MONACO (AFP) – Prince Albert II of Monaco has summoned journalists to castigate them for publishing "rumours" about his new marriage to Princess Charlene, saying someone in Monaco wants to cause trouble.
"We want to express our indignation at these rumours," Albert, 53, told journalists from three local newspapers he called to the palace over stories about his marriage to South African Charlene Wittstock, 33.
"It's unbearable," Nice-Matin's Thursday edition quoted the prince as saying.
"What's regrettable is that the media pick up these rumours without verifying the information," said the prince, who married the former swimming champion at a lavish ceremony in July amid swirling rumours of a rift.
"I find that unworthy on the part of your colleagues. I've always respected freedom of expression. But publishing false information is lamentable and subject to criminal penalties.
"Sometimes these rumours make us smile, for example when the media reported that the princess and I did not sleep in the same hotel in South Africa. That was for obvious practical reasons."
Albert said that the couple managed to "escape the paparazzi" by holidaying in Mozambique from July 9-20. It was "a marvellous stay. We weren't disturbed," he said.
"There's one or more people in Monaco who are trying to cause harm," the prince said, declining to give any names.
