Monaco's Princess Charlene swapped her pre-royal life as an Olympic swimmer for carrying out royal engagements with her husband, Prince Albert – but that didn't require her to give up her hobby completely.
The couple live in the Prince's Palace of Monaco with their twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. Built as a Genoise fortress in 1191, it has been the official residence of the Sovereign Prince since 1297 and features panoramic views of the Mediterranean and a private outdoor swimming pool.
The latter, which is located within the private gardens designed by Princess Grace, was pictured in 1983 as Albert posed for portraits. Shrouded by trees and surrounded by lawn, the large pool has a water feature and a slide positioned at one end. On one side sits a white iron table and chairs, where Albert sat with his dog in the dappled sunshine.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetThe serene location is likely a hit with the Monegasque royals in the summer, when temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius. Not only is it the perfect play area for Albert and Charlene's twins, but it also allows the former sportswoman to privately enjoy the sport that was such a huge part of her pre-royal life.
Royal life
© Getty Images"In the early stages of my relationship, I had no intention of moving from South Africa. Swimming was my only goal," the princess previously told Tatler.
"Giving up competitive swimming was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make," she sighs. "I was not emotionally prepared to retire or for the change of life that it entailed."
© GettyAfter she retired in 2007, Charlene moved into the palace that was formerly home to Albert's parents, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III. While Charlene admitted they kept many details from his late mother, she also wanted to put her own stamp on the residences, which she called "one of the most beautiful places in the world".
Ahead of her 2011 royal wedding, the bride-to-be commented: "This place needs a woman's touch. You can tell that a woman hasn't lived here for a while. I want to make some big changes to the interiors to modernise things and liven it up."
Strict home rules
© GettyCharlene has since happily posed with her husband and children at their royal home, with one snap showing them in front of the pool. However, Charlene likely has strict rules for her kids around the use of the swimming pool after her family suffered a tragedy when she was a child.
In an interview with French newspaper Ouest-France (via Monaco Tribune), Charlene revealed that she lost her cousin Richard in a devastating drowning accident as a child.
Since becoming a member of the Monaco royal family, Charlene has been heavily invested in teaching children to swim and raising awareness of the dangers of water through her dedicated foundation.
The Princess says that learning to swim "should be a fundamental right, just like learning to read."
