Albert and Charlene's Relationship

[pinklady1991]

Albert may wish to build a relationship with Charlene but I can not at this point see how. I do agree with everything else you have said. Most importantly he needs, as he has done in the past, to keep his new love interest hidden until he is sure. There were many missteps with Charlene and it became apparently early on that she was not up to the task. Let us hope that he does indeed find a truly wonderful life partner that supports his passions and the key word here is partner. I have found that when people stop looking for that special someone they often find them unexpectedly. I think if Albert focuses on the needs of Monaco right now things will fall into place. JMO

Spot on...
I think Albert is trying too hard and Charlene is just a distraction from what he needs to do for his country and its citizens. It seems to me that when Charlene is around, Albert's focus is everywhere but where it should be. What Albert needs (and of course this is only my opinion) is someone who can help him focus...someone who understands when he needs to deal with government and other issues and when he needs to relax and recharge. Unfortunately, I think Charlene only sees the "fun" side and because she doesn't understand -- or doesn't want to understand -- the "work" side, she encourages Albert to behave as he did when his father was there to make sure everything ran well.

 

[Jaya]

Since this thread is about Albert and Charlene I think we are all asking the same questions. The age gap leads one to wonder what they have in common? While they share Olympic experiences, that is not enough to hold a relationship together. It is unfortunate but this will not be your average marriage as a job title comes with it and can never be separated from the marriage. Education is vital to the world stage as Jaya pointed out so beautifully in her post among other things she pointed out so well I might add.

A shared passion for Monaco and it's people. A passion to learn, and a passion to share his agenda. She is not just there to have a kid and then go away. I have not seen any personal growth in this women or any rising to the occasion in the last year and a half we have seen her. I have seen her paraded, photographed, reported to be training for the Olympics when it is obvious that she is not, only to have her pop up again and called a model. Who is this woman that may one day be Princess of Monaco? I know mods don't like us to compare her to anyone but I can't help myself, a comparison to Diana is inevitable and so will the outcome should Charlene become Princess. I do not see a healthy relationship in the body language of these two and again one can not help but compare to other royals with girlfriends. Many of us are seeing the same thing. Something isn't right. Sorry mods I am trying to stay within the guidelines and yet respond to other posters. I would love to hear others opinions on this relationship.

It is my opinion imo that your post is alluding to fact that we are all searching for the "substance" in this relationship and cannot seem to pinpoint it yet.
thanks hibou another fantastic post

 

[sandsla]

Spot on...
I think Albert is trying too hard and Charlene is just a distraction from what he needs to do for his country and its citizens. It seems to me that when Charlene is around, Albert's focus is everywhere but where it should be. What Albert needs (and of course this is only my opinion) is someone who can help him focus...someone who understands when he needs to deal with government and other issues and when he needs to relax and recharge. Unfortunately, I think Charlene only sees the "fun" side and because she doesn't understand -- or doesn't want to understand -- the "work" side, she encourages Albert to behave as he did when his father was there to make sure everything ran well.

You are right, Albert needs a woman, who knows how to help him in being the man he needs to be in his position, to bring out the best in him - He is the Monarch, instead of choosing women who seem to be overly enamored and starved for attention. Great Posts by Jaya & Hibou. Jaya, I could not agree with you more about Diana. I just wanted to point out that people in England can choose to finish school around 16? I can't remember if it's A Levels & you can choose to go on to O levels, or the other way around? I believe this is what Diana did or rather didn't do? I don't think she dropped out, she just did not continue on? Maybe one of our posters in England can clear this up? Regardless, Diana did suffer from not being more educated and even more so, for her lack of maturity, which I believe it took her until she was 30 yrs of age, to grow up some, even in her position (IMO). In an unflattering interview she gave she indeed told how she aspired to the position she ended up in, her ignorance was evident whatever the cause. I am not comparing Diana to anyone, but I use her as an example, only to make a point. Uma Thurman dropped out of school at 15 to model, but taking her parents into consideration, I am sure she is probably quite intellegent. I "graduated"`from school at an earlier age than most, because I worked hard to do that. Also, I know many people who do not hold formal degrees, but have taken the time to educate themselves. I think we can offer up many examples of CEOs who quit college to start their own successful companies. Even though I think a formal education can only be a benefit, there are many ways to educate oneself and to expand & evolve as everyone should continue to do for the length of their life.

