In search of royal gold

The princess arrived in Singapore to cheer on her daughter

She is there not only to support the Principality’s team but also her own daughter, Pauline Ducruet who is competing in the 3m springboard diving event.

Asked who is going to be the more nervous at the springboard competition next Monday, mother or child, Princess Stephanie said: "I think probably me, because it means so much to her. They (the athletes) are so young and at the beginning of a career. That is what is so great, that they have the opportunity at these Olympic Games to test their skills."

The princess has witnessed first hand the struggles that her daughter has gone through to make it to Singapore, but maintains that she has supported Pauline's choices thus far and will continue to support her every step of the way. "Being there and being patient because, especially as it is already a difficult age for youngsters. They are always doubting their skills and their performance. That is where family is so important. You deal with those moments that every athlete goes through. It is not fine every day."

Ducruet began diving four years ago and dreams of representing the principality at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. If she did she would follow in the footsteps of her uncle Prince Albert II, who represented Monaco at five Winter Olympics in the bobsleigh and great-grandfather John Kelly, who won three Olympic Gold medals for the USA in the 1920’s. "I guess we have the Olympics in our blood," said Princess Stephanie.

Whatever the outcome of the event on Monday, Princess Stephanie believes that Ducruet has already learnt from her experience in Singapore: "It is like a big camp [the Olympic Village] and I when I look in my daughters' eyes I see the stars she has in them. Of course she wants to make the finals but she wants to enjoy herself and have the best experience of her life, have great memories and make new friends."

TD