The Princely Palace has released new official photographs of Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella to mark their 11th birthday on 10th December.
The portraits, taken by Vanessa von Zitzewitz, include individual images of each twin alongside a touching photograph showing Jacques with his arm affectionately around his sister’s shoulders. The gesture reinforces the close bond between the siblings that has been evident throughout their childhood.
Simple birthday message from palace
The Palace accompanied the photographs with a straightforward message: “A very happy birthday to Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, who celebrate their 11th birthday today.”
Born on 10th December 2014, the twins have grown up in the public eye, regularly appearing at official events including National Day celebrations, sporting occasions and cultural gatherings. As they enter their second decade, both continue to take on age-appropriate public roles alongside their parents, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.
Trusted photographer captures family moments
Von Zitzewitz has become the Princely Family’s photographer of choice for official portraits, having captured multiple images of the family over recent years, including the 2025 Christmas card released last week. The German-born photographer, who has lived in Monaco for 30 years, is known for her elegant portrait work and has photographed distinguished personalities including Pharrell Williams, Mick Jagger and Michael Schumacher.
Her work for the Princely Family consistently captures both the formality required of official portraits and the genuine warmth of family relationships, as evidenced in the birthday photographs showing the affectionate connection between the twins.
Growing up in the spotlight
As Hereditary Prince, Jacques is first in line to the Monegasque throne, whilst his twin sister Gabriella, born two minutes later, holds an important position within the Princely Family. Despite the formal distinction in their future roles, the siblings have consistently demonstrated a close and supportive relationship in public appearances.
The twins marked another milestone earlier this year when they both appeared in the annual Christmas card alongside their parents and Princess Charlène’s chihuahua, Harley. That photograph, also taken by von Zitzewitz, showed the family in a more relaxed setting, reflecting the Princely Family’s occasional moves towards less formal public imagery.
The release of birthday photographs has become an annual tradition for the palace, offering the public glimpses of how the twins are developing whilst maintaining appropriate privacy for children growing up under intense public interest. The portraits serve both as official records of the heirs’ progression and as a gesture of connection with Monaco’s residents and well-wishers worldwide.
See also:
Sitting pretty: tiny Harley joins Monaco’s Princely Family for festive portrait
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Main photo credit: Vanessa von Zitzewitz