Albert and Charlene's Relationship

[hibou]

Originally Posted by bbb

i think it was rude if he did leave her there surrounded by no friends and out of her element. if my date had done that i would have been really mad and wonder about a future with such a jerk (prince or not). as for the cold reception from caroline she might want to get used to it. intimidating indeed! i hope some spies come up with the real scoop on his departure, he didn't look sick, besides it would sound so much more professional if they had said he had urgent business. either way he should have been worried about his date (i also would have been worried and left with him, perhaps she wasn't asked)

What makes it stranger is as paca pointed out what could have been so urgent for Monaco? and why wouldn't he have returned to the ball a while later? The whole thing seems strange. I hope someone gets to the bottom of it fast as the gossip in the tabloids are going to have a field day. I guess the official statement was that he was ill? If so why is there no update from the palace that it was just a virus and he is fine. Virus can come on quickly but again the palace should issue a statement that that is what it was and he is fine. If true it did put Charlene in an extremely awkward position. Did she even know he was missing?

[CasiraghiTrio]

Originally Posted by Tosca

I know people with more than one uni degree who are real jerks!

There is rarely a truer statement to be found. I'm always frustrated with how pompous some of my fellow academics can be, looking down on someone without a college degree. Even someone who didn't finish high school can acquire such wisdom in their life from meeting loads of people that would make any Pompous Dr of Philosophy feel foolish. Look at Queen Elizabeth, at Princess Anne! Neither one has a college degree, but would anyone consider them dense?

[royal pauper]

Originally Posted by hibou

What makes it stranger is as paca pointed out what could have been so urgent for Monaco? and why wouldn't he have returned to the ball a while later? The whole thing seems strange. I hope someone gets to the bottom of it fast as the gossip in the tabloids are going to have a field day. I guess the official statement was that he was ill? If so why is there no update from the palace that it was just a virus and he is fine. Virus can come on quickly but again the palace should issue a statement that that is what it was and he is fine. If true it did put Charlene in an extremely awkward position. Did she even know he was missing?

Just a few questions! Who came up with the information of PA's sickness in the first place? How do we know that that really happened? Who was the source?
Just curious.....

[hibou]

Originally Posted by royal pauper

Just a few questions! Who came up with the information of PA's sickness in the first place? How do we know that that really happened? Who was the source?
Just curious.....

RP scroll back a page and you will see paca's post which indicates that it was in the paper.

[CasiraghiTrio]

Originally Posted by hibou

What makes it stranger is as paca pointed out what could have been so urgent for Monaco? and why wouldn't he have returned to the ball a while later? The whole thing seems strange. I hope someone gets to the bottom of it fast as the gossip in the tabloids are going to have a field day. I guess the official statement was that he was ill? If so why is there no update from the palace that it was just a virus and he is fine. Virus can come on quickly but again the palace should issue a statement that that is what it was and he is fine. If true it did put Charlene in an extremely awkward position. Did she even know he was missing?

I might be wrong, but as far as I can tell, the Princely Palace does not owe any explanation. As long as CW and Albert know what happened and she is fine with whatever happened, I think it's fine. What can we do? Whatever happened, it's between them. If she is fine with being left, there doesn't seem anything else to be said. How can it make her look bad or worse if no one actually knows what happened, if these things are just supposition? I hope the Princely Palace maintains a no-comment policy on this because if they run and jump to "explain" just because a tabloid makes suppositions, it sets a bad precedent, and Albert has lots of that ahead in his reign!

[paca]

The palace doesn't owe an explanation why Charlene was left behind, if he was indeed ill. But if he is sick enough to leave one of the most mediatised events in Monacos social calendar and a palace employee said that he had to leave because he was sick, then the people are interested in his well being. Obviously there is no need to inform the public about a cold, but if you have to leave a public engagement early due to illness, it is customary to let people know that it is nothing major, if indeed it isn't. After all he is the head of state and the public has a vested interest in knowing that he is ok. Charlene is totally secondary in this matter.

