Is this the new Prince Charming?

Is this really romantic - by Nick van der Leek

Charlene Wittstock is about my sister's age - born in 1978 - the 32 year old ex-Zimbabwean used to be an Olympic swimmer, she's now dating Prince Albert II. He's not a bad oke - apparently he made Monaco's bobsleigh team over the course of 5 winter Olympics. I guess that's really tough, a bit like making the downhill skiing squad in Namibia [and one of the world's emptiest countries]. Prince Albert is 52 years old and he has a R20 billion fortune. But wait, there's more.

Prince Albert II has twelve two illegitimate children with two different women, and on both occasions paternity depended on DNA tests and courtrooms. That's the part I don't like. You slept around so much that you actually had children with some of these women, and they have to pursue you in court so you can own up to that?

Now while I see the age gap of twenty years not being particularly odious, and the fame and fortune that goes with being the princess to this prince, I do wonder what Ms. Wittstock sees in a man who only decides to marry at 53 after living what looks similar to a Tiger Woods lifestyle, perhaps less seedy, but nevertheless culminating in a few random children whose existence can only be admitted in a court of law.

Meanwhile, let's not forget the church. Wittstock has already become a Catholic, as is required by Grimaldi Family Tradition, but that's a small price to pay for being the next Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco, a position once occupied by Prince Albert's mother, Grace Kelly.

I don't really see the attraction of such a marriage at all - other than perhaps that one's age is catching up with you. So is this the same issue that trumped all others for Charlene as it was for Tiger Woods' wife - show me the money?

I don't find that particularly romantic, and I'm afraid it will all end in tears. Sorry.