The traditional San Juan celebration in Monaco has left a strange feeling this year. Among fireworks and dances, what stood out the most was the unexpected attitude of one of the usual protagonists of the Grimaldi family: Princess Gabriella.
The youngest daughter of Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene, who will turn ten in December, appeared serious and absent. The little girl did not show that sparkle that for years has charmed the press and the Monegasque public.
Concern for Princess Gabriella
For months, those who closely follow the royal family have noticed a clear change in the little girl. Gabriella, known for her spontaneity and cheerful character, seems to have lost some of that spark.
She had always shown herself as the free spirit of the Grimaldi family: friendly, smiling, and not very concerned about formalities. That naturalness, which contrasted with her father's more rigid style and her mother's melancholic expression, seems to have faded little by little.
Some speculate that this change could simply be due to a stage of growth. Gabriella is at that moment of transition toward preadolescence, when many children become more reserved and more introspective.
Others, however, do not rule out that she is influenced by the emotional environment around her. Especially by the figure of her mother, Princess Charlene, who for years has been nicknamed by some as "the sad princess."
Urgent statement about Charlene of Monaco and Princess Gabriella
This climate is compounded by a recent disappointment: the cancellation of an official trip to Japan, which Gabriella had looked forward to with excitement. The principality announced just a few days ago that, for security reasons, the visit was postponed.
The official statement details that "as a result of recent events in the Middle East, it has been decided that the princess and her children will not participate in this trip." The reason, according to the Royal House, is to protect the family in the face of growing geopolitical tension between Iran and Israel.
The Royal House has prioritized the protection of Charlene and her children over diplomatic commitments with the Japanese monarchy. This way, they have chosen to postpone the trip given the current international scenario.
Meanwhile, the Monegasque people watch Gabriella's change in attitude with some unease. Is it just a passing phase or the reflection of something deeper?