It was yesterday in 1978 that HSH Princess Caroline of Monaco made the mistake of getting married to the much older French playboy Philippe Junot. It was a beautiful occasion and the bride at least looked happy, but a close look shows two very worried parents. It was a mistake from the start and everyone seemed able to see that save Caroline herself. Problems emerged right away and there were even rumors of abuse. Happily, Princess Caroline was able to extricate herself from the bad situation and the marriage was eventually ruled invalid. She went on to marry her beloved Stefano Casiraghi; a marriage which, though ending tragically, gave her probably the most happy years of family life she has ever known.
On a happier note, the buzzing has not stopped concerning the engagement of the Sovereign Prince and Miss Charlene Wittstock, nor is it likely to until the wedding. Unfortunately, not all of it has been good. I will admit to being slow to 'take to' Charlene as we say down here, and I still do not feel I really know what kind of woman she is, but I have been amazed at how vicious some people have been and remain towards her even while knowing next to nothing about her. As I said, I do not really know what sort of person she is or what kind of princess she will make but I would rather assume the best and believe that Prince Albert, who does know her quite well and has for quite some time, knows what he is doing. I have also been impressed with how much effort Charlene has evidently put in over the last few years to prepare herself for the 'job' of being princess consort. She has studied how things work at the palace, how certain events are handled, she has learned French and Monegasque (no small feat) and, so I am told, she has joined the Roman Catholic Church. I do not know, off hand, of any other example of a Grimaldi bride-to-be doing so much for such a length of time to be prepared for what she will be taking on when she says "I do". Hopefully, it will not be a wasted effort and the two will have a happy and successful marriage and many years together.I will say again, as the Sovereign Prince is considerably older than his fiance and not getting any younger, when it comes to possible children I would say the sooner the better. I would like for the Polignac-Grimaldi line to continue and hear the guns at Ft Antoine firing and a birth announcement being read from the palace steps again.
I can't speak for the everyone, but most people my age, which is the same as the Prince, feel bery protective of him. OK maybe some of use wished we could meet him for tea, but we wanted to see him marry someone who would make him happy. Maybe you are correct that we haven't given her enough of a chance, so maybe that will chance will time. I just hope the world isn't expecting another Princess Diana. She needs to become who she will become and not be sterotyped into any role.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone in the Royal family read your blod
One problem, and the Prince expected this, is comparisons to Princess Grace; which I suppose is unavoidable but still very unfair. Grace was already adored around the world when she became Princess of Monaco and that was just the fairy-tale climax to an already glamorous story. Grace was one of a kind and Charlene should be judged on her own and not always in the shadow of Princess Grace -a legend in her own time who has gained even mythic status since.
ReplyDeleteAs for any of the Grimaldi clan reading up from time to time -who knows? I do get hits from Monaco (and France etc) and I know they are pretty 'plugged in', the Casiraghis especially. But, I would tend to doubt it if for no other reason than nothing I write about (family history, current events) would be news to them.
A curiosity, where does your passion for the royal world and Monaco come from?
ReplyDeleteA little hard to answer that in 5,000 words or less. For Monaco at least I have always liked the country for a number of reasons and I find the history of the Grimaldis fascinating. I would have that anyway but Princess Grace probably made a big difference. Thanks to her alot of people on this side of the pond feel like the Princely Family is partly our own.
ReplyDeleteHere in Europe the mass-media give more attention to bigger royal families, like the Spanish one, the English one and the Swedish one. But we think that Monaco is the smallest but the most glamour! Also here in Europe we love Grace, her elegance and kindness. Now we look to Caroline and the new generation to Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about Charlene, either, but people ought to give her the benefit of the doubt, to say the least. I hope these attacks do not become a permanent problem, it's very damaging to a monarchy to have people constantly disparaging the consort.
ReplyDeleteCharlene may surprise everyone. As an Olympic competitor, she showed dedication and perseverance. She knows how to put in long hours and work hard to achieve her goals. The position of Princess Consort Monaco is not an easy one. Prince Albert would not choose a wife that was not suited for the job. He seems to have picked a pleasant and kind woman with a sense of humor. He wise to the opposite type of woman his entire adult life. Also, the Kelly and Grimaldi family have a history of athleticism and Olympic goals. Charlene seems to fit into Prince Albert’s life nicely.
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