Dogs help royal twins learn Zulu
Princess Charlene of Monaco’s twins are learning Zulu – thanks to the help of the family’s two Chihuahuas‚ Thula and Wena.
The Benoni-raised princess made the revelation in Johannesburg on Wednesday as she arrived in the country to attend the annual Nelson Mandela lecture by former US president Barack Obama on Sunday.
In a light-hearted interview‚ Princess Charlene said her three-year-old twins‚ Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella‚ were learning a few Zulu words as part of keeping them in touch with their African roots.
Princess Charlene was born in Zimbabwe.
“We are getting a little bit‚ like ‘thula wena’.
“I have two Chihuahuas‚ one named ‘Thula’ and the other is ‘Wena’‚” she said‚ giggling.
The former Olympic swimmer‚ who was clad in a grey Italian luxury cashmere throwover by Loro Piana and grey ankle boots‚ wore her smile throughout the high tea at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park.
“It’s always great to come back home.
“I always found that in my life swimming gave me an opportunity to travel the world.
“I always felt responsible and a need to give back to my country and give back to those who are less fortunate.”
Being a mother has been a major game-changer for her‚ but she has managed to keep fit and stay healthy.
“Being a mom has added pressure and responsibility; you have to educate and keep them safe.
“They are asking me questions and want to have conversations with me‚ which is more stressful.”