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WithPrince Albertdiagnosed with COVID-19for the third time,Princess Charleneled the traditional boat burning ritual commemorating Monaco’s patron saint, St. Devote, with her children.
Dressed in a brown coat and matching suit, Princess Charlene — who celebrated her 45th birthday this week — greeted locals before leading 8-year-old twinsPrince JacquesandPrincess Gabriellainto a chapel, where they attended a brief service prior to the traditional reenactment and bonfire lighting.
Princess Gabriella,dressed in pink, and Prince Jacques need little help using their red and white torches to light the bonfire, which consumed a full-sized model of the boat that carried St. Devote to Monaco’s shores. The twins showed off their close bond, hugging each other and playing as the fire grew.
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Later, a thief tried to steal St. Devote’s relics. He was caught before he could escape and his boat was burned, inspiring the bonfire.
The saint herself, the tale continues, miraculously reappeared to the citizens in the 16th century, before an onslaught from Genoese troops. Devote, the faithful believe, protected the Principality during the six-month siege, her presence bringing victory to Lucien Grimaldi, Lord of Monaco.
There is one other role related to Saint Devote which ties her to Princess Charlene.
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Prince Albert sported a face mask as he made his first appearance since announcing his third coronavirus diagnosis alongside his wife and their two children on the palace balcony.
source: people.com
