Monaco prince in the swim for bride

Prince Albert of Monaco is engaged to marry a South African former Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock. The palace issued a statement yesterday announcing the engagement of "His Serene Highness", 52, and Miss Wittstock, 32, who worked as a school teacher before moving to the Mediterranean principality.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Jun 2010, 23:34 BST
Updated 23rd Jun 2010, 23:35 BST

The palace did not indicate a planned wedding date, but the statement puts to rest months of speculation they would tie the knot.

It will be the first marriage of a reigning prince since Hollywood actress Grace Kelly married Albert's father, Prince Rainier III, in 1956.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Princess Grace died in a car accident in 1982, casting a pall of tragedy over the family.

Palace spokeswoman Laetitia Pierrat said Prince Albert met Miss Wittstock in 2000 when she was visiting Monaco for a swimming competition. She has lived in the principality since 2006.

According to protocol, royal couples must wait at least six months between the announcement of the engagement and the wedding day.

Related topics:MonacoHollywood