The French television network, TF1, recently sat down with H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, for a lengthy interview with the couple.
Entitled Les Confidences d’Albert & Charlene, the interview, which is in both French and English, will air on Saturday May 28, 2011, at 6:45pm on TF1.
For now you can watch a 2:16 clip here.
Photos courtesy of: Palais.mc
The countdown is on in Monaco when legendary bachelor, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco finally marries his lovely longtime girlfriend, Charlene Wittstock, on July 1 and 2, 2011.
In anticipation of their upcoming nuptials the couple have been quite open with the press these past few months and once again they decided to share with others their love story.
In the upcoming issue of Madame Figaro, the couple (mainly Charlene Wittstock) spoke with French journalist, Stéphane Bern about her relationship with H.S.H. Prince Albert II, competitive swimming, her passion for charity work, her life in South Africa, and much more.
Here is what the future princess had to say:
Marriage Is A Fairytale Come True
Mademoiselle, in what state of mind are you in these days? You only have a few weeks before your wedding with H.S.H. Prince Albert? Do you ever get the feeling you are living in a fairytale?
It’s a very exciting time for me. I think any woman who has a chance to be loved by the man she loves is living a fairytale. Marriage is the realization.
What do you remember when you first met the prince?
I met the prince in 2000, in Monte Carlo, in an international swimming competition which I was participating in the backstroke event. I had a very brief conversation with him. He was extremely charming and expressed with a great passion for both sprout and athletes. Then in December 2005, a mutual friend introduced again. And it was then that he invited me to join him to attend the Winter Olympic Games in Turin in 2006.
You recently returned to South Africa where you grew up. What feelings did you experience when you went back?
I went back twice to South Africa. Once in July 2010 for the World Cup, which was a great success. As you know I am proud to be South African and very happy for my country. then in February 2011 I went back to take part in the Midmar Mile swimming race. It was the first time I took part in the 1600 meter race. My former teammates encouraged me to swim the raceme and then I thought I should raise money for the Special Olympics whilst there. The experience was extremely rewarding to swim alongside athletes with disabilities, they have so much courage. They showed us that man can for far beyond the limits we assume. I also had the opportunity to meet members of my family and friend that I had not seen for a long time. We reminisced about all sorts of things. My friends and I talked about swimming, competitions, all sorts of things. Some of them still practice, some are now married and now have children. Beyond the family and friends reunion it was lovely to rediscover the beautiful African sky.
You found your way into the sport of competitive swimming. What influence has this been in your personal achievements in life? What values has sports given you and how has it shaped your character?
I began participating in sports at the age of 8 and it was my dream to compete in the Olympics. But, to reach that level of competitive swimming I needed discipline and determination without any flaws. After years of perseverance and endurance, I finally reached my goals. The competitive spirit, humility, compassion, sportsmanship, and the appreciation are values that are deeply rooted in me and will stay with me for my whole life.
I’ve Always Been Involved in Charitable Work
In a few weeks, you’ll be the Princess Sovereign of Monaco. What role do you intend to play alongside H.S.H. Prince Albert? Will you invest in a charitable and humanitarian work?
I have always been involved in charitable works, even before I met the prince. These missions will always be part of my life, and I do not wish it otherwise. It is a real blessing for me to have someone in my life sharing my involvement in humanitarian operations.
You Lived for several years in Monaco. As a South African athlete as you were so successful acclimate in the principality? The fact that Monaco is a seaside country did it seduce you? Have you learned French?
I spent most of my life as an athlete in Durban, where there is little difference in climate between the two countries. I knew the seasons and adjusting to a new style of life wasn’t that hard. the prince helped me understand the history and the realities of Monaco, and the population has shown me great kindness and benevolence to my place. As for the French language, it is probably one of the most beautiful languages in the world. I understand a bit and I can follow most conversations, but I believe it will take time for me to be perfect at it.
As the future Princess of Monaco you will be observed and admired. What does fashion mean to you? What designers appeal to you the most? Do you like jewelry and which ones? And the accessories?
Before coming to Monaco, I did not need to know fashion. I didn’t know a thing about fashion. Most of the time I wore jeans, T-shirts, and sandals. I am not a slave to fashion and I wear jewelry for large events.
Who are the people you met who are most pronounced (I think he means who are the most famous people you met)?
