Rose Ball, Monaco: 2005 - 2023


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Princess Charlene was not present to the bal de la rose but Caroline and her family was not present to the concert which celabrated the 10 years of the reign of prince Albert, princesses Caroline, , Stéphanie and their children are no more present to the Red Cross gala, they were not present to the princess Grace foundation at the palace in september 2015.


In december, Charlene was present at walk for the climat, she gave gifts , alone or with Albert to the children in the nurseris, in the homes for the old persons or handicaped persons.
Since the beginning of the year, we saw Charlene meeting the papa with Albert, she was attending the fests of the Saint Devote, she visited the refugees at Vintimille with Albert and she visited a school 2 weeks ago. She attended the events about the Saint Devote tournament


So, given that, she couldn't attend a signature event for the principality?

This is Monaco, and these events are the big draws. Why not have your royal family whole heartedly support them - all of two of them a year?
 
Princess Charlene was not present to the bal de la rose but Caroline and her family was not present to the concert which celabrated the 10 years of the reign of prince Albert, princesses Caroline, , Stéphanie and their children are no more present to the Red Cross gala, they were not present to the princess Grace foundation at the palace in september 2015.


In december, Charlene was present at walk for the climat, she gave gifts , alone or with Albert to the children in the nurseris, in the homes for the old persons or handicaped persons.
Since the beginning of the year, we saw Charlene meeting the papa with Albert, she was attending the fests of the Saint Devote, she visited the refugees at Vintimille with Albert and she visited a school 2 weeks ago. She attended the events about the Saint Devote tournament

It isn't actually a competition... "You didn't come to this so I'm not coming to that"!

Caroline and her family were there in total to stand in the square in front of the palace on an extremely hot day and listen to Charlene talking about the "prince de mon coeur" so they acknowledged Albert's 10 years.

It certainly seems that Stephanie and Caroline have decided to leave the Red Cross Gala to Albert and Charlene - let's hope she turns up because it certainly won't be nearly as interesting if we only have Albert in his sommelier's outfit to look at...

Also, Albert and his family are the future of the Principality, not his sisters - their involvement is nice but they're the "sideshow" now like Antoinette and her family were.

You've listed 5 things Charlene's done in nearly 3 months - as if that's an impressive list of events to have attended. It's not very many, really.

But... as I've said before, it's clearly an arrangement that suits her and Albert. It's odd to me (and others) so not surprising comments are being made.

Hope to see her out and about soon.

What did you think of the Rose Ball, by the way?
 
Unless one of the children was ill there is simply no excuse for the wife of the Sovereign Prince to skip out one of the Principality's signature events. [...]

With all respect, a fundraising ball is hardly a "signature event"... The only real signature events are -nationally- the Fête Nationale and Sainte-Devote, and -internationally- the Grand Prix Formule 1 in the streets of Monte-Carlo.
 
She didn't turn up for the circus either this year which outside of last year was a first. It's like she's avoiding Albert's family for some reason these days. I hope she goes to the tennis and the Grand Prix gala as she missed them last year. I know she was on maternity leave but as she was doing certain things last year I don't know why these events were missed. It's terrible that we are even having this discussion. There are certain events in Monaco that we should be guaranteed to see her at but I'm never sure if she will turn up anymore and that didn't used to be the case prior to her having the twins. She gets plenty of time with them so there is no excuse IMO.
 
She didn't turn up for the circus either this year which outside of last year was a first. It's like she's avoiding Albert's family for some reason these days. I hope she goes to the tennis and the Grand Prix gala as she missed them last year. I know she was on maternity leave but as she was doing certain things last year I don't know why these events were missed. It's terrible that we are even having this discussion. There are certain events in Monaco that we should be guaranteed to see her at but I'm never sure if she will turn up anymore and that didn't used to be the case prior to her having the twins. She gets plenty of time with them so there is no excuse IMO.

Apparently (sorry - can't remember where I read this) she has a problem with the animals performing (like many people do) so prefers to avoid the circus.

There may be a rift with Albert's family (they are a speciality of the Grimaldi family!) but there have been photos where all seems well - Gabriella toddling between Caroline and Charlene, Caroline and Charlene chatting at some unveiling thing, Charlotte and Charlene having a giggle off the balcony. Who knows?
It's odd.
 
