Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco get into the Christmas spirit as they hand out presents to children at the Prince’s Palace

Most children only dream of meeting a real prince and princess – but today the lucky youngsters were welcomed by Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco at the Prince’s Palace.

The royal couple, who were joined at the annual Christmas event by Camille Gottliebthe daughter of Princess Stephanie from Monaco, gifts handed out to the excited children.

Former Olympian Charlene, 45, looked festive in a red jumper, which she teamed with matching boots with vibrant heels.

She wrapped up warm in a black coat as she walked arm-in-arm with her husband Albert, 65, who wore a Christmas-themed tie for the occasion.

He paired his red accessory – decorated with designs of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, stockings and presents – with a crisp white shirt and navy blue jacket and trousers.

Charlene and Albert, who share twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, 9, looked on cheerfully as they chatted with families visiting the palace.

It’s been a busy month for the couple, who attended a charity Christmas fundraiser last week Red Cross Headquarters.

The couple spent the afternoon handing out Christmas presents to elders as part of the festive celebration.

It came shortly after an adorable portrait of the Monegasque royals was revealed by fan accounts for their 2023 Christmas card.

The image shows the royal, 65, and the former Olympic swimmer, 45, posing next to their young children, Crown Prince Jacques and his twin sister, Princess Gabriella, who both celebrated their ninth birthdays last week.

Although the palace has not yet released the official portrait, an early copy was shared by a royal fan account at Instagram. The official version is expected to have higher definition.

In contrast to the informal Christmas card from the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Royal Family of Monaco opted for a much more formal approach.

Princess Charlene looked spectacular in a sophisticated velvet dress with a draped burnt copper neckline.

Most children only dream of meeting a real prince and princess – but today the lucky youngsters were welcomed by Princess Charlene (pictured) and Prince Albert of Monaco at the Prince’s Palace

Former Olympian Charlene, 45, looked festive in a red sweater, which she teamed with matching boots with vibrant heels

Charlene dressed warmly in a black coat as she walked arm in arm with her husband Albert, 65, who wore a Christmas-themed tie for the occasion

Charlene and Albert, who share twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, 9, looked on cheerfully as they chatted with the families visiting the palace

Albert paired his red accessory – decorated with designs of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, stockings and presents – with a crisp white shirt and a navy blue jacket and trousers

The mother of two lovingly embraced her son Jacques, who wasted no time leaning against his mother’s chest.

Smiling in front of a Christmas tree, Albert matched his son and dressed to the nines in a tuxedo. During the photo shoot, he stood behind his family, keeping one hand firmly on his wife’s back.

Nine-year-old Gabriella put on a sweet show in a deep red dress, which, like her mother’s, was made of velour.

It comes after Princess Charlene stunned in a silver ensemble as she posed with Santa Claus at the Hotel de Paris Christmas ball in Monaco. The former Olympian attended the festive event without her husband Prince Albert.

The South African-born royal opted for classic Hollywood glamor and was sure to turn heads in the figure-hugging glittering dress which she teamed with diamond earrings and a statement make-up look.

With a striking red lip and smokey eye, the princess styled her hair in a choppy bob.