Monaco's Princess Charlene 'very happy': brother (AFP)

CAPE TOWN (AFP) – Monaco's newly wed Princess Charlene is "very happy", the South African bride's brother told a local magazine, rejecting rumours that her marriage to Prince Albert II is troubled.

"Everyone's making up their own stories. I can promise you, my sister is very happy," younger brother Sean Wittstock told the latest edition of the country's top selling English weekly magazine YOU.

"She and her bridesmaid were in SA on a game farm a week before the wedding. She could have stayed behind if she'd wanted to."

It would not be as easy for the former South African Olympic swimmer now, the 27-year-old added.

"She's a Roman Catholic now and they don't believe in divorce," he told the newspaper.

Prince Albert and the Monaco government haved lashed out at media spreading what they describe as false rumours and threatened to sue French magazine L'Express.

Rumours that Wittstock tried to leave the principality in a huff just days before the royal wedding have already been rejected by the palace, a lawyer for the princely pair, as well as by Albert himself.

L'Express had reported on its website that Wittstock, now Princess Charlene, interrupted preparations for the lavish celebrations and prepared to take a flight for her home country South Africa.

As for the allegations that Albert fathered a third child out of wedlock while engaged to Charlene, the government head Michel Roger said there was proof that this was false.

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Monaco's Prince Albert slams marriage 'rumours' (AFP)

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.

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Lavish luxury for Monaco's royal newlyweds in S.Africa (AFP)

DURBAN, South Africa (AFP) – It's a venue fit for a prince and princess: a five-star hotel famous for sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and a presidential suite that lists for 50,000 rand ($7,400, 5,100 euros) a night.

The Oyster Box, one of South Africa's most lavish hotels, will host a reception for Prince Albert II of Monaco and his new bride, Charlene Wittstock, as they visit the eastern port city of Durban this week.

The royal newlyweds, who are in town for a meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) -- of which Albert is a member -- will be throwing a party at the seaside hotel for 400 guests on Thursday night.

The hotel, which opened in 1947, is famous as one of Africa's most opulent destinations.

It has hosted princes William and Harry, supermodel Naomi Campbell and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, among other notables and celebrities.

Located in the resort town of Umhlanga, just north of Durban, it prides itself on its "colonial charm", a historic lighthouse and oyster beds just offshore that supply the hotel's renowned Oyster Bar.

Joanne Hayes, chief of public relations for the hotel, said it's an obvious choice for an event like the royal reception.

"We're thrilled. It's a great honour. But as far as we're concerned, when you see the Oyster Box, there is no other choice really," she told AFP.

The Oyster Box was built in 1869 and originally served as a navigationa beacon before being converted to a hotel.

It recently underwent a two-year renovation, reopening in 2009. The new owners, the Red Carnation luxury hotel group, sought to blend new furnishings and technology with the original decor of the 1940s and 50s, when the old hotel was in its heyday.

Today the hotel has 86 "individually appointed" rooms and suites, including eight garden villas that each have their own plunge pool.

The crown jewel is the 450-square-metre (4,840-square-foot) presidential suite -- a two-level room served by private lift, with a private swimming pool, private study and marble his-and-hers bathrooms.

South African media have reported that the couple are staying in the suite, but the hotel is tightlipped about its guests.

The Oyster Box boasts six restaurants overseen by executive chef Kevin Joseph, who trained at Michelin-starred establishments in London.

It also has an all-white ballroom adorned with crystal Venetian chandeliers, an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean and a 24-seat movie theater that can be booked for private screenings with dinner and popcorn.

The royal reception is expected to spill into the various venues of the hotel, which will be reserved exclusively for invitees that night.

The hotel is keeping details of the function under wraps, but Joseph says he is planning a menu that is "seasonal, with a South African touch".

Police and security are expected to set up a cordon around the property.

"This is a private function," said general manager Wayne Coetzer.

"We will do all we can to ensure that the couple and their guests are able to enjoy the renowned Oyster Box hospitality to the fullest."

