Princess Stephanie of Monaco

“It's hard growing up in the limelight. People invent stories. They call me a man-eater. An innocent date with a friend becomes a major scandal.”

“My mom was my best friend.”

“I want to keep fit. I don't want to become a wreck.”

“My whole life has been nothing but tremendous doubt.”

“Nobody has really tried to understand me or my behaviour, which just reflected my decision to enjoy life to the full.”

“When you see the numbers who come to the circus, you understand that we don't get that by abusing animals.”

“My relationship with Pauline is special. She knows I will always be there to hold her hand. We have the same expressions and gestures. I tell her sometimes, 'you are my mini me.'”

“Animals are the traditional circus. It's what people remember from their childhood.”

“Asian elephants have always worked with people and they like company.”

“My all-time hero is Tina Turner. Her energy, her attitude, her shows. She's just a great performer.”

“I don't see myself as a rebel. Of course, it all depends on what you consider normal.”

“I'm quite happy to perform my official duties. But on the other hand, I've always wanted to be independent and to have my own career.”

“I never thought I could sing, but apparently I can.”

“My mother sang very well. She proved this in her film 'High Society.'”

“Not all circus animals are unhappy.”

“I feel I must have been an elephant in a former life. I love the sensitivity and peaceful force of these creatures.”

“When you do something in your life and you know it's going to work, you have to be optimistic.”

“My father's a very busy man.”

“You ask people, 'What is the circus?' They'll say, 'Animals, clowns and acrobats!' That's what people want. If you say you don't have animals, they walk away.”

“I was always the headstrong child in the family. My mother and father called me a rebel at 2 years old. But they always accepted me as an individual.”