The former Olympic swimmer Charlene’s life suddenly changed when she met Prince Albert of Monaco in 2000. Becoming Princess Consort of Monaco, the South African Olympic swimmer has become one of the emblematic figures not only in Monaco but also around the world. Below, we have compiled a complete history of her life.
Charlene Lynette Wittstock was born on 25 January 1978 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Africa. She is the daughter of Michael Kenneth Wittstocka sales manager, and former competitive diver and swimming coach, Lynette Humberstonea.
The Princess Consort of Monaco has two younger brothers: Gareth Wittstock and Sean Wittstock. Gareth is an IT technician who married a Monegasque dancer and Sean is a businessman living in South Africa.
When she was 12, her family immigrated to South Africa. There, her parents worked as handworkers and diamond prospectors.
Charlene de Monaco started swimming at the age of 3. She inherited her passion for swimming from her mother.
Charlene attended Tom Newby Primaryschool in Benoni, near Johannesburg, from 1988 to 1991. She left her studies at 16 to devote herself entirely to her passion, swimming.
At a very young age, Charlene de Monaco developed a passion for swimming and won the South African Championships in 1996. Her team finished fifth at the Sydney Olympic Games, in 2000.
Charlene Wittstock was remarkable in the 1999 All-Africa Games in Johannesburg because she won three gold medals and a silver medal. From 1998 to 2002, Her Serene Highness represented South Africa at Commonwealth Games where she won a silver medal in the 4 × 100 m medley relay.
Charlene Wittstock met Albert II, Prince of Monaco, at the Mare Nostrum Swim in Monaco in 2000. The couple made their public debut in 2006 during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.
Prince of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock were engaged on 23 June 2010. Her engagement ring was created by Parisian jeweller Repossi, featuring a pear-shaped three-carat diamond at the centre and surrounding diamond brilliants.
The couple’s civil ceremony was on 1 July 2011 in the Throne Room of the Prince's Palace. The Princess of Monaco was in tears during the wedding.
On 2 July 2011, their religious ceremony took place in the courtyard of the palace, which was presided over by Archbishop Bernard Barsi. After the ceremony, the couple went to Mozambique for their honeymoon.
Since her marriage to the Prince of Monaco, she bears the title Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. She has also been styled The Princess Consort of Monaco.
After announcing Charlene's pregnancy on 30 May 2014, she gave birth to twins at The Princess Grace Hospital Centre. Princess Gabriella was born first and the Hereditary Prince Jacques.
The Princess of Monaco has been president of Ladies Lunch Monte-Carlo since 2009. Her Serene Highness has also been associated with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Charlene de Monaco became a global ambassador for the Special Olympics on May 2011. In her role, she promotes respect and inclusion policy for people with intellectual disabilities around the world.
The Princess Consort of Monaco has become a co-patron of a group of South African charities called Giving Organisations Trust. This charity works with AIDS, deprived children, and environmentalism.
Princess Charlene founded the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation in December 2012. This organism has a mission to save children's lives by putting an end to drowning.
In September 2016, the Princess of Monaco became the ambassador for the World First Aid Day event in Geneva. She has also become the patron of the South African Red Cross Society on its 68th anniversary.
On 15 July 2022, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella received their "Seadventures Summer Camp diploma". Their parents Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attended this awards ceremony.
