Inside Princess Charlene of Monaco’s palace with stunning marble staircase that was deserted for 20 years
TAKE a look inside Princess Charlene of Monaco’s breathtaking Palace and life of luxury.
The princess and husband Prince Albert have lived in the iconic landmark for seven years with their twin children Jacques and Gabriella.
Outside, the royal courtyard is paved with three million white and coloured pebbles, laid in mesmerising geometrical patterns.
On the ornately decorated walls lay 16th-century Genovese frescoe mythological paintings.
A Leonardo Da Vinci designed marble staircase sits between equally impressive Carrara marble columns.
This royal family also enjoy splashing in their huge aqua swimming pool, shaded with palm trees and located in pristine, green grounds.
Although tourists can visit the Palace, Princess Charlene and Prince Albert have given the public occasional glimpses into their glamorous lives.
The royal couple staged their engagement photographs in the courtyard, which is the usual setting for big events.
Their stunning wedding photos further revealed the lavish interior, with a regal double marble staircase wrapped with vibrant green and white flowers.
Guests walked along ostentatious red carpets and sat comfortable on red velour chairs.
The Monegasque Royal Family use their balcony overlooking the city in a similar fashion to the British Royal Family at Buckingham Palace.
In 1983 Prince Albert was photographed in the Throne Room dressed his naval uniform.
It showed off impressive red and gold walls, illuminated by crystal chandeliers and decorated with fine artwork.
In fact, many of the priceless murals were only discovered recently as they had been concealed by layers of paint at different points throughout the Palace history.
They include Italian Renaissance frescoes painted by artists who were influenced by Michelangelo and Raphael.
A team of experts painstakingly uncovered more than 600 square metres (6,450sq ft) of mythological scenes.
Prince Albert once told Hello: “We discovered extraordinary things like the ceiling of the Throne Room, which is one of the last great interior works.
“We may find ourselves with more surprises. In any case, I’m very happy to have done this work, in an extremely eco-responsible way, with high-quality people and, above all, a team of restorers of the highest order.”
The Palace had even been abandoned for 20 years before being brought back to life by the Prince and Princess.
The Gallery, used for the presentation of a future prince or princess and the State Apartments, used for hosting their Christmas parties, are also glorious.
Marble mosaic designs include the monogram of Prince Rainier III – who is credited with the greatest restoration project of the Palace.
Florentine and Boulle furniture originates from the reign of Francois I and the silk draped walls are donned with royal portraits.
HISTORY
Princess Charlene and Prince Albert’s Palace was constructed in 1191 and originally built as a fortress.
It serves as a powerful reminder of Monaco’s history as its residents celebrated 700 years of rule from the same palace in 1997.
From the 19th to early 20th centuries, it took on a new reputation of glitz and glamour, similar to that of Monte Carlo.
This drew Hollywood icon Grace Kelly to the Palace and she later became the Princess of Monaco in 1956.
And take a look at the Spanish Royal family’s stunning £600million Royal Palace that boasts a throne hall and a royal armoury room.
Facing the Spanish capital’s Plaza de la Armeria, the beautiful palace is one of the largest in the world with over 3,400 rooms.