I had the great fortune to meet high personalities from South Africa that have touched me deeply including three Nobel Laureates of Peace, Dr. Christiaan Barnard, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and of course Mr. Nelson Mandela. I was also impressed by the charisma of former South African president, F. W. de Klerk. I have met so many whose dedication and service to others… it has affected me so much.
The issue hits newsstands on May 28, 2011 if you are interested in buying it.
Source and photos courtesy of: Madame Figaro
On May 25, 2011, the Palais Princier de Monaco officially announced, what many already knew, that Mr. Alain Ducasse will “… organize the official dinner…” for the upcoming princely wedding in Monaco.
According to the Palais Princier de Monaco:
This dinner will be prepared in the kitchens of the Louis XV of the Hôtel de Paris with the support of the staff of the establishments of the Société des Bains de Mer de Monte Carlo
The couple would like this moment to celebrate Mediterranean cuisine, using mainly products from the region, in particular those from the Prince’s estate located at Roc Agel.
Over 450 persons will attend this dinner, which will take place on the terraces of the Opéra Garnier on the 2nd of July.
Congratulations to Mr. Ducasse! 🙂
In case you were wondering, only 37 more days until H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco marries his longtime girlfriend, Miss Charlene Wittstock. Can you feel the excitement? I can!! 🙂 I’m looking forward to the wedding on July 1 and 2, 2011.
Source and photo courtesy of: Palais Princier de Monaco
In the upcoming issue of Hola! magazine, the future princess of Monaco, Charlene Wittstock, graces (no pun intended) their cover. Now, if you are thinking to yourself, “Ummm… This photo looks very familiar!”
Well, my friends, it is.
The image (shot by famed photographer Ruven Afanador) used on the cover, as well as the images accompanying the article, are the same ones used in the infamous December 2010 issue of Tatler magazine.
Anyway, the nice people at Hola!, (thank you, guys 🙂 ), promised that this issue won’t disappoint their readers and that there are more interesting stuff coming up about the lovely Charlene.
Here is a snippet from the article:
Dressed in white, the future princess has posed the most emblematic of the strength of the Grimaldi, under all the great celebrations of the princely family in the life of Princess Grace. With exceptional ease she poses in haute couture outfits would be her home and confesses: ‘Sometimes I have to pinch myself to verify that this is my life and I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world with the man of my dreams.’
Very much in love with many things in common with her husband to be, including humanitarian causes, sport and the environment, Charlene recounted in this dramatic story how they met, how they fell in love, their commitment and continuous preparation for future Princess.
Source: Hola.com Photos courtesy of: Hola.com and my scanner. 🙂
Both ZDF and Das Erste released a semi-extended interview/slightly different with Miss Charlene Wittstock and H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. To watch please click the links: ZDF and MDR.de
To be honest with all of you, the interviews are pretty much the same; however, the ZDF asked a couple of questions that was not aired in my previous report about the couple’s interview (if that makes any freaking sense.) 🙂
Photo courtesy of: Daylife by Francois Durand/GettyImagesEurope
As her wedding day approaches it seems that the future princess of Monaco is becoming more open to the press than ever before. And, why not? Many are quite curious about the former Olympic swimmer who is about to marry H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco; for years she rarely — if ever — spoke to the press and no one knew a thing about her. Well, that has all changed.
Recently, Miss Wittstock spoke to journalist, Gregory Leclerc, from the newspaper, Monaco-Matin, at the Palais Princier de Monaco gardens. The future princess discussed with Mr. Leclerc about her future role, media pressures, the importance of being herself, South Africa, and of course, sports.
Here is what she had to say:
It’s tea time in the principality of Monaco. In the gardens of the Palace in Monaco scenery lying in 180 ° mode there is just a light breeze, barely enough to make iridescent clear waters of the turquoise swimming pool nestled in the shelter walls and princely look. Charlene Wittstock appears. Perfect. The right dress blue pill, tailor unbleached fine mesh, the proud bearing, Hair wisely dropped on her shoulders. This informal meeting with the future princess is what everyone hoped. But not enough to excite the young South African thirty-three years. She seems to have taken stock of the scene, and his role. “Mademoiselle”, as it she is called in the palace, improvised as hostess: “Would You Like Something to drink?” Charlene Wittstock speaks in English. She is not afraid to speak French because it improves steadily, but because she wants to be precise in this interview. With her prince, is also in the language of Shakespeare that interchange, with a few words of French. A whisper, a slight commotion and just then Prince Albert II, appears in the gardens …
What is your daily life like in Monaco? Can you describe your day?
