Princess Stephanie's circus love

Monaco's Princess Stephanie "laughed and joked" as she was introduced to an elephant after welcoming a famous circus to town.

The daughter of Prince Rainier and the late Princess Grace- who was previously married to acrobat Adans Lopez Peres after first being linked to his boss circus director and elephant trainer, Franco Knie - welcomed the America Circus Troupe to Monaco for the 35th year.

The 45-year-old princess is the royal patron of the annual Circus Festival of Monte Carlo, an international gathering of circuses, and onlookers said she looked relaxed and happy as she spoke to elephant trainer Flavio Togni after the group arrived in the country for its annual 10-day festival starting this week.

A source told HELLO! magazine: "Stephanie looked like she really enjoyed being introduced to the animals at the circus. She looked very happy and relaxed and laughed and joked as she spoke with the trainers.

"It's a massive festival in Monaco and it's tradition for the royals to enjoy the show like everyone else."

Stephanie recently revealed she is looking forward to welcoming former Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstick into the Monaco royal family when her brother Prince Albert get married later this year.

Prince Albert, 52, and 32-year-old Charlene - who have been dating for five years - are set to marry in a lavish two-day ceremony in Monaco in July with 4,000 guests.

Stephanie said to France's Le Parisien newspaper about their big day: "I'm planning on enjoying this great moment of happiness for my country, my brother and for all the Monegasque people.

"I'm very happy for him."