Tag Archives: Charlene Wittstock

Monaco Princely Family

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

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

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

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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

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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

Photos courtesy of: Zimbio.com

Monaco Princely Family, Princely Wedding

HSH Princess Stephanie of Monaco Proclaims “Miss Charlene Wittstock is a ‘Dream’ Sister-in-Law”

In the French newspaper, Le Parisien, HSH Princess Stephanie of Monaco noted that Miss Charlene Wittstock is a “dream” sister-in-law!

How sweet.  No, really it is.

Princess Stephanie goes on to state that she has a wonderful and close relationship with the former South African swimmer and that she is looking forward to the Princely wedding on July 1st and 2nd:

I’m planning on enjoying this great moment of happiness for my country, my brother and for all the Monégasque people.

I’m very happy for him. Like all little sisters, I want to see my brother happy. It’s a demonstration of their love and happiness that I’m seeing, which has been theirs for a while now.

To read the article in its entirety and watch the video clip please click the link: Le Parisien

Source: Le Parisien

Monaco Princely Family

HSH Prince Albert and Miss Charlene Wittstock: Ceremony Update

I have absolutely no idea why this is considered “new” information (everyone has known about this for some time), but the American magazine, People, finally decided to announce that the Princely religious wedding in Monaco will happen outdoors.

Uh. Duh.

Any way, for those who don’t know HSH Prince Albert of Monaco changed the wedding date a couple of times.  Then when the date was set he decided to change the religious service venue to the courtyard of the Palais Princier de Monaco.  There will be giant TV screens so Monégasques (and perhaps tourists) may watch the wedding.  The guest list will not be released perhaps at least days until the actual two day event.

People magazine is also reporting that Miss Charlene Wittstock is “… considering  [the House of] Christian Dior or Giorgio Armani.” to design her wedding gown.  My guess, between the two, Miss Wittstock will ask Mr. Armani to design her gown.  Though she may shock us all and decide to wear a gown designed by Karl Lagerfeld.

 

 

 

 

 

Photos courtesy of Daylife.com by REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch and Francois Durand/Getty Images.

Monaco Princely Family

Monaco Princely Wedding Dates and Information

Well, the dates for the Princely wedding is now firmly set so mark your calendars.  Per the Palais Princier du Monaco:

The civil marriage will take place on Friday 1st July at 17h in the Throne Room at the Palace. It will be celebrated by Mr Philippe Narmino, Director of Judicial Services and Chairman of the State Council.
Mr. Philippe Narmino is indeed the registrar of the Sovereign Family.

The religious wedding will take place Saturday, July 2, in the courtyard of the Palace, at 17h. Monsignor Barsi celebrate mass.

The doors of the palace will remain open to allow about 4,000 people to attend, sitting at the ceremony broadcast on giant screens.

These two days, Friday and Saturday will be holidays.

This should be a lovely day, if the weather holds up, and I must say that I am disappointed that the religious service will not take place at the beautiful Cathedral in Monaco.  Oh well.

It is unknown at this time how many members from reigning royal houses will attend the Monaco Princely wedding; however, it is safe to assume that members of several non-reigning houses will be present including The Duke and Duchess of Castro (they are close friends with the Sovereign Prince and currently live in Monaco.)

Information courtesy of the Palais Princier du Monaco at www.palais.mc

Photo courtesy of Daylife.com