[hibou]

Originally Posted by paca

The palace doesn't owe an explanation why Charlene was left behind, if he was indeed ill. But if he is sick enough to leave one of the most mediatised events in Monacos social calendar and a palace employee said that he had to leave because he was sick, then the people are interested in his well being. Obviously there is no need to inform the public about a cold, but if you have to leave a public engagement early due to illness, it is customary to let people know that it is nothing major, if indeed it isn't. After all he is the head of state and the public has a vested interest in knowing that he is ok. Charlene is totally secondary in this matter.

Those were my thoughts too paca. He is a head of state and if he is ill enough to leave an event of this importance, if I were a citizen of Monaco I would want to know his health was fine. If he left to take care of state business you would think he would return to the ball or the fireworks or the after party and no one would think a thing about it. so the whole thing is strange.

[Zonk]

We need to get back on topic.

Some of the posts regarding Albert's early departure...should be in the Red Cross thread. They will be moved so let's move on here.

Thanks!

[sandsla]

Originally Posted by CasiraghiTrio

I feel strongly about something I see a lot in the posts here. Many people point to Charlene's lack of formal education, and compare her either to other royal girlfriends/consorts who had it in droves or to her fellows who did not have it or had little of it. I say this in reply to all of your notions about formal education and royalty:

Formal education is wonderful. I love it myself. I embrace it and engage in it with passion, as a professional student, obsessed with gaining degrees. But......... formal education is not the only mark of intelligence, of balance, of fulfilled life! There are all kinds of education. There is self-education. There is education in everything, in every person you meet, in every experience. To belittle someone based on a lack of a degree is a mark of lack of education itself. I see value in everyone, no matter what educational level they achieve. I see value in the work of Diana, in the work of Charles, in the work of Albert and all of the royal families. I do not rate people based on their formal educational level. I hope that if CW is to be Albert's wife, we can look at her as someone who might be able to contribute something to Monaco. Everyone has something in them that is valuable, and CW is not sung yet.

Actually this has already been said many times & I agree, But Charlene has not made an effort in any way to educate herself, even with the possible position she might find herself in? I don't want to rewrite it, but you can refer to my past posts in which I make reference to this issue (just a few days ago). I want to add something that I don't remember mentioning, and that is at the time of Charlene's Olympic performance, where Charlene is not just representing herself, but her country. Her country especially, could have used some much needed attention that she could have provided in some small way, when she was in the position to do that. She did nothing! So it is hard for me to see her as someone who has any interest in bringing anything to Monaco? Other than her appearance? She is almost 30 & we are still waiting for her to sing? It wouldn't be so bad if she had not been promoting herself at every turn, when she has nothing to promote.

[sandsla]

Originally Posted by paca

in both pics neither sister is talking to Charlene. We don't even know whether they spoke in a language she would understand. All we have is the three of them standing in the same pic with Charlene wearing the same smile she was wearing all evening. I find it very interesting to look at the pics from the table. First of all Charlene wasn't seated anywhere where se could have an easy conversation with family members. It is as if Chris Levine, a cousin is the closest she gets to the family (a new babysitter to substitute Jean Camille?). Meantime the siblings are having a very animated conversation and seem to be enjoying each others company. Charlenes unknown neighbour tries to make conversation with her but she is distracted and looks longly towards Albert. She always looks towards Albert, whereas he hardly looks at her. Even while she is dancing with Chris Levine her head is turned to look at Albert. Instead of enjoying herself with the people around her, she tries to catch a glimpse of Albert. It is actually sad to see. Yes she is there, yes she walked in with the family and not behind, but she is not part of it she is like someone who just hapens to stand there, an outsider lurking. She is trying her best to look as if everything is fine, but I think she knows it isn't. IMO her days are numbered and the sisters know it too. It has been a long time that I have seen all three of them sitting so close together ad enjoying each others company. And then Albert leaves on his own after he is being approached by one of his lieutenants? Bild claims that they were told by a palace employee (which could be either MMe Gallico or one of his aides de camps who were present, maybe Mme Stahl?) that he was ill. Personally I don't think that they really would have said that, as that would immediately lead to speculations about Alberts health, not sth he would want at the present political situation. Also since when does he need someone to tell him that he wasn't well when he was in good spirits on most pics that we saw? Also, if my boyfriend isn't well, then I'm not staying to continue to dance. JMO

