On the whole I think that royals should behave like royals - fulfil their official duties, set an example, and generally behave themselves. The usual, arguably reactionary, stuff.

That doesn't mean, however, that they can't have a sense of style or fun.

In the same way Zara Phillips seems to balance her royalty with good fun and accessibility, so does Prince Albert of Monaco if the recent pictures of him wearing swimming shorts and a Santa hat are anything to go by.

When it comes to dressing up there's always a fine line between being a good sport and looking an idiot. Yet despite his 50 years, there's no question that the prince definitely falls into the former category rather than the latter.

A Christmas Eve charity swim in the Mediterranean, hardly a balmy affair even in the South of France at this time of year, is unlikely to have received the same level of interest without his support. So more power to him for leading the way when it comes to a good cause...