It’s Albert as Santa’s helper

PRINCE Albert of Monaco competed at five consecutive winter Olympics in both the twoman and four-man bobsleigh.

But yesterday, at the age of 59, he appeared content to do nothing more strenuous than pull on a festive bobble hat and seasonal tie as he attended the annual Christmas tree ceremony outside Monaco Palace, accompanied by his South African wife, former Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene, 39.

The couple’s twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, have just celebrated their third birthdays, though Albert insists that their presents from Santa were carefully rationed — a toy truck for Jacques and a Barbie doll for Gabriella.