There were warm smiles all round as a beaming Prince Albert and glowing Princess Charlene officially launched the Christmas season in the Principality on Thursday 7th December.  

The Princely couple were first pictured down at the Village de Noël on Port Hercule, which had opened for the holidays earlier that day. Together they pressed the big red button that lit up the massive Christmas tree in the centre of the Christmas Village, before greeting the crowds and dancers that had turned out to witness the festive occasion. 

^ Among those who joined Prince Albert and Princess Charlene down on the Quai Albert Ier were Princess Stéphanie, Mayor Georges Marsan, Minister of State Pierre Dartout and President of the Conseil National Brigitte Boccone-Pagès.  

^ Behind Mayor Georges Marsan, a live band prepared to play a selection of festive tunes to the many revellers.  

^ Prince Albert, Princess Charlene and Princess Stéphanie spent some time greeting those who had ventured down to the port for the much-awaited opening of the Christmas Village.

^ Later, the Princely couple, pictured here alongside Stéphane Valeri, the President-Delegate of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), headed up to the Place du Casino to switch on the lights of the star-topped Christmas tree in the heart of Monte-Carlo.

^ Christmas is now in full swing in the Place du Casino.

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Prince Albert and Princess Charlene officially start Christmas festivities in Monaco

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Main photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier de Monaco