My point is Charlene does not appear to have taken advantage of any measures to advance herself intellectually or emotionally in anyway, that might have prepared her for any role in life that would have required her to do so. At the very least I think Albert's wife's position requires a level of maturity & sincerity that does not seem evident in Charlene. She seems to believe she can survive as a type of escort service? (imo) I hope Albert wants more than this for himself & Monaco?

Cote, I hope you reappear for the Red Cross Ball or anytime? You are missed by many, I think there are a lot of us who enjoy your insight!

Jaya, you are exactly right - I too believe it is a lack of substance that is missing!
NotAPrentender, your post below is well put!

 

[iloveroyals]

Sandsla, very interesting, insigthful post. (And I persist in liking comparisons ! )Thanks !

 

[NotAPretender]

It does make one wonder

It does make one wonder what their private conversations consist of.

Charlene does not appear to be driven by altruistic motives in advancing any charitable causes. I do know many couples who have met on the "charity circuit" and found mutual happiness born of a love to "do good" with the gifts that circumstance has granted them. Charlene certainly does not appear to have any particular drive to "do good" either for others or even in her own chosen sport.

Albert, while definitely fun-loving and a party kinda guy, does have a public-minded bent. Certainly it was thrust upon him by virtue of his birth and position, but he does put himself into the task of fulfilling the adage "To whomsover much has been given, from him much will be required."

Put more bluntly, it is a matter of self-discipline. While Albert has had some failings in that regard, by and large his life is governed by self-discipline. Charlene, on the other hand, appear to have little and is governed by self-love and self-aggrandizement.

And that appears to be a mismatch. An entertaining one for the parties in the interim, a-la "opposites attract," but in the long run is generally a recipe for heartbreak.

 

[Jaya]

calling and covenant

You are right, Albert needs a woman, who knows how to help him in being the man he needs to be in his position, to bring out the best in him - He is the Monarch, instead of choosing women who seem to be overly enamored and starved for attention. Great Posts by Jaya & Hibou. Jaya, I could not agree with you more about Diana. I just wanted to point out that people in England can choose to finish school around 16? I can't remember if it's A Levels & you can choose to go on to O levels, or the other way around? I believe this is what Diana did or rather didn't do? I don't think she dropped out, she just did not continue on? Maybe one of our posters in England can clear this up? Regardless, Diana did suffer from not being more educated and even more so, for her lack of maturity, which I believe it took her until she was 30 yrs of age, to grow up some, even in her position (IMO). In an unflattering interview she gave she indeed told how she aspired to the position she ended up in, her ignorance was evident whatever the cause. I am not comparing Diana to anyone, but I use her as an example, only to make a point. Uma Thurman dropped out of school at 15 to model, but taking her parents into consideration, I am sure she is probably quite intellegent. I "graduated"`from school at an earlier age than most, because I worked hard to do that. Also, I know many people who do not hold formal degrees, but have taken the time to educate themselves. I think we can offer up many examples of CEOs who quit college to start their own successful companies. Even though I think a formal education can only be a benefit, there are many ways to educate oneself and to expand & evolve as everyone should continue to do for the length of their life.

My point is Charlene does not appear to have taken advantage of any measures to advance herself intellectually or emotionally in anyway, that might have prepared her for any role in life that would have required her to do so. At the very least I think Albert's wife's position requires a level of maturity & sincerity that does not seem evident in Charlene. She seems to believe she can survive as a type of escort service? (imo) I hope Albert wants more than this for himself & Monaco?

