Prince of Monaco marries South African swimmer

The European capital of gambling now has a new Princess Consort, who was raised in South Africa

In a posh ceremony, which was divided into two parts and lasted two days, Albert III, Prince of Monaco and his long-time girlfriend Charlene Wittstock were finally married, thus taking their decade-long relationship to a new stage. From now on Charlene’s official title is going to be Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco.

Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in 1978, she moved in 1989 with her family to Benoni in Gauteng, where she started her career as a competitive swimmer. She met her future husband, Prince Albert, in 2000, when she was attending Mare Nostrum swimming event in Monaco. The couple has officially been together since 2006, though it’s clear that the two were in touch more than once since their initial meeting.

Prince Albert succeeded the throne from his father, Rainier III, the Monegasque monarch, known for restructuring his small country’s economy after the Second World War and bringing it to the top of the richest countries list. During his reign the casino business went from 95% of the national GDP of the Principality of Monaco down to 3%, thus diversifying the economy and making it more stable.

The new princess’ family seems to be in doubt, whether to stay in South Africa, or to move to Monaco. Her mother and youngest sibling have in fact moved there already, while the other brother, along with her father, are still hesitating. They say they are to connected to South Africa.