Prince Albert and Princess Charlene's Relationship - Part 2

[Renata4711]

Thank you for this very well considered response. You've put a lot of work into it.
I agree with most of it !

I sometimes wonder why we all spend time on the Grimaldis and their antics ;-)

I think that, having lived from babyhood in a famous palace, and in the relentless spotlight of the press, must have some impact on one's personality.

Personally I'm grateful not to have had to live such a life - privacy is a precious right - once lost, it's nigh impossible to get it back.

Add to that the influence from a set of string-minded parents and siblings, plus a natural shyness, and you have at least an inkling of what has made PA the way he is.

I think that's what I meant by my comments .... I think .... ;-)

 

[rosepercy]

A little strange-the interview

I have some experience of Asbergers syndrome and Albert does seem to have some the characteristics.
They dislike eye contact and can be 'frozen' by having to speak publicly. They have great difficulty in showing rapport. Albert rarely looks at Charlene in photos and appears almost 'neighbourly' in a social situation with her, no obvious show of warmth or overt affection at all. He seems to find it easier to put his arm around his familiar sister's waist almost as if he is slightly afraid of daring to touch Charlene.
It is so typical of the Asbergers sufferer. He actually looks a sensitive soul too and probably likeable but with this 'shell'.

 

[DuedePhiladelphia]

I apologize for the length of this, but it is my comment on a few of these posts.

Renata, I have to strongly disagree with you here. I read once that Rainier told his son that too much exposure, all over the place, will make his appearances not so very special. Rainier was absolutely correct here and quite media savvy. I suppose he was telling his son this for a reason? Albert still doesn't seem to comprehend his father's advice, he certainly has not heeded it? Albert in fact undermines himself here, he shouldn't need to do this?

..

Preach!!! right on the money!!!!

 

[sandsla]

Thank you for this very well considered response. You've put a lot of work into it.
I agree with most of it

Thank you!

I sometimes wonder why we all spend time on the Grimaldis and their antics ;-)

Me too!

I cannot explain it of myself.

I think that, having lived from babyhood in a famous palace, and in the relentless spotlight of the press, must have some impact on one's personality

I really do understand this. It cannot have been easy to have lived with not only that, but also with such big expectations to fulfill....and all on a public stage--that is a pressure no one would envy and even a bigger reason he needs to be able to find trust and support.

Personally I'm grateful not to have had to live such a life - privacy is a precious right - once lost, it's nigh impossible to get it back.

Add to that the influence from a set of string-minded parents and siblings, plus a natural shyness, and you have at least an inkling of what has made PA the way he is.

In spite of what I must sound like here sometimes , I do truly understand this, and what I would have guessed as much myself, although I think the natural shyness most people would actually find charming.

Renata, I guess I am actually in agreement with you about the privacy issue, but then it's also why I'm confused that he does not care to guard it more, or that he's not more careful with what or who he puts out there?

I really think he may have been a little misguided in thinking that something more was needed when his persona was perfectly fine just as it was? Nothing else or more was ever needed, even when he might have felt at his most vulnerable--he handled it like a man and moved on, unfortunately he moved out of the pot and into the frying pan.

I think that's what I meant by my comments .... I think .... ;-)

I think I understand Renata , and I only meant to say that all is not lost, he can still change not only whatever perception he thinks people may have of him, but his own level of happiness if he wishes to. I certainly thinks in light of what you say above (and that I think is probably true myself), he really deserves something better for himself, something more than just a friend...and one that isn't really such a good one at that?.

Preach!!! right on the money!!!!

Duedephiladelphia, you understand that is why Albert can never marry Charlene now! She has spent any kind of reputation she might have once had? It was always a slight chance, and not much of a reputation , but still (IMO) she threw whatever it was away. She really undid herself here....and almost Albert!

I'm glad you liked my post.

 

[Jaya]

I have never ever seen another Prince- anywhere ever- flaunt his girlfriend like this before a public announcement of betrothal.Nor have I ever seen a lady decide to "risk" her reputation by going to high level functions without "official " status.The danger lies in the credibility of Pa should the relationship with CW not culminate in marriage.Steph and Caro have had some colourful episodes in their private lives yet they have not done what Pa is doing now with CW.As for Cw I do not know why she stays on and keeps jumping through these hoops; year after year without the "definite" prospect of marraige?And for Pa not deciding where all this will go is just as confounding.Waiting is starting to wear me out as the courtship goes past the four year mark.Both Pa and Cw seem to have "steely" psychological interiors and an unequivocal manner of doing things completely their own way.

