On January 28, 2011, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco along with several of his oh so close and important friends participated in the 3rd Annual Bobsleigh Monaco Historic Race in St. Moritz. Now, I’m not sure why this race has the word “historic” within the title… I mean, it’s only been going on now… for what? Three years now?

Hardly historic.

Any who, Mr. Monaco decided to dress up in his sexy Bobsledding uniform (though I have to say… it was a bit on the snug side), and take part in the race — again — with his friends in his fancy Bobsleigh (notice the Grimaldi Coat of Arms on the Bobsleigh. Jealous? I know you are. I’m kidding.)

Why he is participating in this race… I have no idea.

Yes, I know he was apart of the Monaco Olympic Bobsleigh Team in his younger years… I suppose he still thinks he has “it.” That he can still compete with the best of the local best. Either that or he’s missing his carefree days as a slightly balding Olympian whereupon slightly hot chicks with teased Eighties hair would throw themselves at him.

It should be noted, that the Monaco Olympic Bobsleigh Team, when Prince Albert was apart of it, never won a medal. Nor, were they ever that good.

Heck, the Jamaican Bobsleigh team won more medals in Bobsledding than the Monaco team, and Monaco is a hop, skip, and a jump from the Alps. 🙂

So there you have it. Prince Albert II of Monaco re-lives his youth as a non-medal winning Olympian in Bobsledding. Oh yeah, Charlene Wittstock was no where to be found.

To view more photos please visit: Day Life and UK.Eurosport.Yahoo.com

Source and Photos courtesy of: Canada.com by Bonny Makarewicz and UK.Eurosport.Yahoo.com by REUTERS/Denis Balibouse,

Royal Family of Hawaii

King Kamehameha IV’s Cape Returns to Kaua’i

January 29, 2011 Alexandra

This is actually an old yet very interesting article that I read via the Garden Island newspaper months ago.

Anyway, I thought I would share it with all of you since I highly doubt anyone reads this awesome local newspaper from Kaua’i.

Click the link to read the article: The Garden Island newspaper

Photo courtesy of Christine Faye, curator from the Kauai Museum

Monaco Princely Family

The Grimaldi Forum Exhibit: The Magnificence and Grandeur of Royal Houses in Europe

January 28, 2011 Alexandra

This summer the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco will host a special exhibit honoring the many royal houses in Europe.

Per the official website for Monaco:

This summer the Grimaldi Forum, Monaco largest and most versatile event space will showcase three centuries of historic European monarchies with The Magnificence and Grandeur of Royal Houses in Europe exhibition. From July 11 through September 11, 2011, this one-of-a-kind event will provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the imperial homes of Europe’s most powerful and respected leaders and couples.

Never before seen as a collection, more than 600 artifacts will be on display within 2,500 square meters, providing a true ‘tour of Europe,’ which will allow visitors to explore the lives, roles and passions of personalities and couples who have marked the history of their dynasties and their countries.

Royal houses represented include Denmark, Spain, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Belgium and much much more.

To read more about this exhibit and the other royal houses, past and present, represented in this exhibit please click the link: Visit Monaco

So, if you happen to live in the area or will be visiting the South of France and/or Monaco check out the exhibit if you can.

Source: Visit Monaco

Monaco Princely Family

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock Attend the Sainte-Dévote Festivities at the Cathedral of Monaco

January 27, 2011 Alexandra

On January 27, 2011, HSH Prince Albert II and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, attended mass at the Cathedral of Monaco this mid-morning in celebration of Sainte-Dévote.

The couple, along with hundreds participants, were celebrating the patron saint of Monaco and of the Grimaldi family. Following the mass there was a procession to the Palais Princier de Monaco whereupon the Archbishop blesses the Palais for luck, love, and harmony.

During the blessing, HSH Prince Albert II and Charlene made a balcony appearance whereupon they prayed, waved to the crowds, and of course smiled.

More information about the Sainte-Dévote festivities are coming in through the news wire so stay tuned for hourly updates.

To view more photos from today’s activities please click the link: Zimbio.com

Photos courtesy of: Day Life by Christian Alminana/Getty Images, REUTERS/Gaetan Luci/Palais Princier, VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images, REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

Monaco Princely Family

The Princely Family of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock Attend the Celebration of the Festival of Sainte-Dévote

January 27, 2011 Alexandra

Well, it certainly has been quite busy for the Princely family of Monaco and for Miss Charlene Wittstock these past few days, and for royal watchers it has been a treat.