I like to run several times a week, across the principality. I’m leaving on the morning of princely palace to go to Cap d’Ail. I love being outside, enjoying the outdoors. I love hiking in the backcountry but also relax in the ownership of Roc Agel [referring to the house of Grimaldi, located on the steep slopes of La Turbie, appreciate both the Princess Grace]. I can not give you the exact places that I frequent, otherwise the risk of being followed at all times (smile). I will also swim in the sea to Cap d’Ail, or play a round of golf at Mont Agel.
Your wedding will celebrated on July 1 and 2, in just a little over a month. How do you cope with media pressure?
It goes well. I try to focus on the positive things at the moment. Finally, all this is a natural consequence. First there is the wedding preparations, then comes marriage and after marriage.And you, my lord (Prince Albert)?
Like Charlene, I saw all this calmly. Everyone thinks that marriage is a competition, but this is not a competition! It is true that while accelerating, but we do business as usual we hear. There are lots of details, logistics, but it happens in peace, there is no reason to be nervous. (He turns to his future bride) “Are not you nervous telling me? “(as he smiles). I want our marriage to be accessible to all. This is obviously a happy event, but beyond that, we hope it gives the image of a principality that is welcoming and open to the world.
Miss Wittstock, do you feel you have changed the look of others on you?
The real risk would be not to be oneself, to want to put on the shoes of someone else.What image did you have before you came to Monaco, that of Prince Albert II, and how did you feel about your arrival in the principality?
Monaco for me, it was glamorous, Princess Grace, Princess Caroline and Stephanie. The people of this country are very friendly, very attentive, they welcomed me warmly. Today I want to focus on this country, Monaco. I do not forget, of course, my youth in South Africa, but now I have my personal priorities.
Do you intend to share South Africa in Monaco?
Instead, Monaco is that I want to know in South Africa.Your wedding will be an opportunity nonetheless to share your roots to your guests?
That’s true. Two groups will come from South Africa. It will include Jason Hartman. He sings in Zulu, his family is with him. It was revealed by the television show “Idol” in 2009. It will constitute the first part of the Eagles concert on June 30 and the ball of marriage. Those who want to know can hear a free concert on the Hercules Port, next Friday during the F1 Grand Prix (1). I obviously retains strong ties with my country. My friends come to see me regularly at competitions swimming or other athletics. When I am there, I have great pleasure to share a barbecue with them and watching a rugby match.
Source: Monaco-Matin
During the recent amFAR Cinema Against AIDS 2011 event at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, France, German columnist, Caroline Dendler, caught up with the couple to ask them a few questions regarding their upcoming nuptials on July 1 and 2, 2011. Here is what the couple had to say:
Caroline: Your wedding dress is by Giorgio Armani it is already finished?
Yes, everything fits perfectly and it is wonderful, but I can not reveal too much (as she smiles.)
How do you deal with the constant comparisons between the eternal Grace Kelly?
We are very different people with different biography, so you can compare us at all.
Your religious wedding is on 2 July is a formal state ceremony how many of your longtime friends could invite?
There are of course my family and a few close friends. There is also protocol that must be followed (regarding heads of state, dignitaries, and of course all the European royal families and royal families abroad.)
You look so beautiful tonight. How you dealing with the wedding stress (are you worried or stressed?) What are you doing to calm your nerves?
No, not at all. Perhaps it just looks that way. I’m still swimming, doing sports. Staying very active.
Charlene, there are 44 days until the wedding. How are you feeling?
I’m excited, I’m not nervous at all, I’m glad everything is perfectly prepared.
(Prince Albert continues to smile proudly as his fiancée replies to questions and then expresses his thoughts:) “It will and I am sure we will have a lot of too!”
Prince Albert, all of Monaco is surely relieved that you finally asked for Charlene’s hand in marriage because it has indeed taken a long time!
I am now much about our wedding day. And, some of my friends joke saying that you took long enough to find the right one and I did find the right one. I’m incredibly happy!
Source and photos courtesy of: Bild.de Danke! 🙂
The Royal Correspondent 