 

[DuedePhiladelphia]

Duedephiladelphia, you understand that is why Albert can never marry Charlene now! She has spent any kind of reputation she might have once had? It was always a slight chance, and not much of a reputation , but still (IMO) she threw whatever it was away. She really undid herself here....and almost Albert!

I'm glad you liked my post.

They both compromised their relationship. Its a shame really. All the things that Grace sacrificed for her family and the reputation of Monaco. Albert seems to just write off all things that is proper in a royal relationship. Being escorted by CW and showing her off as Mistress de Monaco ( new title). Not one year but for several years!!! Grace/ Rainier would have been mortified!!

Andrea and Char didn't even arrive with their dates they came in as official members of the family behind Caroline


I tried to pm you- yr box is full

 

[Renata4711]

It's true that Grace and Rainier would have been mortified at Pa's antics, but then, Rainier must have been in the picture when Nicole and Alexandre were on the scene!

RosePercy, I found your contribution very interesting - I have a close relative who has Asperger's Syndrome, and you may well be right about PA being somewhere on the Asperger/Autism spectrum. It might explain his behaviour, as outlined by Sandsla above.

 

[sandsla]

I have never ever seen another Prince- anywhere ever- flaunt his girlfriend like this before a public announcement of betrothal.Nor have I ever seen a lady decide to "risk" her reputation by going to high level functions without "official " status.The danger lies in the credibility of Pa should the relationship with CW not culminate in marriage.Steph and Caro have had some colourful episodes in their private lives yet they have not done what Pa is doing now with CWAnd for Pa not deciding where all this will go is just as confounding.Waiting is starting to wear me out as the courtship goes past the four year mark.Both Pa and Cw seem to have "steely" psychological interiors and an unequivocal manner of doing things completely their own way.

.[/quote]

I agree CW has ruined her reputation, but by being too eager in an effort to worm her way and embed herself into Albert's life. I in no way agree that "The danger lies in the credibility of Pa should the relationship with CW not culminate in marriage".In fact I think the opposite is true! (IMO) The word "not" should be removed to make that a more accurate statement. Charlene herself choose to run around acting far too presumptuously in playing the part pf Albert's consort when she knows she is not!.Take a look at her facebook story she has been trying to build, and every statement that she has ever made she has been trying to imply this same relationship between them, and her importance there at being at Albert's side. Charlene from the beginning was aware of exactly what the relationship was meant to be about and what it wasn't, but (IMO) she's greedy and she thought she could force a marriage too--she has been trying to do that from day one when she had her family blabbing in the media and press about an impending marriage between them. Albert even had to go on TV, with the read my lips message to counter her remarks in the press. The problem is that Charlene was not the kind of woman that could handle the kind of relationship that Albert probably proposed to her at one time? IMO she's been trying to play it both ways ever since, she wants to collect the money and be handsomely paid for it at the same time she been trying to pressure Albert with some kind of moral public sympathy that he owes her some sham of a marriage because of some kind of moral obligation towards her, as if she wasn't taking money, and if the relationship was something other than what it probabaly really is? She is too much! , all this while she is on the payroll or at least very happy to hold out her hand? Oh please! This girl couldn't be more transparent!

I think most people by now and even early on understood that the introduction of Charlene was mainly to change the story that Albert was facing at the time--she was always in on the deal, and she accepted it! She's been accepting it for four years now! So she was never promised a marriage! (IMO) What she was promised was cold hard currency and she was willing to take that deal. So now after her clinging to the rock for so long,, with Albert many times over saying very publicly in the press that he had no intention of marrying anyone anytime soon,.I think it's clear that Albert never lead Charlene on, in fact he was smart enough to repeat it in the press probably just for that reason. Never mind that I don't believe Charlene has any real feelings for Albert, if she did, she would have behaved differently all these years, and also Albert has not been shy about expressing ambivalence toward her in not being very forthcoming as to what their relationship actually is? Charlene seems to serves mainly as an escort to accompany Albert on certain occasions. Fine! So it's more a business deal? The fact is that Charlene is happy to reap in the monetary rewards or her services all these years, whatever that is, I don't know? But by Charlene's own admission she has revealed that this is true and that she is solely supported by Albert''s generosity --this certainly should relieve Albert of any obligations to her! That is why he is paying her! That is why people pay people. (IMO) it's also the reason Charlene refuses to leave, even when she knows she has long overstayed her welcome. Albert knows what kind of woman she is and that she is is probably going to try to cause as much trouble for him as the others did?. Nothing she could say would be news.

