Recently, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, gave a televised interview with the German network, ZDF.
The interview took place at the Palais Princier de Monaco and during the interview the couple spoke about their upcoming nuptials, the desire to have children, and much more. Here is an article from the German online newspaper, MDR.de, which highlights what was said during the interview:
Many have doubted whether Prince Albert II, would ever find a woman to be by his side forever. Now, in only a few weeks, Miss Charlene Wittstock will soon become the Princess of Monaco. On the occasion of their wedding the couple gave interview for German television.
At the palace in Monaco the couple have confessed that the big wedding is completely to their liking. ‘If we could we choose, we would invite a small round nice people and stop somewhere, a very simple wedding ceremony,’ says Monaco’s Prince Albert. ‘But there are not only the other royal families and heads of state, will attend, we have also invited athletes, actors and musicians all of whom are friends of ours . ‘It will be fun,’ says Charlene Wittstock. 4,000 guests are invited to the religious wedding and over 200,000 spectators are expected to be in Monaco that day.
Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock have known each other since the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Now, eleven years later, they will marry. Did their love need a little time to develop? ‘A little bit,’ admitted Charlene. ‘There were a couple of years in between in which we had no contact,’ says Albert of Monaco. Then in 2005, they met again and the rest is history.
When asked how much the future role as Princess of Monaco will change her life, she says, ‘I think it will be something magical, but I will try to take it easy and carefully.’ The question remains whether the two other strong women in the Grimaldi family, Princess Caroline and her sister Princess Stephanie, will also take it so loose [?] now that Charlene will be number one. ‘They are both great women who have achieved much in their lives,’ says Charlene Wittstock. ‘They have always been incredibly supportive of me and always very kind to me.’
Almost all the royal families in Europe are expected at the wedding; however, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will not be there. ‘They simply have too many commitments at the time,’ said the prince. Asked about a possible heir to the throne in Monaco Charlene answers, ‘I would like to have children. I can not wait to start my own family,’ she says. ‘I agree with you,’ said the prince, who currently has two illegitimate children.
The interview will air sometime soon (I’ll let you know when it does, and if it will be streamed online on a later date.)
So, there you have it… only 43 days until the wedding in Monaco!
On May 19, 2011, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, attended the 18th Annual Cinema Against AIDS 2011 event at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, France. Joining the couple with famed fashion designer, Mr. Karl Lagerfeld.
According to the official site for 18th Annual Cinema Against AIDS 2011, since the event’s first initial inception in 1993 the, “…Cinema Against AIDS events around the world have raised nearly $60 million for lifesaving AIDS research.” (source)
After the lavish dinner and auction was over, it was estimated that ten million U.S. dollars was raised for AIDS research during this event; furthermore, “… the appearance of Prince Albert of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, at the dinner and auction helped raise 1,000,000 Euros (roughly $1.4 million in U.S. currency)…” (source) In the end, the winners of the auction won “… two rounds of tennis with the prince and two swimming lessons with the future princess of Monaco.” (source)
To view photos from the event please click the link here.
On May 18, 2011, the future Princess of Monaco, Charlene Wittstock, attended the Style of Jolie jewelry presentation at the Safia Al-Rashid Gallery in Monaco.
The Style of Jolie is a signature collection created by Oscar winning actress, Angelina Jolie, in collaboration with jewelry designer, Robert Procop. The two designed some unique pieces using precious and semi-precious stones; furthermore, a “… portion of the sales will go to Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, the charity of Jolie’s choice.”
To learn more about Style of Jolie as well as to view some of the jewels up close please click here. To view photos of Miss Wittstock at the Style of Jolie event please click here.
Source: JCKonline.com
According to the British newspaper, Yorkshire Evening Post, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock will visit Leeds this coming September 4, 2011.
The purpose of his visit is to attend a charity ball at Harewood House; furthermore, this vent will be the new princely couple’s first public engagement according to the newspaper and, “…as husband and wife it comes nearly 40 years after the Prince’s parents, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, attended the charity’s ball at the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds.”
To read the article in its entirety please click the link here.
According to the newspaper, Monaco-Matin, 22 reigning royal families from all over the world have confirmed their attendance to the upcoming princely wedding in Monaco on July 1 and 2, 2011 “There will be 22 heads of states or represented, and 22 families ruling royal or princely families…”
These confirmations were, well, confirmed by Paul Masseron, the Government Minister for the Interior in Monaco. Furthermore, it was announced that, “…French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni have been invited. But, the Elysee has not yet sent an answer” said Paul Masseron. Unfortunately, Mr. Masseron did not state which royal families accepted their invitations; however, we do know that the crown princely couple from Norway, H.R.H. Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje and H.R.H. Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, and the entire Swedish royal family have confirmed their attendance to the princely wedding.
Finally, Mr. Masseron noted that sixteen non-reigning royal families will also attend including Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia (source).
Interesting.
To read the article in its entirety please click the link here.
Source: Monaco Matin Photo courtesy of: Bild.de
On May 14, 2011, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, were in Menton, France to participate in the inauguration of the Potager des Princes (Princes Vegetable Garden) at the Palais Carnolès.
The purpose of this event was to re-introduce original vegetables and rare varieties into the garden at the Palais Carnolès which was once a “… summer residence of the Princes of Monaco.” After the ceremony the couple attended an official luncheon at the Palais Carnolès with several dignitaries and VIP guests. To view current photos from today’s event please click the link here. To watch a video clip of the couple during today’s inauguration please click the link here. To learn more about the Jardin du Palais Carnolès please click the link here.
Meanwhile, according to various sources new bishops robes have been designed and are being, well, sewn for the upcoming princely wedding in Monaco. To view photos please click here.
Source: Monaco Matin Photo courtesy of: Jardins-Menton.fr
The Royal Correspondent 