Christmas came early for a large group of children who were invited along to the royal palace in Monaco this week. The youngsters were greeted by Princess Caroline who, along with her siblings Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie, presented them with a selection of festive gifts.
Dozens of children went along to the traditional get-together in Monte Carlo. And there were quite a few presents to be handed out, so a burly Santa Claus had to be called in to help deliver the goodies.
The annual event marks the beginning of the Christmas festivities in the principality and the Monegasque royals were eager to get into the holiday spirit. But notable by his absence was Prince Rainier, who was recently hospitalised because of a chest infection. The 81-year-old's failing health also made it impossible for him to attend the national day celebrations last month.
Rainier has suffered repeated health scares in recent years. In February he was admitted to a heart and chest clinic to have a troubled blood vessel repaired and last Christmas he likewise missed the gift-giving ceremony because of persistent flu symptoms.
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