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Monaco

Monaco's Prince to tie the knot

One of Europe's most eligible bachelors has announced his engagement. Prince Albert II of Monaco is to marry South African swimming champion Charlene Wittstock in what is already expected to be a 'fairytale wedding'. 

Reuters
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The engagement was announced on Wednesday in a brief statement from the palace, but no details of the event or the date have been given.

Prince Albert, aged 52, is the only son of deceased Prince Rainier III and the late Hollywood actress Grace Kelly. He has ruled the principality of Monaco with its 8,000 subjects since 2005.

Wittstock, who is 20 years younger than the prince, is a school teacher and a former Commonwealth 100 metres backstroke champion. She also competed for South Africa in the Olympics in Sydney in 2000.

Wittstock was first spotted with the prince in 2001 at an event in Monte Carlo and has been seen on his arm recently at several society events in Monaco.

Prince Albert has also competed in five Olympic games as a member of Monaco's bobsleigh team.

He has already fathered two children, a boy and a girl, who were officially recognised after he became head of state, but neither can succeed to the throne as Monaco's constitution requires it rulers to be born in wedlock.

Monaco is a super-rich enclave on the Riviera which attracts many wealthy expatriates with it low tax rates, luxury yachting marina and famous casino.

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