This evening, January 26, 2011, HSH Prince Albert II, Princess Caroline, and Miss Charlene Wittstock attended the celebration of the Festival of Sainte-Dévote, the patron saint of the Princely Family of Monaco, the Monégasques, and the Diocese of Monaco. Sainte-Dévote is also the patron saint of the island of Corsica.

Here is the story/legend of Sainte-Dévote:

Tradition holds that she was a Corsican woman born around 283 AD at Mariana. A young virgin, she had decided to devote herself fully to the service of God. By order of the prefect Barbarus, she was imprisoned and tortured for her faith. She was martyred at Mariana by being stoned to death.

After her death, the governor of the province ordered for her body to be burnt to prevent its veneration. However, it was saved from the flames by Christians. Her body was placed on a boat bound for Africa. Gratianus (Graziano), the boat’s pilot; Benedict (Benenato), a priest; and Apollinaris, his deacon; believed it would receive proper Christian burial there. However, a storm overtook the boat and a dove flew out from the mouth of the saint. The dove guided the boat to present-day Les Gaumates, today part of the Principality of Monaco, where a chapel dedicated to Saint George already stood.

Her body was discovered by fishermen. In her honor a chapel was built, which stands in Monaco still. Traditionally, flowers are said to bloom before their season on January 27, the saint’s feast day.

Today, the Princely family of Monaco along with the Monégasques and members of the Diocese of Monaco take part in a torchlight ceremony in front of the Sainte-Dévote church. A boat is placed in front of the church whereupon the Princely family along with the attendees set the boat ablaze and celebrate.

Pretty cool.

Anyway, this was the first time Charlene Wittstock participated in this sacred event, and by all accounts she seemed to have enjoyed herself.

Monaco Princely Family

Charlene Wittstock and Prince Albert II of Monaco:A Night at the Circus

January 26, 2011 Alexandra 4 Comments

So, in a previous post I mentioned that today, January 25, 2011, is Miss Charlene Wittstock’s birthday. She’s 33 years old.

Any who, Charlene spent the day with family, friends, and Prince Albert. Later on in the evening, Charlene attended the 35th Annual International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, Monaco alongside her fiancé, Prince Albert, and HSH Princess Stephanie and her family.

It must have been a great day for the future Princess of Monaco because she was glowing… and I must say… she looks a tad different. I cannot put my finger on it, but Charlene looks different.

Photo courtesy of: Day Life

Monaco Princely Family

Happy Birthday to Charlene Wittstock: The Future Princess of Monaco

January 25, 2011 Alexandra 3 Comments

On January 25, 2011, Miss Charlene Wittstock will celebrate her 33rd birthday.

Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa the 5’11” blonde would become a swimming star in her native homeland. According to the Palais Princier de Monaco, Charlene, “…developed a passion for swimming at a very early age. In 1996, at 18, she won the South African Championship.”

The dedicated and competitive Miss Wittstock was chosen to be apart of the South African Olympic swimming team. Overall, the South African swimming team came in fifth place. Individually, Miss Wittstock never won an Olympic gold medal. However, at the 2000 Marenostrum International Swim Meet in Monaco she did win gold and she gained the attention of one Prince Albert II who was, “…presiding over the international competition.”

Soon, the 5’11” blonde and the Sovereign Prince of Monaco soon began to date.

Seriously.

Six years later she made her first official appearance alongside the Prince at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Soon, the couple were attached at the hip… seen together constantly from official events such as the Monaco Red Cross Ball, the Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco Film Festival, and the Swedish royal wedding.

On June 23, 2010, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco announced to the world that he had asked Charlene to marry him. Of course she said, yes, then he placed a massive diamond ring on her finger and official engagement photos were taken.

It is unknown how Miss Wittstock will spend the day (though she will attend the 35th Annual International Circus Festival in the evening), but what ever she does I am sure she will have a fabulous day with her family, friends, and her fiancé.

So there you have it! Happy Birthday, Charlene! 🙂

Here are some facts about Charlene Wittstock per the Palais Princier de Monaco

Growing up in Africa heightened her awareness of problems linked to childhood.
Ms. Wittstock gave swimming lessons to underprivileged children throughout her career.
She has frequently accompanied His Serene Highness on his travels to support charitable works.
Since 2009, she has been Honorary President of Ladies Lunch Monte-Carlo.
Since 2010, she has been associated with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
She regularly participates in fund raising events for charities such as Amfar.
Surfing is one of her favourite sports as well as hiking up mountains.
Reading biographies and ethnic poetry from South Africa
Contemporary art

Nice photos of the couple for you to gaze upon:

Here is an interview with Miss Wittstock and Prince Albert. Click the link to view: You Tube