A Different Kind of Royal Childhood
Let’s face it—royal parents haven’t always had the best reputation when it comes to hands-on parenting. Historically, they’ve often left the day-to-day responsibilities of raising kids to nannies and tutors. But here’s a surprising twist: Princess Caroline of Monaco, who knows a thing or two about growing up royal, has opened up about her own childhood and revealed just how much her nanny shaped her early years. Speaking to journalist Isabelle Rivère for her new book, Albert II of Monaco, The Man and The Prince, Princess Caroline shared some heartfelt memories about her relationship with Maureen Wood, the nanny who became a central figure in her life.
“For my brother and me, Maureen was the key figure in our lives,” Princess Caroline revealed. She went on to explain that while her parents—actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier II—were loving, their busy royal duties meant that Maureen filled a void. “When we were little, we were probably closer to our nanny than to our parents,” she admitted with honesty. This candid admission offers a rare glimpse into the often unseen dynamics of royal family life.
The Bond That Kept Them Together
Princess Caroline’s connection to Maureen wasn’t just about routine care; it was an emotional bond that ran deep. She recounted how devastated she and her younger brother, Prince Albert, would feel whenever Maureen went on vacation. “When she was leaving Roc Agel, Albert and I would yell, ‘Don’t go, don’t go!’” Caroline said with a laugh, recalling the innocence of childhood. “We were so upset, we’d be sad for days.” Their distress was so palpable that their mother, Grace Kelly, would often intervene. “Most of the time, our mother would end up calling Maureen to ask her to come home earlier than planned,” Caroline revealed, showing just how much Maureen meant to the family.
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The Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier family portrait captures the elegance and charm of Monaco’s royal lineage.
Maureen’s Magical Touch
Maureen Wood wasn’t just a caregiver; she was a creative force who brought joy to the children’s lives. According to the new book, even when Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were away, Maureen found ways to make the kids feel special. One time, when the royal parents were attending a family wedding in Greece, Maureen decided to host a pretend gala dinner at the palace to cheer Caroline and Albert up. “I decided that we would have our own gala dinner at the Palace,” Maureen shared fondly. “The Chef cooked a special menu, Caroline wore one of her mother’s gowns, Albert wore a uniform, and I wore a gown too. Then we put on music, and we danced.” Sounds like something straight out of a Mary Poppins movie, doesn’t it?
A Royal Legacy Through Different Eyes
Contributors to the new book include not only Princess Caroline but also Prince Albert himself and, of course, the beloved nanny, Maureen Wood. Their stories paint a vivid picture of life within the walls of the Monaco palace, showing us that behind the glittering facade of royalty lies a family that, like any other, relied on love, laughter, and the people who truly cared for them.
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This story was originally crafted by Rebecca Cope and first appeared on our sister site,Grazia Daily.
