Princess Charlene

Princess Charlene, also styled Princess Charlene of Monaco, is the wife of Prince Albert II of Monaco and a member of the House of Grimaldi.

Princess Charlene, also styled Princess Charlene of Monaco, is the wife of Prince Albert II of Monaco and a member of the House of Grimaldi. Born Charlene Lynette Wittstock in 1978 in Bulawayo, she is a former Olympic swimmer who represented South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Early life and swimming career

Charlene Wittstock was born in Bulawayo, then in Rhodesia, on 25 January 1978. She later moved with her family to South Africa. She developed a competitive swimming career and represented South Africa internationally, including at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She retired from competitive swimming in 2007.

Marriage and royal role

She married Prince Albert II of Monaco in 2011 and became Princess Charlene of Monaco. As a member of the princely family, she carries out official duties alongside the sovereign and other royal engagements.

Public duties and philanthropy

Princess Charlene is associated with charitable work, particularly projects connected with sport, youth, and drowning prevention. She has also supported wider humanitarian and public-interest initiatives in Monaco.

Family

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II are the parents of twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques. Their children are among the central figures in the current Monegasque princely family.