Monaco’s Prince Albert to wed Olympic swimmer

23/06/10 16:11 CET

world news

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One of Europe’s most eligible bachelors is finally set to walk down the aisle.

Monaco’s Prince Albert has announced his engagement to South African Charlene Wittstock.
The former Olympic swimmer’s elegant looks have often been compared to those of Albert’s late mother, Princess Grace.

Monaco has not celebrated a wedding of its ruling prince since 1956 when the then film star Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier.

Last weekend’s royal wedding in Sweden was attended by Ms Wittstock and her Prince.

At 52, Albert has been linked to a string of beautiful women and has acknowledged fathering two children out of wedlock. But he sought to shed his playboy image when he took over as ruler of the tiny Mediterranean principality after his father’s death in 2005.

The Prince has enjoyed a four year long romance with his future bride who is 20 years his junior. Under Monaco’s succession rules, only children born within marriage may succeed to the throne.

More about: Ceremony, Monaco

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