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Monaco's prince weds bride in lavish ceremony (AP)

MONACO – Monaco's Prince Albert married Charlene Wittstock in an extravagant religious ceremony Saturday attended by international celebrities and royalty, bringing new allure to the tiny principality known for its luxurious casinos and as stomping ground for the rich and famous.

The Catholic service ended two days of pomp and followed an intimate civil ceremony Friday. The marriage of the 53-year-old prince and the 33-year-old Wittstock, a one-time Olympic swimmer from South Africa, ended a three-decade wait for a new princess.

The last wedding of a ruling prince in Monaco was in 1956 when Hollywood actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III.

Saturday's ceremony was attended by guests including Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld, former James Bond actor Roger Moore and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Thousands of Monaco's residents cheered the proceedings while watching on large screens set up outside the palace, where both ceremonies were held.

Wittstock swept along the red carpet leading into the palace on her father's arm. In her sumptuous boat neck gown by Giorgio Armani Prive, her hair pulled back in a swirling French twist and with only the lightest touch of makeup, she seemed to channel the effortless elegance of Grace Kelly.

Throughout the ceremony, which lasted an hour and a half, both bride and groom had demure expressions. Only as they took their vows and exchanged rings did the solemn facade crack: As they slipped on the 18 carat white gold Cartier rings onto each other's fingers, Albert — in a white military uniform — shot her a wink, and Charlene cracked a broad, sincere smile.

The tears flowed freely down the new princess' face after the ceremony, as she left her bouquet of lilies of the valley and other white blossoms at the Sainte Devote church — a tradition in Monaco.

With photographers shouting for the attention of the A-list guests as they streamed into the palace, the wedding had something of the flavor of a star-studded red carpet at the film festival in neighboring Cannes.

British actor Roger Moore, a longtime Monaco resident and a former James Bond, lent a touch of secret agent glamour. The carpet might as well have been a catwalk for British model Naomi Campbell and Czech supermodel Karolina Kurkova.

Royal guests included monarchs from Denmark and Sweden. Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the world's Ismaili Muslims, and Empress Farah Pahlavi, wife of Iran's deposed shah, chatted with former French first lady Bernadette Chirac inside the palace.

The last guest to enter according to protocol, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, elicited extensive applause and hoots of approval in what was likely the warmest welcome the leader, whose popularity ratings hover at record lows, has received in a long time.

The most enthusiastic welcome was reserved for the bride and members of the Grimaldi family, one of Europe's oldest dynasties. Albert's sisters, Princesses Stephanie and Caroline, both looked fetching in their short taupe dresses, Caroline's steely blue eyes hidden behind the oversized brim of her hat. Her daughter, Charlotte Casiraghi, was breathtaking in a pink off-the-shoulder cocktail dress by Chanel.

While Charlene — whose name is now officially written with an accent to give it a more French resonance — wore a blue ensemble of her own design to Friday's civil ceremony, she opted for one of her longtime favorite designers, Armani, for Saturday's wedding gown. The "petites mains" or seamstresses of his haute couture atelier put more than 2,500 hours of work into the dress, a strong-lined, made-to-measure concoction of more than 130 meters (about 140 yards) of different silks, 40,000 Swarovski crystals and 20,000 mother of pearl beads.

The ceremony, officiated by Monseigneur Bernard Barsi, Archbishop of Monaco, included moving performances by U.S. soprano Renee Fleming and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, as well as a tradition "click song" by South Africa's Pumeza Matshikiza — a nod to the princess' roots.

After the ceremony, about 450 select guests tucked into a multi-course gala prepared by celebrated French-born chef Alain Ducasse.

Filet of golden mullet and a vegetable medley "arranged to portray a landscape typical of the coast of the Riviera," according to a statement, was the main event at the three-course meal, where everything besides the South African wines and Champagnes were sourced from within a 10-kilometer (6-mile) radius of Monaco.

Ducasse, who like many in his tax bracket has taken citizenship in Monaco, is the first chef to earn three Michelin stars in three different cities, including three for his Louis XV restaurant in the principality.

