Ensuring the line of succession to Monaco’s throne, it was recently announced that Princess Charlene will be having twins when she gives birth in December. The royal palace announced on Thursday, October 8 that the 36-year-old wife of Prince Albert II is currently pregnant with two babies.

“The Prince and Princess of Monaco are happy to confirm they are expecting twins… at the end of the year,” the palace said in a statement. Charlene’s twins will reportedly replace Albert’s sister Caroline as heirs to the throne.

A close friend of Albert, New York plastic surgeon Jon Turk, recently recounted how Charlene found out that she was carrying twins and how she broke the news to her husband. While having her first ultrasound, Charlene apparently called Albert out of a meeting and said, “We’re going to have a baby!” After that, Albert reportedly went back to his important meeting.

However, a few minutes later, Charlene supposedly called him back when they found a second baby in the sonogram. “He was busy in a meeting [and didn’t know why she was calling] and reluctant to come out. But when he came out, she said, ‘We’re going to have two babies!’ Two calls for two kids!” said Turk, who is also a trustee of the Princess Grace Foundation, which was set up in honor of Albert’s mother.

Albert and Charlene spent the last week in the US attending events in support of the Princess Grace Foundation, which in turn supports up-and-coming actors. At an awards ceremony in Palm Springs, Charlene proudly wore her baby bump in a chic navy blue silk dress, apparently looking relaxed and happy. Albert seemed protective of Charlene, clutching her hand as he ushered her into the venue.

ICYMI: Princess Charlene is expecting twins and she feels ‘absolutely great’ http://t.co/7jrjP2Jalq pic.twitter.com/lbvWdxu7Pm

— HELLO! (@hellomag) October 8, 2014

The Prince of Monaco and Princess Charlene also attended other events for the Princess Grace Foundation, including a gala supper in Los Angeles with director Adam Shankman and Glee star Jane Lynch.