Remember Jaya Charlene chose herself to be solely supported by Albert, we warned about what she was going to do when it didn't turn out the way she was so arrogant to believe it would. She should have known how it would make her look? She did not care? This was Charlene's own gamble? I'm sure Albert has seen to it that she is much better off now than she was before she became the official freeloader to the people of Monaco !

 

[sandsla]

It's true that Grace and Rainier would have been mortified at Pa's antics, but then, Rainier must have been in the picture when Nicole and Alexandre were on the scene!

RosePercy, I found your contribution very interesting - I have a close relative who has Asperger's Syndrome, and you may well be right about PA being somewhere on the Asperger/Autism spectrum. It might explain his behaviour, as outlined by Sandsla above.

What do you mean in the picture? I'm sure he was mortified, but after the fact what could he do? It sounds like he tried to warn Albert that she was bad news, and the same with Charlene, who he supposingly didn't approve of either (and for good reason).

 

[Lumutqueen]

I don't think Rainier and Grace would be that horrified by Albert having Charlene on his arm.
Rainier married an oscar winning actress which was shocking in their time.
But most importantly Grace and Rainier would've wanted their eldest son to be happy and if he's happy doing this, then i'm sure they would be okay.

Charlene herself choose to run around acting far too presumptuously in playing the part pf Albert's consort when she knows she is not!.

I'm sure she does realise she doesn't have a title, but just because she attends certain events with PA, i don't think she acts like his wife.

What she was promised was cold hard currency and she was willing to take that deal.

Your suggesting that she was paid to act as PA's girlfriend. IMO that completely ridiculous. It's quite obvious that she isn't just an image changer.

I whole-heartedly disagree with most of the things you've said.
I don't think she's a freeloader, she hasn't been paid to attend functions with PA. You say

But by Charlene's own admission she has revealed that this is true and that she is solely supported by Albert''s generosity

When? Give me an article?

I'm sure she realises her life is better now, of course it is she's dating the Prince Of Monaco.

Albert can marry whoever he wants, he seems happy with Charlene and I really hope he does marry her.

None of us, i don't think, know what the Monanesque people think about Charlene. I'm sure they are happy their Prince is happy.

 

[rominet09]

Maybe it was already posted but in Point de Vue they say she has now her own office at the Monaco Palace.... good sign no ?

 

[Lighthouse]

I feel they're a genuine couple like other couples. Who cares if Charlotte's living off his money or not. It's their business and some couples are that way by mutual agreement.

 

[Lumutqueen]

I feel they're a genuine couple like other couples. Who cares if Charlotte's living off his money or not. It's their business and some couples are that way by mutual agreement.

Charlene.

She's a very succesful olympic swimmer, so i think she has her own money. I've never heard anthing to suggest that she lives of Albert's money.

 

[goody7058]

Sorry yes she does, CW don't have a job where she live and told her father that PA support her and her father told the press.

 

[hibou]

I don't think Rainier and Grace would be that horrified by Albert having Charlene on his arm.
Rainier married an oscar winning actress which was shocking in their time.
But most importantly Grace and Rainier would've wanted their eldest son to be happy and if he's happy doing this, then i'm sure they would be okay.



I'm sure she does realise she doesn't have a title, but just because she attends certain events with PA, i don't think she acts like his wife.



Your suggesting that she was paid to act as PA's girlfriend. IMO that completely ridiculous. It's quite obvious that she isn't just an image changer.

I whole-heartedly disagree with most of the things you've said.
I don't think she's a freeloader, she hasn't been paid to attend functions with PA. You say



When? Give me an article?

I'm sure she realises her life is better now, of course it is she's dating the Prince Of Monaco.

Albert can marry whoever he wants, he seems happy with Charlene and I really hope he does marry her.

None of us, i don't think, know what the Monanesque people think about Charlene. I'm sure they are happy their Prince is happy.

Let's start with Grace --- she would be mortified by this behavior. Let's remember Caroline married Junot because she would have been disowned for living with him. Grace would NOT have allowed it. As for Stephanie had Grace lived she would have been furious at the behavior. As for Albert as heir to the thrown, she would not be happy at this so called "arrangement". As for articles to support the statment that Albert supports her. Go back and re-read the last four years of Charlene's statements to various magazines like Bunte. How do you think she affords to live in Monaco without a job? She is not a wealthy girl and if you look at what apartments go for in Monaco you have to realize she has a benefactor so to speak. She travels with him all the time. Do you really believe they do not share a bed? A woman who is kept is called a mistress and that is what she has become by mutual choice. A girlfriend is someone who has her own apartment and her own income separate from her boyfriend. It they co-habitate and continue to have two incomes, they are said to be companions. But when one does not work and has no other source of income and cannot pay the rent without a benefactor she becomes a mistress. Eventually after many many years of living together she becomes his long-term companion. They haven't reached that part yet. At Albert's age it does not take four years to decide to marry this girl. They seem happy with this arrangement and Charlene does not seem to mind the comments. Lastly, Grace and Rainier would like him to be happy and MARRIED with an heir to the throne. JMO.