Personally, I find nothing odd. Of course if one goes looking for trouble, s/he will find it. It's all about an individual's perception.

On that note, one can choose to be negative, or not. :)

Btw, thanks to the person(s) whom posted the live video of the Ball, and Princess Alexandra dancing, as well as the Casiraghi Family arriving. Photos don't do it justice, but video sure does, like night & day!
 
Personally, I find nothing odd. Of course if one goes looking for trouble, s/he will find it. It's all about an individual's perception.

On that note, one can choose to be negative, or not. :)

Btw, thanks to the person(s) whom posted the live video of the Ball, and Princess Alexandra dancing, as well as the Casiraghi Family arriving. Photos don't do it justice, but video sure does, like night & day!

I'm not being negative nor am I "looking for trouble" - I find it odd that Charlene has gone from attending many events to hardly any. I think this as I have followed this family for over 40 years and this seems to be a new model of operating. Some agree with me, some don't. I think, as I have now said repeatedly, that she and Albert have a set up that suits them.

I don't actually think there's a rift as such - I'll stick my neck out and say that I don't think Charlene and Caroline or Charlene and Stephanie have an awful lot in common but a rift, no. As I said, there have been events over the past year where Charlene has been pictured interacting quite happily with family members.
 
La gran ausente en el Baile de la Rosa: ¿Dónde estaba la princesa Charlene?

La gran ausente en el Baile de la Rosa: ¿Dónde estaba la princesa Charlene?

Where was Princess Charlene? asks Hola... Maybe skiing says the same magazine...

Alejandra de Hannover, la hija pequeña de Carolina de Mónaco, reclama su sitio

Alejandra de Hannover, la hija pequeña de Carolina de Mónaco, reclama su sitio

Alexandra of Hanover claims her place in Monaco

She is no Sovereign Princess but just the wife of.
She has no institutional obligations except just being the wife of.
The Bal de la Rose is no institutional obligation. It is a fundraising event for the foundation of which Princess Caroline is the organizator. Therefore she is the Dame d'Honneur and her family is attending. It is just a party, no ceremony of state...

So was Princess Grace, and that never stopped her from standing along side P. Ranier all the time, supporting him and teaming up with him. She involved herself in the principality's life, she created multiple associations and events, she work hard as hell. Maybe the difference is that P. Grace seemed to genuineally love the principality and her husband and family while Charlene seems to be living a burdeon. She looks always bored And as the wife of a rulling prince YES! SHE AS OBLIGATIONS!!! Take a look at Letizia, Maxima or Mary... Why should Madame Charlene be any different????
 
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I have one question: Why is Rose Ball organized during the Lent, when Catholics should refrain from festivities?
 
I have one question: Why is Rose Ball organized during the Lent, when Catholics should refrain from festivities?


That could be a reason she didn't go. There has been a lot of talk about how devoted she is. Maybe she has given up dancing or something for lent. Just a thought


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Eh, honestly, does it matter that she wasn't there? I think it's more important that Caroline keeps on this event with the support of Albert as the sovereign Prince. Imo in future when Gabriella is old enough to attend she slowly could be groomed to take this over with the support and connection of her cousins.
 
Biri, you raise an excellent point! I was not even aware of that, since I'm not Catholic. But if that is the reason why P Charlene chooses not to attend this particular Ball they should say so and all this speculation/discussion will end. And she will be highly respected...


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Really, in practice almost no West-European Catholic observes Lent. This will not be different in a mondaine sea resort floating on a bubble of unimagineable luxury with the own citizens completely outnumbered by 1 to 6 foreigners, not even counting the tourists.

It is very well possible that Charlène hates fundraising balls or diners. If you want to be charitative or generous: give. But not "in return" for a fancy ball, in your arch-expensive Dior dress, nipping Moët & Pommery Brut Rosé...

Caritas is best done in all discretion. I like it when I hear an anonymous donor gave something than counting the left-over after the costs for the Salle des Étoiles, the catering and the whole rambam.

