mills have churned out words regarding Charlene not being supportive of her husband's relationship with his love kids, an insider explained that it is false. The source alleged:
"Charlene was really the one that was trying to pull the whole family together." She's really been the champion for these kids in some ways. I'm not going to say she wants to have them around all the time because there is some contention on many fronts."
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco with their children Jacques and Gabriella after the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Monaco street circuit in Monaco, on May 29, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
The Prince also confirmed that his wife's relationship with his older kids has evolved, with her becoming more approving of them as the years rolled by.
While Albert is firmly aware of his role in the lives of Jazmin and Alexandre, he also fulfills his fatherly obligations to his younger offspring: the couple share twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabrielle.
Prince Albert Is a Hands-on Dad to His Love Kids
Thankfully, the Monaco Prince has found a way to blend his family, and despite the history with his exes, everything seems to be working fine.
Jazmin Grace Grimaldi and Prince Albert II of Monaco at the 2020 Hollywood For The Global Ocean Gala honoring HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco at Palazzo di Amore on February 06, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The older kids are getting familiar with their younger half-siblings while spending memorable time with their father. In a shared photo, Jazmin posted slideshows from 2021 highlights. These throwbacks represented family time with the father and his four children.
One of the snaps featured a big sister with her arms around the others, but Alexandre, Jacques, and Gabrielle. Sources speculated that the photo was taken when Charlene was away in South Africa.
Jazmin, who met her dad at 14, after three years of a legal battle between her parents, confessed that she always longed for her father's presence. It seems refreshing now that she has it, as they enjoy each other's company.
Jazmin Grace Grimaldi at the 2022 Humanitas Prizes Awards ceremony luncheon at The Beverly Hilton on September 09, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The 30-year-old also shared a connection to her grandmother, Grace Kelly, the actress-turned-royal. She inherited her passion for entertainment and acknowledged her connection to the superstar.
On the other hand, Charlene has been responsible for Alexandre and Albert's connection. She made it seamless for the young adult to know his dad after encouraging the Prince to embrace him as a toddler.
Apart from bonding with their dad, the older siblings have sparked an admirable friendship. When Alexandre turned 18, Jazmin was present to celebrate the milestone, and she shared photos honoring the celebrant.
Prince Albert II of Monaco during the celebrations marking Monaco's National Day, on November 19, 2018 in Monaco. | Source: Getty Images
Albert also marked the event significantly; he was there for the birthday bash! Following the party, the Prince gave the nod to his son, claiming the young man had a "really good upbringing" and adding that he often feels delighted spending time with him.
The Prince has set a good example showing that a strained relationship with a former lover should never limit a parent's involvement with a child. Through the years, he has stayed true to fatherhood sharing his time with his older and younger kids.
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