 

[Nathalie Cox]

Thanks hibou! I agree with you 100%.
I used to like Charlene, but now...

 

[iceflower]

Please let us stop speculating about what Princess Grace and Prince
Rainier would have thought and said, that is outside our range of knowledge!
It is disrespectful to claim certain things about persons that are already
dead. And keep in mind that times have changed since the 1970s and 1980s.

You can express your opinions, but please stay respectful and fair towards
Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock!

Iceflower
Monaco Forum Moderator

 

[PetraHel]

Thanks hibou! I agree with you 100%.
I used to like Charlene, but now...

No parents, the more royal parents, would be enthusiastic by their son and heir behaving like Albert. Lets notice, that he is the only prince from ruling families, who behaves like that. And we can´t really blame other European countries from illiberalness, but simply the royal families feel that there are some limits for their behaviour and that they should serve as a good example.
Albert is visibly quite indifferent to his duties following from his position (and the duties are really not only making charity) and has been blatantly presenting his mistress (who, I am sure, would agree to become his wife, if asked) to the world for some years now.
The family really degrade themselves for the second-class celebs, it is quite sad.

 

[Renata4711]

I find it sad that PA and CW get pilloried by us, and yet Caro and Steph are treated much more leniently by us, in view of their past behaviour.

PA is becoming middle-aged, so why not be happy for him in his chosen lifestyle ??

He has achieved a great deal in terms of environmental protection, and there is much more to come.

As to his "behaviour", he doesn't exactly flaunt his girlfriend all over the place. Instead, she is excluded from a great many things - which is as it should be.

Looking back over the decades, his behaviour was, on occasion, somewhat blatant, but that seems to have stopped. In recent years he has concentrated on building his profile as a statesman and global environmental figure.

 

[PetraHel]

I find it sad that PA and CW get pilloried by us, and yet Caro and Steph are treated much more leniently by us, in view of their past behaviour.

PA is becoming middle-aged, so why not be happy for him in his chosen lifestyle ??

He has achieved a great deal in terms of environmental protection, and there is much more to come.

As to his "behaviour", he doesn't exactly flaunt his girlfriend all over the place. Instead, she is excluded from a great many things - which is as it should be.

Looking back over the decades, his behaviour was, on occasion, somewhat blatant, but that seems to have stopped. In recent years he has concentrated on building his profile as a statesman and global environmental figure.

I for one meant all the family, as I wrote, family, not only Prince Albert and CW. All the family is a shame of European royalty with their behaviour and it doesn´t concern only the last generation. On the other hand Prince Albert is a ruler, therefore much more in the spotlight than his sisters. And being middle-aged shouldn´t be excuse for his behaviour, but the opposite, in his age he should know, what is appropriate for his position and what isn´t. As for him being environmental figure etc., well it isn´t enough for a ruler. For any ruler their privacy and activities are equally important, both create their image for people (and maybe his privacy is from this point of view even more important).

 

[Renata4711]

To say that the Grimaldis are "a shame of European Royalty" is overstating the case considerably.

If one wants to make comparisons, Prince Charles' behaviour is perhaps the most blatant through his behaviour to Diana, and I'm writing this as a citizen of Scotland.

Compared to the Windsors, PA is a raw beginner.

I just wish people wouldn't be so judgemental. Who are we to know what goes on behind closed doors?

 

[hibou]

Charlene.

She's a very succesful olympic swimmer, so i think she has her own money. I've never heard anthing to suggest that she lives of Albert's money.

You need to catch up on your reading. She has given many interviews where she talks about the fact that the SA swimmers do not have enough money to train and their stipends are small. Her family is middle class. She is not wealthy. There are plenty of indications per her own statements throught the last four years to indicate that Albert is her benefactor. Monaco is very very expensive to live in and she does not have the means to jetset with the rich and famous. In fact very few athletes make millions. Her stint with Armani was a short-term contract to wear his clothes. While this will help her wardrobe, it will not pay the rent. She lives rent free per Albert by her own statement.

