Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques of Monaco, both 10, posed for back-to-school portraits this week wearing character-themed backpacks and accessories, the princely family said, a reminder of the everyday tastes of children even within royal households.
The twins were photographed holding hands outside Institution François D'assise-Nicolas Barré as they began the new academic year. In social-media images posted by the family, Princess Gabriella sported a baby-blue bag decorated with the Sanrio character Cinnamoroll and clipped to it a Labubu collectible, while Prince Jacques carried a simpler satchel with a geometric pattern and Roblox branding. "A new school year full of discoveries, friendships and adventures awaits them," the caption read. "The Family wishes all the students of the Principality a very nice start to school!"
Labubu figures are made by Chinese toy company Pop Mart and have become collector items in recent years, described by retailers as small plush or figurine characters that often sell at a premium. Resale prices for popular Pop Mart pieces have at times surged, and media reports this summer said a life-size Labubu was reported to have fetched about £127,000 at auction. Roblox is widely used by children as a gaming platform and brand merchandise is commonly seen in school-age communities in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
The twins have attended the Monaco school since 2021, Monaco Life reported. The family’s public-posted images come amid a period of reduced official engagements for Princess Charlene and follow the palace’s announcement in June that she and the children would not join Prince Albert for planned visits to Japan, citing "current events taking place in the Middle East." The palace conveyed that decision via Hola, and said Princess Charlene expressed "sincere thanks" to the Monaco Pavilion teams and hosts who had been due to welcome her.
Prince Albert proceeded with the scheduled engagements in Japan without his immediate family. He was accompanied on the trip by his sister, Princess Stéphanie, and members of her family, the palace said.
The family’s back-to-school photos arrive against a backdrop of broader scrutiny of palace affairs. French newspaper Le Monde published excerpts this year from a police interview with Claude Palmero, the former financial adviser to the Palace of Monaco, who was arrested by Monegasque authorities last September and subsequently released without charge. Palmero, who managed the family's finances for more than two decades, has made allegations about financial arrangements and property use that he said related to members of the princely household. Those claims have been reported in French and international press as allegations; the palace has not publicly corroborated them.
In recent months, media reports have also described Princess Charlene maintaining a lower public profile and said she had spent time with France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron. Those reports cited palace sources and tabloid coverage, noting private meetings and public appearances together.
The princely family's social-media post did not reference the other matters in its caption, focusing instead on the start of term and well-wishes for students in Monaco. The photographs and brief message underline the personal, everyday moments that remain visible in royal life even as institutions navigate public scrutiny and diplomatic engagements.