She is no Sovereign Princess but just the wife of.
She has no institutional obligations except just being the wife of.
The Bal de la Rose is no institutional obligation. It is a fundraising event for the foundation of which Princess Caroline is the organizator. Therefore she is the Dame d'Honneur and her family is attending. It is just a party, no ceremony of state...

So was Princess Grace, and that never stopped her from standing along side P. Ranier all the time, supporting him and teaming up with him. She involved herself in the principality's life, she created multiple associations and events, she work hard as hell. Maybe the difference is that P. Grace seemed to genuineally love the principality and her husband and family while Charlene seems to be living a burdeon. She looks always bored And as the wife of a rulling prince YES! SHE AS OBLIGATIONS!!! Take a look at Letizia, Maxima or Mary... Why should Madame Charlene be any different????

Actually Grace was often bored as hell in the village which was Monte-Carlo. She was a cosmopolitan and saw in the Rose Ball an opportunity to be glamorous once again, posing with her Hollywood pals. It had little to do with "love for Monaco". That sugarcake fondant is already cracked by what we know about the real life of Grace. She was also an American, a Hollywood actress, she was known with the concept of rolling oneself in luxury with charity as a good excuse.

In my personal opinion Charlène is too down to earth, too grounded and too pure to fiddle around in this world of ultimate shallowness. She is a girl from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. While others dreamt of photoshoots, she made miles and miles in chlorine water. This sort of events are the natural habitat of a Donna Beatrice. The Princess however, looks like a lady to me, no more happy than just being home with little Jacques and Gabriella. And remember: it was just a ball in a sport club building. The Maison Princier was represented. By no one else than monseigneur le Prince in very own person.
 
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I am sorry but it is ignorant to say western Catholics don't observe lent. Many do, giving up something for the period like caffeine or sweets. Certainly giving up all luxuries is not common, but observing lent in some way is not forgotten :bang: That is not to say for a moment I think that is why Charlene is not in attendance at the event.

I also agree with those who say this is a major event. It might not be a 'national' event like Devotee, but it is certainly like the Circus, one of the key events of the year for the royal family. It certainly gets a lot of press which when it comes to such a small country is important for their charities. Just because it is Caroline's patronage, doesn't mean it is something that the whole family shouldn't attend. Or at least senior members.
 
Countessmeout, maybe it is like that in Canada. In european catholic countries it is rare to observe Lent nowadays and you shouldn't call ignorant the person who said so because she is absolutely right.

Religious people may not eat flesh on fridays but usually that's all.

I've never heard of anyone who ever gave up a dance because of Lent in my whole life. Not even very religious or old people.
Actually, in Spain plenty of other big religious festivities take place during Lent. And there is dancing, and drinking and singing, and everything you want.

About Charlene, I don't think the clue is whether the ball is a major or minor event. It's not a morning or afternoon event. It's really weird not to accompany your husband/wife to a dinner or ball that takes place a few steps away from your home.

I am sure her absence means something.
 
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Believe me, France is one of the most secularized countries. I have a house in Maussane-les-Alpilles, Provence, north of Marseille. In this country where laïcité is a dogma of the Republic, catholic life is very much irrelevant, I can assure you. The casino in Monte-Carlo will not have one customer less because it is Lent... When you would not know, you would never guess it is.
 
Really, in practice almost no West-European Catholic observes Lent. This will not be different in a mondaine sea resort floating on a bubble of unimagineable luxury with the own citizens completely outnumbered by 1 to 6 foreigners, not even counting the tourists.

It is very well possible that Charlène hates fundraising balls or diners. If you want to be charitative or generous: give. But not "in return" for a fancy ball, in your arch-expensive Dior dress, nipping Moët & Pommery Brut Rosé...

Caritas is best done in all discretion. I like it when I hear an anonymous donor gave something than counting the left-over after the costs for the Salle des Étoiles, the catering and the whole rambam.



Actually Grace was often bored as hell in the village which was Monte-Carlo. She was a cosmopolitan and saw in the Rose Ball an opportunity to be glamorous once again, posing with her Hollywood pals. It had little to do with "love for Monaco". That sugarcake fondant is already cracked by what we know about the real life of Grace. She was also an American, a Hollywood actress, she was known with the concept of rolling oneself in luxury with charity as a good excuse.

