Jacques was born at Monaco's Princess Grace Hospital,[1] two minutes after his sister Gabriella.[1] The Prince's Palace of Monaco released a statement describing how the birth was to be celebrated in the principality. Forty-two cannon shots (twenty-one for each child) were to be fired from the Fort Antoine and church bells were to ring for fifteen minutes, followed by boat horns. The twins were presented on 7 January 2015 which was declared a public holiday in Monaco.[2]
Princess Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer for South Africa, revealed that she chose the name Jacques, a name of French origin that is common in her homeland. The names Honoré and Rainier are common among previous rulers of Monaco.[3] He received the title Marquis of Baux from his father.[1] Prince Jacques and Princess Gabrielle have an older half-sister, Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, and an older half-brother, Alexandre Coste, from their father's previous relationships.[4]
Events
The twins were baptised at the Cathedral of Monaco on 10 May 2015. Jacques' godparents are his father's cousin Christopher Le Vine Jr, and Diane de Polignac Nigra.[5] Jacques and his sister wore custom Dior christening gowns embroidered with their monograms.[6]
At 7 months old, he and his sister were trained by the South African Kiddies Aqua Swimming Academy to have water survival skills.[7] His mother stated that they enjoy being in the water and are talented at swimming.[8]