I'm sorry, but there appears to be four women in each photo?, and as you mention Charlene is once again distracted from what is going on in front of her and looking or staring at Albert as she has done in so many photos. Everyone watching the event at hand, except for Charlene, who seems to almost always have her eyes on Albert, while everyone else's attention is elsewhere? She seems to be the one without any kind of attention span that does not involve Albert's attention on her? This is what gives her the lost appearance. She is clearly out of her element. I'm sure she was sitting where she was, next to english speaking people, so it might be easier to have a conversation with someone? She still walks behind the family, but since she has appeared at other events walking in, in the same manner a few steps behind Albert since last year & people know by now who she is, I think they do not think she needs a minder (IMO). The awkwardness of this, is because she does not hold any position to walk in with the family, which is why she should not do it, even if Albert is not smart enough to see this. She should decline the invitation & join the family at the table. Most women I feel would not want to put themself in this very awkward position where you have the appearance of imposing oneself into a postion to where you do not belong? And would wait until, if the times comes, to walk in with the family with some intigrity, when one is in the position to do so? (JMO) I do not see the family being rude to her, she is a big girl, has been to many functions by now & she should be able to hold her own - If she ever becomes Albert's wife she will have to!

[paca]

Originally Posted by sandsla

I'm sorry, but there appears to be four women in each photo?, and as you mention Charlene is once again distracted from what is going on in front of her and looking or staring at Albert as she has done in so many photos. Everyone watching the event at hand, except for Charlene, who seems to almost always have her eyes on Albert, while everyone else's attention is elsewhere? She seems to be the one without any kind of attention span that does not involve Albert's attention on her? This is what gives her the lost appearance. She is clearly out of her element. I'm sure she was sitting where she was, next to english speaking people, so it might be easier to have a conversation with someone? She still walks behind the family, but since she has appeared at other events walking in, in the same manner a few steps behind Albert since last year & people know by now who she is, I think they do not think she needs a minder (IMO). The awkwardness of this, is because she does not hold any position to walk in with the family, which is why she should not do it, even if Albert is not smart enough to see this. She should decline the invitation & join the family at the table. Most women I feel would not want to put themself in this very awkward position where you have the appearance of imposing oneself into a postion to where you do not belong? And would wait until, if the times comes, to walk in with the family with some intigrity, when one is in the position to do so? (JMO) I do not see the family being rude to her, she is a big girl, has been to many functions by now & she should be able to hold her own - If she ever becomes Albert's wife she will have to!

There were other people of the main table who were walking in with the family. I am not sure whether the entire table walked in at the same time, so if she was to be seated at their table it might have appeared odd for her to be sitting there already, while the rest walks in with the family.

I think Caro had found a good solution while she was attending the ball with Vincent Lindon. They were seated at different tables, she walked in with the family and then went over to talk to him, just as people do who happen to be friends. Of course everyone knew that they were more then friends, but this way they could be together and at the same time he wouldn't be put in an awkward situation. Though considering his background, I don't think that he would have had the same problems as Charlene.

[sandsla]

Originally Posted by paca

There were other people of the main table who were walking in with the family. I am not sure whether the entire table walked in at the same time, so if she was to be seated at their table it might have appeared odd for her to be sitting there already, while the rest walks in with the family.

I think Caro had found a good solution while she was attending the ball with Vincent Lindon. They were seated at different tables, she walked in with the family and then went over to talk to him, just as people do who happen to be friends. Of course everyone knew that they were more then friends, but this way they could be together and at the same time he wouldn't be put in an awkward situation. Though considering his background, I don't think that he would have had the same problems as Charlene.