In my personal opinion Charlène is too down to earth, too grounded and too pure to fiddle around in this world of ultimate shallowness. She is a girl from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. While others dreamt of photoshoots, she made miles and miles in chlorine water. This sort of events are the natural habitat of a Donna Beatrice. The Princess however, looks like a lady to me, no more happy than just being home with little Jacques and Gabriella. And remember: it was just a ball in a sport club building. The Maison Princier was represented. By no one else than monseigneur le Prince in very own person.

If you say so... you have the right to your opinion, of course. To me Charlene is just a lazy, careless person who does a lousy job as a princess consort. But, then again, i never liked the woman from the start... she always looked like someone who took her engagement and following marrige as the utmost boring burdeon. If she was the kind of woman who had made miles and miles in chlorine water, as you say, maybe she should have chosen another path for her life instead of marrying a sovereign prince. Futil obligations sometimes come with this territory...
 
When a lady marries an aristocrat but prefers a more private life than being the belle of the ball, then this is a legitime choice. In every monarchy the head of state and the consort have partly separate agendas. Even in Spain where the duo Felipetizia seem glued to each other, they have separate arrangements indeed.
 
Countessmeout, maybe it is like that in Canada. In european catholic countries it is rare to observe Lent nowadays and you shouldn't call ignorant the person who said so because she is absolutely right.

Religious people may not eat flesh on fridays but usually that's all.

I've never heard of anyone who ever gave up a dance because of Lent in my whole life. Not even very religious or old people.
Actually, in Spain plenty of other big religious festivities take place during Lent. And there is dancing, and drinking and singing, and everything you want.

About Charlene, I don't think the clue is whether the ball is a major or minor event. It's not a morning or afternoon event. It's really weird not to accompany your husband/wife to a dinner or ball that takes place a few steps away from your home.

I am sure her absence means something.

Did I say dance or parties? Do you speak for every catholic person in Europe? I highly doubt it. What you choose to give up for lent is a personal choice. I have known people, including in Europe where I have lived thanks, who have given up television for instance. It is simply meant to be something that means something to you. The old tradition of it being fats and sweets (fat Tuesday) has adapted with time. So yes, to claim that all Catholics in the western world don't observe lent is ignorant.
 
It would surprise me when Charlène, whom had no Catholic upbringing, would follow a Catholic tradition which is hardly observed anymore. But okay: if she does, she deserves respect for doing so. I am a Catholic myself, but as I am already sharp on good food, do not smoke, do not drink without social reason, I do little else than sticking to fish on Fridays, but that is also the custom outside Lent anyway. I doubt Lent plays any role in the non-attendance at the ball.
 
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It is very well possible that Charlène hates fundraising balls or diners. If you want to be charitative or generous: give. But not "in return" for a fancy ball, in your arch-expensive Dior dress, nipping Moët & Pommery Brut Rosé...

Caritas is best done in all discretion. I like it when I hear an anonymous donor gave something than counting the left-over after the costs for the Salle des Étoiles, the catering and the whole rambam.



Actually Grace was often bored as hell in the village which was Monte-Carlo. She was a cosmopolitan and saw in the Rose Ball an opportunity to be glamorous once again, posing with her Hollywood pals. It had little to do with "love for Monaco". That sugarcake fondant is already cracked by what we know about the real life of Grace. She was also an American, a Hollywood actress, she was known with the concept of rolling oneself in luxury with charity as a good excuse.

Charlene may well hate balls and galas - funny decision she made marrying a Prince if that's the case.

Who says charity is best done with discretion? Many people want to get dressed up, eat good food and have fun - if they're prepared to pay their money to do so AND also raise money for charity why shouldn't they? I find the assumption that the charity is just an excuse a bit smug and patronising. Not to mention the sniffy comment about Princess Grace being American.

The charitable organisation will take the money whether it's given anonymously or not. It doesn't buy more just because somebody didn't give it publicly.

Grace may well have been bored as hell - most people have periods in their lives where they get bored. So what did she do? She got off her bum and did stuff - charities, events, gardening, art, she carved a little cultural niche for herself towards the end of her life. She may not always have loved Monaco but she made an effort to be a part of it and they certainly loved her in the end. At least she was in the Principality for decent lengths of time, even when she was based in Paris with Caroline and Stephanie.
 
