Flashback – Charlene and Albert of Monaco: this evening when they made their love official
He just entered it and Prince Albert II formalized his relationship with Charlene Wittstock, the one who would become his wife a few years later. Throwback to this day so special for the two lovebirds.
We are on February 16, 2006. Among the 35,000 spectators who came to watch the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Turin, Prince Albert of Monaco, 47, a true sports enthusiast. But that evening, at his side in the official gallery, is a charming young woman, Charlene Wittstock. The pretty 28-year-old blonde is no stranger. South African swimming champion, she participated in the Sydney Olympics six years earlier.
In the stands, love is combined in the plural. Taken by the excitement of the Olympic ceremony unfolding before his eyes and the sweet company of Charlene, Prince Albert formalizes his relationship with his beautiful, he who is usually so reserved. The two hold hands, exchange knowing glances, then, to amuse his new company, he illuminates his face with a flashlightsketching a frightening air, reporting our colleagues from Paris Match. Touched by the performance of her prince, Charlene then puts her cheek on his shoulder. And to please her, the swimmer swapped the colors of South Africa for those of the Principality of Monaco, in support of her delegation: four athletes competing in alpine skiing and bobsleigh. When they parade before their eyes, Prince Albert and Charlene exult with joy, shouting at the top of their lungs.
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The first meeting of Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock
Charlene Wittstock and Prince Albert first met in 2000, during a swimming competition on the Rock. The South African swimmer won two events, gold for the 200 meters backstroke, and silver for the 100 meters. Prince Albert, who presided over the championship, then gives her a bouquet of flowers. Then everyone goes their own way. Charlene flies to South Africa, Albert returns to his main responsibilities.
A year later, the young woman is back in Monaco. Prince Albert then decides to meet her, and invites her to dinner. “Go ask my coach”responds the champion. “When I presented it, there was an awkward silence”, she told the Sunday Times a few days later. Of course, the response was positive. The sequel, engagement in 2010, a wedding the following yearthen the birth of twins, Jacques and Gabriella in 2014.
Photo credit: SIPA