Charlene and Albert of Monaco: This is how they are raising their twins

Prince Albert II of Monaco, 65, has recently given a little insight into the upbringing of his eight-year-old twins and into his own childhood at Monaco's Palais Princier. He told Gala that as children, the Prince and his sisters walked around everywhere, as News Germany reports.

My sisters and I walked around everywhere, stuck our heads in different rooms and looked who was working there.

Prince Albert was born in 1958, the second child and only son of Prince Rainier III (1923-2005) and Princess Grace Kelly (1929-1982). He has an older sister, Princess Caroline, 66, and a younger one, Princess Stéphanie, 58.

Albert and his sisters roller skated in the Palace

Prince Albert told Gala some anecdotes from his childhood in the Palace, laughing as he recalled roller skating in the galleries.

For us kids, it was an adventure to discover everything. For example, I went roller skating with my sisters in the Hercules Gallery. Our curator wouldn't let me do that today. But I never broke anything.

For his children, the twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, the palace in the middle of the small principality of Monaco should also be more than just a magnificent building.

Well, the palace is also a place where we live as a family. There are areas, for example the gardens, where the children can feel completely free and play. It helps them to develop a sense that this is not only an official place, but also their home.

The fact that many tourists come by to visit this home every day, in addition to the fact that many people work there around the clock, is something you 'get used to,' as Prince Albert said.

We know: Visitors come to the West Wing from Easter to October, so we try to avoid standing around in the courtyard too long during that time.

Read more:Prince Albert's radical decision about succession could impact Princess Charlène significantly

Jacques and Gabriella do not only play in the garden

For Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, however, playing in the gardens is not the only thing on their calendars. Albert and his wife, Princess Charlène, 45, also want to teach the two 'step by step' about the centuries-old tradition they are part of - after all, the Grimaldi family has lived in Monaco, nicknamed the Prince's rock, for more than 700 years.

We've already shown them the state apartments and other important rooms. But it's not something you do in a day.

When it comes to education, the princely couple generally don't seem to be too strict with their children.

We also don't tell them to sit down and listen to a lecture. We want them to discover things for themselves. Step by step, they will understand what it all means. And what an incredible legacy we're leaving them.

Eight-year-old Prince Jacques, in particular, wants to be well prepared: he is first in line to the throne and will one day become prince of the small state of Monaco, after his father. Although Princess Gabriella is a few minutes older than her twin brother, she is only second in line. Male heirs have got priority in Monaco.

Read more:Princess Charlène: The royal's Easter photo raises questions about her marriage

Sources used:

Gala: EXCLU – Albert de Monaco, ses confidences sur ses jumeaux Jacques et Gabriella : “Ils sont très fusionnels”

NewsGermany: Prince Albert II of Monaco: Palace is “a home” for his twins