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Yeah, no. I think some jobs require you to soldier on and do things and be out there whether you´d rather do them or not. Unless you´re experiencing some extreme medical condition, then you`re expected to stay at home, otherwise, you go out there and play nice.

I`m in the diplomatic field, Ambassadors and other foreign service officers attend the dullest, most boring/glamorous/sometimes irrelevant events because it`s expected. Most of these people are a provincial, introverted, humble lot but attending events is a way to make contacts that eventually help build your niche in your career that could ultimately assist in promoting your country. The Consort of Monaco is the top 2 diplomat of her country, ideally. I honestly don`t think there`s any excuse. But what do I know.
 
on the events of the prince Albert and princess Charlene tread, I never read so many comments on Charlene. she had a lot of events since last november ,, read the events where Charlene was present , of course, january and february are a dead time where there are not a lot of events apart the Sainte Devote cérémonies which are more important for the people of Monaco than the bal de la rose where they have not enough money to attend to these rich events
Last year, Charlene attended other events at the palace, she prefers to give events as wife of the prince with Albert at the palace, there were the diner before the grand Prix and during the festival of the TV. there was a gala for the first time at the palace , the princess Grace foundation awards and it was a sucess and there will be other events in the palace , she was also present to the Red Cross gala this summer.notn a lot of comments about these events


The bal de la rose is not a state event , it is an event made for the rich people , which was made by the director of the SBM to attrack the rich people in 1954, after 1975 the raised money was for the princess grace foundation which was just begining. Of course Princess Grace was president of the bal , at her death, Prince Rainier gave the princess Grace foundation to Caroline, Albert is the vice president, Caroline became president of the bal de la rose as the prince Albert. it is why Albert is present to the bal de la rose.
I prefer to see Charlene present to the Sainte Devote cérémonies, the processions of the ' vendredi saint and fe la fete Dieu, last year, she was alone at the procession while Albert was present to the Cowes regates. to the visit to the handicaped people who attend the grand prix or to the visit to the school for Young children as she did 2 weeks ago.
But it is my own opinion
 
on the events of the prince Albert and princess Charlene tread, I never read so many comments on Charlene. she had a lot of events since last november ,, read the events where Charlene was present , of course, january and february are a dead time where there are not a lot of events apart the Sainte Devote cérémonies which are more important for the people of Monaco than the bal de la rose where they have not enough money to attend to these rich events
Last year, Charlene attended other events at the palace, she prefers to give events as wife of the prince with Albert at the palace, there were the diner before the grand Prix and during the festival of the TV. there was a gala for the first time at the palace , the princess Grace foundation awards and it was a sucess and there will be other events in the palace , she was also present to the Red Cross gala this summer.notn a lot of comments about these events


The bal de la rose is not a state event , it is an event made for the rich people , which was made by the director of the SBM to attrack the rich people in 1954, after 1975 the raised money was for the princess grace foundation which was just begining. Of course Princess Grace was president of the bal , at her death, Prince Rainier gave the princess Grace foundation to Caroline, Albert is the vice president, Caroline became president of the bal de la rose as the prince Albert. it is why Albert is present to the bal de la rose.
I prefer to see Charlene present to the Sainte Devote cérémonies, the processions of the ' vendredi saint and fe la fete Dieu, last year, she was alone at the procession while Albert was present to the Cowes regates. to the visit to the handicaped people who attend the grand prix or to the visit to the school for Young children as she did 2 weeks ago.
But it is my own opinion

We don't need to read her events thread - we know what she did. And comments were made.

How do you know what she prefers? Did she tell you?

Nobody said the Bal de la Rose was a state event. Charlene faithfully attended every year until the year before last - why not now? You were expecting her to attend this year...

The fact is she was very present in the life of the Principality right up until she had the twins, had some maternity leave and returned to duties. There has been a very evident reduction in the number of public appearances since last summer.

The visit to the school was 3 and a half weeks ago not 2.

It's weird. And that's my opinion.
 
