Princess Charlene of Monaco Biography

Princess Charlene is a former South African Olympic swimmer who, after her marriage to Prince Albert II, became the Princess of Monaco. When Charlene was a child, her family moved from Zimbabwe to South Africa where she received her early education and also developed a keen interest in swimming. She began her competitive swimming training under the supervision of her mother, who was a swimming coach, and went on to represent South Africa in 2000 Sydney Olympics. She first met Prince Albert of Monaco in an international swimming event held in Monaco and after several years, the couple was first spotted in public together at an international sporting event. For years Albert had enjoyed a playboy lifestyle which raised the question of whether he would ever marry, but her appearance on the scene raised hopes of a wedlock. In the following years, she retired from competitive swimming and eventually the couple put an end to the speculation, announcing their engagement. Their two-day royal wedding ceremony took place in the Monaco palace and she was styled as the Princess Consort of Monaco. Three years later, the couple was blessed with twins and people witnessed the next heir to the throne of Monaco. As the gorgeous Princess of Monaco, she remains actively involved in charitable causes, a sound symbol of elegance and compassion.