Charlene was born in Zimbabwe, but moved to neighboring South Africa as a child, and under the tutelage of her mother, a swim coach, competed for that country at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Albert — also a former Olympic athlete, having competed in five Winter Olympics as part of Monaco's bobsled team — has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 1985.

Albert and Charlene met during a 2000 swimming competition in Monaco. She then began appearing regularly at social events and moved to Monaco in 2006. Residents say Charlene has since maintained a low profile.

The couple's civil wedding on Friday was held in the palace's sumptuous throne room where Rainier III and Grace Kelly married. The actress died in a car crash nearly 30 years ago, and Monaco had been without a princess ever since. Known as a notorious ladies man, Albert long eschewed marriage, and many in Monaco had resigned themselves to forever having a bachelor prince.

The constitution was even modified to ensure the continuity of the Grimaldi line in case Albert never produced an heir. The prince has acknowledged having fathered two children out of wedlock, but only his legitimate offspring would be able to succeed him.

Rumors have swirled in recent days that a third illegitimate child had surfaced — prompting Charlene to allegedly try to call off the wedding and return to South Africa days before the festivities.

The palace has denied the reports, dismissing them as "ugly rumors" prompted by spite and jealousy.

Charlene has told interviewers she would like to have children, and Archbishop Barsi asked those at Saturday's ceremony to pray for the fecundity of the princely union.

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Monaco's bride seeking to make her own mark (AP)

MONACO – Charlene Wittstock has not one, but two tough acts to follow.

As the future princess of Monaco and wife to longtime bachelor Prince Albert II, the Zimbabwe-born, South Africa-raised former Olympic swimmer is to succeed Grace Kelly, whose 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier III is still widely seen as the gold standard for royal nuptials.

And as if the blue-eyed Hollywood beauty-turned-beloved princess didn't cast a long enough shadow, Albert's long-awaited marriage to Wittstock comes on the heels of the royal wedding of the decade, Kate Middleton's union with Britain's Prince William.

It's still the biggest thing to hit Monaco since Grace walked down the aisle in an elegant antique lace gown, ushering in a new era of high-wattage glamour into this tiny Riviera principality known for its high-flying casinos and lax tax laws.

The country still mourns Grace, who died in a car crash nearly 30 years ago, but Monegasques are eagerly awaiting their new princess. Though 53-year-old Albert has been romantically linked to some of Europe's most eligible bachelorettes over the years, he long resisted marriage, and the upcoming wedding will be his first trip down the aisle.

It's to be a grand affair.

It will be held over not one but two days in the princely palace — a fortress-turned-Italian Renaissance residence, where members of the ruling Grimaldi dynasty have lived since the 15th century. And the guest list reads like a who's who of Europe's rich and powerful. Several heads of state are expected, along with royals from Spain to Sweden, top names in the sporting and music worlds and the celebrated couturier to the stars, Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld.

A civil ceremony will be held on July 1 in the palace's throne room, the red silk damask-draped hall where Grace wed the late Prince Rainier 55 years ago. The religious ceremony will take place the following day in the palace's marble courtyard, before some 3,500 seated guests. Access to Monaco's old town will be limited during the event, but the principality's 7,600 citizens are to be allowed in to watch the ceremony on giant screens set up outside the palace.

World famous chef Alain Ducasse will be serving up a multi-course gala dinner for about 500 guests. Ducasse — who holds an astonishing 19 Michelin stars — hasn't revealed what exactly is on the menu but says it will be local and sustainable, with everything besides the Champagne and South African wines sourced from a six-mile (10-kilometer) radius from Monaco.

A fireworks display over the azure waters of Monaco Bay will cap the festivities, which were so long in coming many Monegasques feared they might never come to pass.

"We've been waiting impatiently for my lord's marriage for a very long time," said Carine Dick, who runs a souvenir shop near "le rocher," the giant rocky outcropping crowned by the palace. "We were getting kind of worried there, but in the end it's better to wait and find the right person than get it wrong."