That is what I meant, for her to walk in with everbody else who is not part of the immediate family, or however she wants to enter without drawing too much attention to herself? I'm sorry I thought I said joined them at their table, if that is where she is going to be sitting? The Caro scenerio or something similar is what I meant. It is hard to say what he intends with her, because of how he handles the relationship with her, but he openly invites the marriage speculation, even if it is true & that is what he intends - they have both handled it badly. He seems to have done just the opposite if he was hoping this would make her popular. Again, I think it is because they have imposed her in a position that she does not belong publically (among many other things). He seems not to mind the rumors any more, not that I think this means anything, except Albert does not handle PR or protocol well? Anyway, If I were her I would avoid the patheticness of it all & want to appear with some grace. (JMO)

[pinklady1991]

Is it me or is there something about the Red Cross Ball that makes Albert treat Charlene badly? Last year, she was spirited either to Paris or back to South Africa the day after the ball and on the way there she saw the infamous yacht girl photos. This year, Albert, for whatever reason, left her there alone. Does anyone else think this is strange behaviour for a couple who, true or not, seem to be on the verge of announcing their engagement? Does anyone else think this could be a test to see if Charlene could manage in that environment without Albert? Thoughts?

[CasiraghiTrio]

Originally Posted by sandsla

Actually this has already been said many times & I agree, But Charlene has not made an effort in any way to educate herself, even with the possible position she might find herself in? I don't want to rewrite it, but you can refer to my past posts in which I make reference to this issue (just a few days ago). I want to add something that I don't remember mentioning, and that is at the time of Charlene's Olympic performance, where Charlene is not just representing herself, but her country. Her country especially, could have used some much needed attention that she could have provided in some small way, when she was in the position to do that. She did nothing! So it is hard for me to see her as someone who has any interest in bringing anything to Monaco? Other than her appearance? She is almost 30 & we are still waiting for her to sing? It wouldn't be so bad if she had not been promoting herself at every turn, when she has nothing to promote.

She cannot do both though, or else I am missing something (not the first time). She could represent her native country at the Olympics, or focus on her (potential) future with Albert and Monaco, according to your theory. If she is competing in the Olympics, representing South Africa, that is a separate thing from being Prince Albert of Monaco's official escort. I don't understand how competing for South Africa can translate to contributing to Monaco. Just going along with your theory, it would seem that she is putting over-emphasis on Albert and Monaco, at the cost of her own life, which is bad for many reasons, but I imagine she is choosing this because she thinks it is the fastest track to Princess of Monaco. It would seem (judging from Albert's and his sisters' behavior towards her) that she is badly wrong, that in fact they want and expect her to have her own life.
Considering all of this and especially the recent posts about the Red Cross gala, I am now thinking that it is better for Charlene to go about her life almost as if Albert is not part of it, to go back to her Olympic training, because if he truly loves her, he will pursue her. She seems to be pursuing him, and he is backing away, and his sisters are giving her the cold shoulder. No?

[Ghislaine]

Originally Posted by pinklady1991

Is it me or is there something about the Red Cross Ball that makes Albert treat Charlene badly? Last year, she was spirited either to Paris or back to South Africa the day after the ball and on the way there she saw the infamous yacht girl photos. This year, Albert, for whatever reason, left her there alone. Does anyone else think this is strange behaviour for a couple who, true or not, seem to be on the verge of announcing their engagement? Does anyone else think this could be a test to see if Charlene could manage in that environment without Albert? Thoughts?

IIRC, you confusing two exits of Charlene. Last year, she left the Saturday after the Red Cross ball and the photos of her looking at the tabloid cover were on a Monday. The ball was on the 4th of August last year, so Charlene left on the 5th (only to return pretty quick) and Polfoto has the photos of Charlene and magazine dated as 4 September 2006. I couldn't find the 'paparazzo' photos of Charlene leaving on the 5th of August anymore.

