Prince Albert II of Monaco is said to be marrying Charlene Wittstock, 32, a South African backstroke swimmer, after the announcement of their engagement by the palace, according numerous media reports. As of yet, there has been no mention of a definite date for the wedding.
The Principality of Monaco has long been waiting for a Princess to accompany Prince Albert during his reign. Prince Albert, who is now 52, has two children from previous relationships, but was never married. Monaco now patiently awaits for a legitimate heir to take the throne, as children born out of wedlock, according to tradition, are not able to assume the title.
“There have been some relationships where, had they gone on a little bit more, they would have headed that way. But I think it’s, it’s so much your own timing and your own agenda and the person you want to be with,” said Albert in his 2004 interview with Larry King, according to CNN.
Late Princess Grace Kelly, an American actress who married former ruler of Monaco Prince Rainier, died in a car accident in 1982, leaving the principality without a Princess. Late Prince Rainier III died in 2005, passing the title of Prince of Monaco to Albert II.
Wittstock and Prince Albert met during her visit to Monaco in 2000, when she competed in a swimming competition. Wittstock could hold her own in the pool, winning gold at the All Africa Games 1999 during her performance in the 100-meter freestyle. She participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, though she won no medals.
Prince Albert himself participated in the Olympic Winter Games from 1988 to 2002 in bobsledding. In addition to being Monaco’s monarch, he is now President of Monaco’s national Olympic Committee and a member of the International Olympic Committee as well.
The Principality of Monaco has long been waiting for a Princess to accompany Prince Albert during his reign. Prince Albert, who is now 52, has two children from previous relationships, but was never married. Monaco now patiently awaits for a legitimate heir to take the throne, as children born out of wedlock, according to tradition, are not able to assume the title.
“There have been some relationships where, had they gone on a little bit more, they would have headed that way. But I think it’s, it’s so much your own timing and your own agenda and the person you want to be with,” said Albert in his 2004 interview with Larry King, according to CNN.
Late Princess Grace Kelly, an American actress who married former ruler of Monaco Prince Rainier, died in a car accident in 1982, leaving the principality without a Princess. Late Prince Rainier III died in 2005, passing the title of Prince of Monaco to Albert II.
Wittstock and Prince Albert met during her visit to Monaco in 2000, when she competed in a swimming competition. Wittstock could hold her own in the pool, winning gold at the All Africa Games 1999 during her performance in the 100-meter freestyle. She participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, though she won no medals.
Prince Albert himself participated in the Olympic Winter Games from 1988 to 2002 in bobsledding. In addition to being Monaco’s monarch, he is now President of Monaco’s national Olympic Committee and a member of the International Olympic Committee as well.