The Grimaldis — one of Europe's oldest dynasties — have been beset by romantic scandals. Princess Caroline, the eldest of Grace and Rainier's three children, was divorced after an unhappy two-year marriage to French playboy Philippe Junot, and after her second husband was killed in a boating accident, remarried a German prince known for his explosive temper. Albert's younger sister, Princess Stephanie, has had three children out of wedlock, including two with her former bodyguard, and was also briefly married to a Portuguese circus acrobat.

Wittstock and Albert cut a dashing figure together, the balding prince looking dashing but affable in dark suits and glasses while his fiancee — 20 year his junior — exudes a relaxed, understated chic.

Wittstock was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in 1978, but the family relocated to neighboring South Africa when she was 12. Her father, Michael, works as a sales manager while her mother, Lynette, is a retired swimming coach. Under her mother's tutelage, Wittstock rose to Olympic levels, swimming for South Africa in the summer games in Sydney in 2000.

That same year, she won the gold medal for backstroke at a meet in Monaco, where she caught the prince's eye. Albert — himself an Olympic bobsledder — has told interviewers it was Wittstock's athletic drive that attracted him to her, though her slim silhouette and shapely swimmer's arms and shoulders mustn't have hurt either.

Wittstock retired from swimming in 2007, after moving to Monaco to be closer to the prince. Locals say she's maintained a low profile.

"You see the prince all the time, just walking around, but you never see her," said Stive Osmont, a waiter at a restaurant near the palace. "It's understandable because she didn't have an official role for all those years. But now that she is going to be princess, we're really looking forward to getting to know her better."

Prince Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre, Marquis of Baux, is the second child — and only son — of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, who ascended to the throne at the tender age of 26. Albert, on the other hand, was 47 when he became reigning prince in 2005, after his father's death.

Though he dated a string of famous beauties said to include U.S. actress Brooke Shields and supermodels Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell, Albert's reluctance to tie the knot was known to have strained relations with his father and also sparked persistent rumors he was gay.

Albert repeatedly denied it, but the rumors were squelched only after the prince acknowledged fathering two children out of wedlock.

Jazmin Grace Grimaldi was born of a 1991 tryst with Tamara Rotolo, a California woman who had been vacationing in the Mediterranean, while Alexandre Coste was born in 2003 to a former flight attendant originally from the west African nation of Togo.

Still, as long as he remained single, the prince's acknowledgment of the two children did nothing to calm succession worries, as Monaco's constitution specifies that only "direct and legitimate" descendants can assume the throne. As the problem posed by Albert's bachelor status dragged on, the constitution was revised to allow Caroline to succeed him.

Albert and Wittstock have stressed their desire to have a family.

"I love children and have always wanted to have children of my own," said Wittstock in an interview with France's BFM television. "We'll see in the next couple of months or years."

With her steely blue eyes and shoulder-length platinum locks, Wittstock has more than a passing resemblance to Grace. Still, she struggled at first to match the late princess' legendary elegance, and some of her first public appearances with Albert were marred by fashion faux pas.

With the help of Giorgio Armani, Wittstock has blossomed over the years into the very picture of understated chic, in beige sheath dresses and sharp-lined gray pantsuits.

When her engagement was announced last June, there was little doubt the Italian couturier would design Wittstock's wedding dress. That also meant there has been none of the frenetic guessing games that surrounded the identity of the designer of Kate Middleton's wedding gown, kept under lock-down until the moment the now-Duchess of Cambridge stepped into Westminster Abbey.

Indeed, authorities here appear determined to avoid many of the excesses of the April 29 British royal wedding, which with an estimated 2 billion viewers may have been the most-watched event in history.

There'll be none of the commemorative kitsch that abounded at the British wedding, where everything from tea bags to toilet seat covers were emblazoned with the royal couple's broadly smiling faces. Souvenir shops in the principality will be selling only a handful of palace-approved memorabilia, including porcelain with the couple's names but no images, vendors have said.

Monaco is also getting a makeover ahead of the wedding, with workers racing to touch up the peach-colored facades of the 2-square-kilometer country's many high-rises, Art Deco casinos and five-star hotels.

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