Originally Posted by CasiraghiTrio

She cannot do both though, or else I am missing something (not the first time). She could represent her native country at the Olympics, or focus on her (potential) future with Albert and Monaco, according to your theory. If she is competing in the Olympics, representing South Africa, that is a separate thing from being Prince Albert of Monaco's official escort. I don't understand how competing for South Africa can translate to contributing to Monaco. Just going along with your theory, it would seem that she is putting over-emphasis on Albert and Monaco, at the cost of her own life, which is bad for many reasons, but I imagine she is choosing this because she thinks it is the fastest track to Princess of Monaco. It would seem (judging from Albert's and his sisters' behavior towards her) that she is badly wrong, that in fact they want and expect her to have her own life.
Considering all of this and especially the recent posts about the Red Cross gala, I am now thinking that it is better for Charlene to go about her life almost as if Albert is not part of it, to go back to her Olympic training, because if he truly loves her, he will pursue her. She seems to be pursuing him, and he is backing away, and his sisters are giving her the cold shoulder. No?

You have a point there. Not exactly a credible appearance, representing SA if you live 24/7 in Monaco. But Charlene has worked herselft in a awkward situation there anyway, whatever she does. All her big mouth stories about wanting to represent SA during the Olympics, but not showing up at one single event to do exactly that at a competition. (I'm not even mentioning qualifying here). All that talk about SA doesn't really help her credibility if she suddenly receives Monegasque nationality.

And even if she should qualify and get picked to swim for SA during the Olympics and then turns Monegasque quite soon after, it will look like she swam only for SA because she couldn't do anything else. Not because she wanted to represent the country.There are more arguments, but if ever a nationality change takes place, Charlene won't look good. She's put herself in a lose-lose situation (again!) imo.

[sandsla]

Originally Posted by CasiraghiTrio

She cannot do both though, or else I am missing something (not the first time). She could represent her native country at the Olympics, or focus on her (potential) future with Albert and Monaco, according to your theory. If she is competing in the Olympics, representing South Africa, that is a separate thing from being Prince Albert of Monaco's official escort. I don't understand how competing for South Africa can translate to contributing to Monaco. Just going along with your theory, it would seem that she is putting over-emphasis on Albert and Monaco, at the cost of her own life, which is bad for many reasons, but I imagine she is choosing this because she thinks it is the fastest track to Princess of Monaco. It would seem (judging from Albert's and his sisters' behavior towards her) that she is badly wrong, that in fact they want and expect her to have her own life.
Considering all of this and especially the recent posts about the Red Cross gala, I am now thinking that it is better for Charlene to go about her life almost as if Albert is not part of it, to go back to her Olympic training, because if he truly loves her, he will pursue her. She seems to be pursuing him, and he is backing away, and his sisters are giving her the cold shoulder. No?

I couldn't agree more with the highlighted statements!
Actually, I think you are missing somethingI meant back in 2000 when she was the 5th place finisher in the relay at the 2000 Olympics, to use NotAprentender's phrasing ".... Charlene does not appear to be driven by altruistic motives advancing any charitable causes....", if she was, that might have been a good time to do something to bring attention to South Africa, like many people from others countries have done for her country. Many Olympic athletes start foundations & use whatever celebrity they have to draw attention to a cause, or are charitable in some way. I do not see Charlene as having an altruistic nature? She seems quite self-envolved? I guess I am confused in what you thought she could bring to Monaco? Charlene has spent the last year and a half claiming publically, that she is training for 2008 Olympics? Instead she seems to be promoting herself in photo-ops & interviews, and is mostly socializing it would seem? Actually, I don't see why she can't do both? Date Albert & have her own life, retaining her own identity? She claims to be? Most women do! Grace filmed another movie after being engaged to Rainier? It sounds like we are maybe on the same page in some way? And you thought I was saying she can't do both? I do think that she seems to be quite limited & a simple girl? - I couldn't agree more about whether or not she has a formal education, Bill Gates dopped out of college as did many? I have many brilliant friends that are self taught & quite evolved. But sadly I do not think this describes Charlene. She did seem out of her element at the Ball, and doesn't have the ability to socialize or engage other people. She appears to be a bit juvenile? Anyway as I said I talked about this in a post in the last few weeks, if you are still confused at what I am saying? I am sorry but she does not appear to be a very interesting woman. (IMO)