 

[Timea83]

You have right, Hibou. This is the reason that Charlene won't leave PA. Now she has everything she would be stupid to leave this luxury life style. In South Africa she would become nobody without education, job and PA's financial support. So far she has accepted her status, she doesn't want more ( or she won't get more even she wants) By the way it is worth to do it for some time. I really hope that CW knows that it won't last forever. I am curious if she has plans for the future of she lives for her dreams?

 

[Jaya]

You need to catch up on your reading. She has given many interviews where she talks about the fact that the SA swimmers do not have enough money to train and their stipends are small. Her family is middle class. She is not wealthy. There are plenty of indications per her own statements throught the last four years to indicate that Albert is her benefactor. Monaco is very very expensive to live in and she does not have the means to jetset with the rich and famous. In fact very few athletes make millions. Her stint with Armani was a short-term contract to wear his clothes. While this will help her wardrobe, it will not pay the rent. She lives rent free per Albert by her own statement.

I agree with you hibou . It always boils down to the lucre and I am afraid Cw does not have much of her own earnings from anything to be in the league of international citizens who jet set in which she now struts.Cw did not make the stint with Armani go into orbit by something extraordinary she could have brought to it to make it outstanding. and also make her a household name so I am not certain she could make a commercial success of things. That being the case I hope she walks with as many Armanis as she can and that she has made new connections.

 

[agogo]

Does anyone think Prince Albert is turned off to marriage because of his sisters
faiedl marriages and/or the curse of the Grimaldi family for permanent love?

Not everyone on this earth is cut out to be married. Also, marriage is out of favor with most Europeans. Prince Albert is not married because he does not want be married. If he chooses to marry - he will. I have read interviews where he stated: (I am not quoting him verbatim, just remembering what he said in interviews.)
1) I will never marry a woman that my sisters do not approve of.
2) My wife will be compared to my mother. I do not want to put any woman through that.
3) My relationship with my consort will not be the conventional type.

It looks as if he is just living his life as he wishes. From his birth, so much of his life has been pre-determined by the constitution of Monaco. Maybe his personal life is the only thing that he has complete control over. We all assume that any crown prince or reigning monarch will naturally marry and produce an heir. Well, maybe Prince Albert just feels that he does not have to do this.

Originally Posted by hibou
You need to catch up on your reading. She has given many interviews where she talks about.............

Most likely these interviews are not printed in the USA....any links these interviews? I have never ever read any interviews that she has given.

In the interview they seem like friends. And Albert...was he nervous or something? He wasn't fluid talking in english, and it's his second language. Although I've watched french interviews of him and it wasn't very fluid either, so I guess he is a bit shy, perhaps?

Prince Albert has given numerous TV interviews here in the states. He always stutters, always. He never speaks with fluidity. It is unfortunate that such a public person is afflicted with stuttering.

 

[rosepercy]

A good man

Interesting article in the Telegraph today (UK)
Why Prince Albert is in pole position - Telegraph
I can see what Charlene sees in him here but I do think P. Albert has aspects of Asbergers and he is brave to try and overcome this condition.
Asbergers sufferers are usually incredibly honest too and his views do reflect this.
Put Charlene Wittstock into UTube and there are some lovely pics of her. They would make a good team if Albert can make the change.

 

[hibou]

Originally Posted by hibou
You need to catch up on your reading. She has given many interviews where she talks about.............

Most likely these interviews are not printed in the USA....any links these interviews? I have never ever read any interviews that she has given.

Wow, we're talking four years worth. I'm sure if you go back to some of the old threads on this forum, you will find translations of articles. Mostly she talks to Bunte and sometimes Point de Vue. I'm sure you'll find some.

 

[Thecia]

I agree with hibou - If you go back through some of the old threads you'll find translations of interviews Charlene has given. Here's one posted on the forum and I'm sure if you looked you'd find others. Bunte is a particular favourite of hers, and she gave PDV that interview where she said "I confess I have a very privileged life."

 

[agogo]

Thanks hibou and Thecia for the info about finding Charlene's interviews - since Princess Grace died, media coverage of the Grimaldi's of Monaco declined sharply. USA media coverage of almost all Euorpean royals is minimal. I don't know why this is, maybe we love our "movie stars" so much that we don't care about princes and princesses. I can't think of any media coverage here about Charlene. Oh well...

 

[goody7058]

I agree with hibou - If you go back through some of the old threads you'll find translations of interviews Charlene has given. Here's one posted on the forum and I'm sure if you looked you'd find others. Bunte is a particular favourite of hers, and she gave PDV that interview where she said "I confess I have a very privileged life."

Of course you do CW, YOU ARE LIVING OFF SOMEONE ELSE MONEY! HELLO!