Prince Albert Weds Charlene Wittstock

At 5:00 pm today, Prince Albert II of Monaco wedded Charlene Wittstock in a civil ceremony officiated by Philippe Narmino, Director of the Judicial Services and President of the Council of State. The proceedings took place in the throne room of the Palace of Monaco. The religious ceremony will start at 5:00 pm tomorrow in the main courtyard of the palace. Archbishop Bernard Barsi will preside over the courtyard ceremony.The religious ceremony will stream live on the Palace of Monaco’s website.

Photos: Reuters

Update on Prince Albert’s Wedding Plans

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock will wed in the throne room of the Palace of Monaco on July 1st at 5:00 pm. The religious ceremony will take place in the main courtyard of the palace grounds the following day.

Prince Albert Sets Wedding Date

Monaco’s Prince Albert will wed Charlene Wittstock in a civil ceremony at the Princely Palace of Monaco on July 8, 2011. The religious wedding ceremony will transpire the following day. The official announcement can be read here.

Photo: Palais Princier de Monaco

Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock Finally Get Engaged

The Palace of Monaco announced today the engagement of Prince Albert II to Charlene Wittstock. The couple first met at a swimming competition in 2000. Below is the press statement released from the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.

The Palace of Monaco announced on Wednesday 23 June 2010 the engagement of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Ms Charlene Wittstock.

HSH Prince Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, Marquis des Baux, was born on 14 March 1958.

His Highness is the son of Prince Rainier III, Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand Grimaldi (31 May 1923 - 6 April 2005) and Princess Grace, née Kelly (12 November 1929 - 14 September 1982).

HSH Prince Albert II succeeded His father, Prince Rainier III, 12 July 2005.

Ms Charlene Lynette Wittstock is of South African nationality and was born on 25 January 1978 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Before settling in Monaco, Charlene Lynette Wittstock was a youth worker.

Photo: Palais Princier de Monaco

Spain Rejoices as Football Team Wins Euro Final over Germany

It was a sweet victory for Spain’s football team as they scored the only goal in the final match against Germany in the 2008 European Championships. The game took place at the Ernst-Happel stadium in Vienna, Austria today. The last time Spain claimed the European Championship trophy was in 1964. King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía attended the final match along with their eldest daughter, Infanta Elena. Also present was sports enthusiast Prince Albert of Monaco and his girlfriend, Charlene Wittstock who were seated a couple of rows back from the Spanish monarch.

Photo: REUTERS

Prince Albert II of Monaco Celebrates His Half Century Mark

Prince Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre turned fifty today. He was born in 1958. His mother was the renowned American movie actress, Grace Kelly and his father was the reigning prince of Monaco, Prince Rainier III.

Amongst his educational experiences, Prince Albert earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Amherst College in Massachusetts in 1981.

Prince Albert is an avid sportsman. Amongst his numerous accomplishments, he has participated in five Winter Olympics as part of Monaco’s bobsled team. He also formed Monaco’s official Bobsled, Toboggan and Skeleton Team. Since 1985, he has been a member of the International Olympic Committee.

The prince began his training in Monaco’s State Affairs in 1984. When his father passed away on April 6, 2005, Albert became Sovereign Prince.

In 2006, he trekked to the North Pole. His expedition was in commemoration to the 100th year anniversary of his great-great grandfather, Prince Albert I, who also explored the Artic region.

On a personal note, his current girlfriend is Charlene Wittstock, an accomplished South African swimmer.

The prince has no legitimate heirs, but is the father of two children from previous relationships. His daughter, Jazmin Grace, is sixteen years old and his son, Alexandre Eric Stéphane, is four years old.

Prince Albert II is quite popular with his people and following the royal motto Deo Juvante which means “with God's Help” he will serve Monaco for many years to come.

For information on his initiatives, speeches and accomplishments, visit Prince Albert II of Monaco’s official website.