I think by the time the Red Cross Ball rolls around, she may have become tiresome to Albert & his sisters, and has worn out her welcome, especially if she does not keep a life of her own and is relying on Albert, one can be quite boring or annoying after awhile? Who knows?

[royal pauper]

I still don't understand why we are wasting so much time trying to find some reasoning in the way Charlene behaves and if she will ever be competent to be anything more than an escort. For God's sake she isn't some 20 year old girl just emerging from a high school into social scene. Charlene is 30 year old woman and she is who she is/will be already.
This is a woman who until a couple of years ago had spent her life in and around a pool, dressed in bathing-suit and jump-suits, surrounded with easy going sports people, sleeping in a cheap hotels/motels and eating in canteens. Almost over night she has been catapulted into a high society, sleeping in luxurious hotels and eating in fancy restaurants.
No wonder that she has no clue how to behave, and most importantly what to say when around people outside of her swimming domain. She's never tried to expend her education neither in a formal way nor by a self-education. This is a woman who doesn't have any interests outside of sports and is not able to have any kind of conversation. That is apparent when you sit her at the table with people outside of her comfort zone. If I remember correctly she didn't have any problems talking to her fellow swimmer Massimo at the dinner in Rome.
IMO Charlene is who she is and is to late for her to change to became somebody else. NOt because she is dumb but because she has/never had have any interests outside of swimming. You have to have thirst for knowledge to actually pick up a book in order to self-educate yourself. Also you need to have altruistic nature in order to be charitable and involved.
Charlene is a kind of woman that you will more likely find in a bar then in a book store.JMO
I wonder how many books she had read by now, excluding a summer reading books required by the her high school which she never finished.

[Elspeth]

I still don't understand why we are wasting so much time trying to find some reasoning in the way Charlene behaves and if she will ever be competent to be anything more than an escort.

This is a thread where people can give their opinions about Albert and Charlene's relationship. Not everybody has the same opinion as you, as you can see from other people's posts. You might think it's a waste of time for people with different opinions from yours to state them, but exchanges of opinions are the point of threads like this. If it's such a waste of time for you, you can always deploy the back button.

[royal pauper]

Originally Posted by Elspeth

This is a thread where people can give their opinions about Albert and Charlene's relationship. Not everybody has the same opinion as you, as you can see from other people's posts. You might think it's a waste of time for people with different opinions from yours to state them, but exchanges of opinions are the point of threads like this. If it's such a waste of time for you, you can always deploy the back button.

O la, la I am surprised to see this kind of statement coming fom someone who deletes other people's opinons/posts on a daily bases. I had at least five posts deleted in the last three days. I guess not everyones opinion is appreciated in a same manner and only selected opinions are alowed in her. Definitely not DIFFERENT ones!
It is obvious that number of posters have been targeted by monitors on this forum! Your statement is contradictory to the policy of this forum!

As for the back button, I know that that has been your wish for a long time!

[Elspeth]

We don't delete posts because of the opinions they express, we delete posts because of the way they express them. As you very well ought to know. If you're going to carry on with your posts bashing and bitching about Charlene, you can expect to carry on having them deleted. Once you figure out how to word your criticism in a civil fashion, like some of the other posters are doing, you'll find that your posts stop disappearing. Not exactly rocket science.

And don't even think about trying to tell other posters to stop posting because you've decided what the Truth About Charlene Is and other opinions are unwelcome or irrelevant.

If you want to carry on this conversation with me, please do so by PM or by starting a thread in Support and Feedback.