A real royal ringmaster! Princess Stéphanie of Monaco is the star attraction as she poses with a parrot at the 45th International Circus Festival
Princess Stéphanie of Monaco was in high spirits tonight as she attended the opening night of the 45th International Circus Festival.
The Queen of Europe, 57, was caught up in the celebrations in Monte Carlo and happily posed for photos while an impeccably trained parrot perched on her shoulder.
Despite the cold temperatures, the mother-of-three, actress Grace Kelly’s youngest child and Albert II’s sister, cut a casual figure in loose-fitting jeans and a gray turtleneck.
Before the show opened, performers – including acrobats, magicians and bullfighters – gathered on stage to celebrate their royal guest.
Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, 57, posed for photos with a parrot for the opening night of the 45th International Circus Festival
The European queen beamed all over her face as she mingled with the cast, even leaning on a bullfighter in a shot.
The Queen is a huge supporter of the circus and first attended the event when she was just nine years old.
This is the first time the show has run since it was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Stephanie, patron of the impressive show, also helps oversee the circus festival and is involved in everything from choosing acts to choreography.
The Queen (pictured with performers) is a huge supporter of the circus and first attended the event when she was just nine years old
Stephanie’s father, Prince Ranier, was the mastermind behind the first festival, held in the principality in 1974
Magician Peter Marvey will be on stage this year alongside clown Mister Lorenzo Carnevale and tiger tamer Bruno Togni
Her father, Prince Ranier, was the mastermind behind the first festival, which now, as then, specializes in traditional circus performances from clowns to acrobats.
The festival is an annual event in the Principality and has been running since 1974.
The Queen attends the event every year and was joined by her three children for the opening of the 2020 festival.
At the 45th International Circus Festival, magician Peter Marvey will be on stage alongside clown Mister Lorenzo Carnevale and tiger tamer Bruno Togni.
Due to the pandemic, the festival has not been taking place since 2020. Stephanie (centre) poses with the cast ahead of opening night
Earlier this week, Stephanie’s brother Prince Albert became the first European royal to confirm his plans to attend King Charles’ coronation in May.
Monaco’s crown prince, 64, spoke affectionately of the British king ahead of his coronation on May 6, calling him “a very learned man and someone with a great sense of humour”.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Albert confirmed he and his wife Princess Charlene would be attending, adding: “I’m sure it will be an incredible ceremony and a very moving one.”
The event will be among the most high-profile Charlene has attended since her recent illness, which saw her spend 11 months away from the Mediterranean principality in her native South Africa and undergoing treatment for an unspecified condition.
Albert added: “We have kept in touch since His Majesty became King, but I have not spoken to him personally since the Queen’s funeral.”