ENGAGED!

There must be something in the water in Stockholm! Though everyone assumes it was known in royal circles before then (I'm not entirely sure) but it has been announced, it is official, -yes we have confirmation this time- our Sovereign Prince has finally popped the question and is engaged to be married to Miss Charlene Wittstock. To my regular readers, I know I have not been very prompt with this news but you should all know how many times Monaco-marriage-hopefuls have been burned in the past, so, I determined to hold off until there was an official announcement from the Princely Palace and not just a report on CNN quoting French newspapers. Well, the palace has confirmed it:

The Palace of Monaco announced the engagement of HSH Prince Albert II of
Monaco with Ms Charlene Wittstock
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.

More than a few people are probably saying, 'Well it's about time!' In any event, better late than never, it will be nice having another wedding in Monaco to look forward to. Congratulations and all our prayers and best wishes to HSH Prince Albert II and Miss Wittstock!