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I am sorry but it is ignorant to say western Catholics don't observe lent. Many do, giving up something for the period like caffeine or sweets. Certainly giving up all luxuries is not common, but observing lent in some way is not forgotten :bang: That is not to say for a moment I think that is why Charlene is not in attendance at the event.



I also agree with those who say this is a major event. It might not be a 'national' event like Devotee, but it is certainly like the Circus, one of the key events of the year for the royal family. It certainly gets a lot of press which when it comes to such a small country is important for their charities. Just because it is Caroline's patronage, doesn't mean it is something that the whole family shouldn't attend. Or at least senior members.


Lent is very much still observed in the Catholic Church but usually by giving up something you like such as sweet food or drink. Etc.


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I find weird Princess Charlene absences in many duties with Prince Albert, as well as her absence at Pierre and Andrea's wedding.
As far as the Bal de la Rose is concerned I personally think Princess Charlene left the limelight to her sister in Law Princess Caroline "Who stepped into her mother shoes" as Prince Rainier said years ago. The reason is mainly that Princess Caroline is the Princess Grace foundation Patron and She attend the Ball along with his Brother and her Family, as well as Princess Charlene left the limelight to Princess Stefanie and her family for all it is concerned about the Circus Festival. As simple as that.
 
Truth be told, I could care less if Charlene showed up or not. I've avoided any thred about her and Pr. Albert for a long time now. If she shows, she's criticized for the dress she wore, the color she wore, her hair, all being appropriate, to flashy, to blah.
if she does not show, it's because she'd rather be with the kids, she wants a divorce, she's unhappy with her choice in life, blah blah blah.
I take it in stride. sure, she should have shown up to the ball. but it was just "another" event which she chose to support her husband. For whatever reason, no one knows. I hate the speculation.
I just came to look at the attendees and enjoy the pictures that we get, not speculate the reasons why she chose to do what she did.

Pr. Caroline: for some odd reason, I "think" I like her dress.
Charlotte: Ghastly outfit, ghastly color. and that cape thing??? ugh! hideous...
Tatiana: frumpy as always (nothing new there) (expected)
Beatrice: I am so glad that someone chose to wear a ball gown to a ball! (shocking) I just wish her hair matched the dress/jewels. (fabulous)
And as for the little one, her name is slipping my mind right now, age appropriate, but the dress confuses me with that black strip above her bust line. not very flattering. and was that the actual dress or was it an over coat and the actual "dress" underneath?? it was nice to see her there.
 
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To me, it is not odd to perform separate royal duties as a couple. What IS odd to me however, is for one spouse to be absent at events, while duties, are galas, where one naturally brings a date. This would include weddings, balls, etc. I've seen several arguments floated - she wants to be a mother first and foremost. Fair enough, but she hardly has such a grueling schedules that she can't take an evening away (especially considering the nannies and the fact they are likely in bed by 7-7:30 pm), or that she dislikes balls - she's the wife of a reigning prince and they hold TWO balls a year, I think she can deal with that and in fact has an obligation to do so.

If you don't show up at the wedding of your husband's nephew and you don't show up at a ball if your sister-in-law and her family are also in attendance, it can only mean one thing to me; there's a rift. Why, who caused it, I don't know. However, the rift seems clear as day to me.
 
To me, it is not odd to perform separate royal duties as a couple. What IS odd to me however, is for one spouse to be absent at events, while duties, are galas, where one naturally brings a date. This would include weddings, balls, etc. I've seen several arguments floated - she wants to be a mother first and foremost. Fair enough, but she hardly has such a grueling schedules that she can't take an evening away (especially considering the nannies and the fact they are likely in bed by 7-7:30 pm), or that she dislikes balls - she's the wife of a reigning prince and they hold TWO balls a year, I think she can deal with that and in fact has an obligation to do so.



If you don't show up at the wedding of your husband's nephew and you don't show up at a ball if your sister-in-law and her family are also in attendance, it can only mean one thing to me; there's a rift. Why, who caused it, I don't know. However, the rift seems clear as day to me.


I think you could be right I don't think Caroline would be a warm and fuzzy sister in law which of course is just MO. Sometimes there is no going back after a family upset which is very sad. They did all seem happy about the twins but thats not saying they all get on.


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