Cote, I hope you reappear for the Red Cross Ball or anytime? You are missed by many, I think there are a lot of us who enjoy your insight!

Jaya, you are exactly right - I too believe it is a lack of substance that is missing!
NotAPrentender, your post below is well put!

Hello sandsla,
I found your post nothing less than brilliant as usual.
I maybe incorrect but I think we are all seeing that the "calling" of being "royal" or "purple" is not apparent in Charlene for some reason which I or you must pinpoint.For this is no mere job but a "calling" as the sovereign does not retire.Once the "calling" has been established the marriage is then a covenant as is the position of the purple mantle royalty ascribed to you.
imo I feel Charlene does not understand these deeper reasons about her impending position and the ramifications.Otherwise we probably would have seen a more serious side to her that "intends"just a bit better.I would have liked a bit more mystery myself in this relationship but that is moi JMO

 

[NGalitzine]

I know its like beating a dead horse, but I still insist that people are making an awful lot of judgements about a person we truly know very little about. Factually, all we seem to know is that she is South African, a non-aristocrat, a former Olympic swimmer, blonde and rather beautiful and that she is currently dating the Prince of Monaco.

At this stage of the game I don't think she has to bring anything to Monaco or to anyone else. She is a private individual with no responsibility to anyone other than herself. Her public appearances are at the behest of the Prince as his date, not in an official role as finace or consort. I think judgements should wait until she has an official role in the principality, and even then perhaps over a period of years.

While couples ideally should be closer in social, economic, educational and age, there are always exceptions that work and a lot of examples where having everything in common failed to keep a couple together.

A current royal couple with a large age gap would be TRH the Duke and Duchess of Braganca. They married in May 1995 when he was 50 and Isabel de Heredia was 29. 12 years and 3 children later they seem to be doing well.

JMO, but then I'm the kind of guy who prefers to build people up than to tear them down.

 

[hibou]

I know its like beating a dead horse, but I still insist that people are making an awful lot of judgements about a person we truly know very little about. Factually, all we seem to know is that she is South African, a non-aristocrat, a former Olympic swimmer, blonde and rather beautiful and that she is currently dating the Prince of Monaco.

At this stage of the game I don't think she has to bring anything to Monaco or to anyone else. She is a private individual with no responsibility to anyone other than herself. Her public appearances are at the behest of the Prince as his date, not in an official role as finace or consort. I think judgements should wait until she has an official role in the principality, and even then perhaps over a period of years.

While couples ideally should be closer in social, economic, educational and age, there are always exceptions that work and a lot of examples where having everything in common failed to keep a couple together.

A current royal couple with a large age gap would be TRH the Duke and Duchess of Braganca. They married in May 1995 when he was 50 and Isabel de Heredia was 29. 12 years and 3 children later they seem to be doing well.

JMO, but then I the kind of guy who prefers to build people up than to tear them down.

With all due respect, if Albert had kept the relationship private I would agree with you. What I mean by private is that she not walk in with the family like last year's ball, that she already be at the event as a guest so as not to draw too much attention to the relationship. But when Charlene is with Albert at the Olympics a very public spot and the photos of them clearly indicate more than a passing friendship it all becomes public and thus speculation. I don't see Charlene as a private individual when she gives interviews to the press with hints about her boyfriend. It has been an all too public affair. Certainly the Prince is entitled to a private life but then there is a difference between a private party and an official event. If the many photos we have seen were taken by telephoto lens at private functions again I will agree with you.

Unfortunately when one holds a public position, ones private life becomes an open book unless it is kept tightly controlled. Having grown up with a father in public office I can appreciate the need for privacy, but I also understand the difference between a private person as in one who does not give interviews to the press, and one who professes privacy while openly giving interviews and using their public connection to enhance themselves. I think you are a bit confused as to where the line is on public and private events. For example and mods please forgive on this, but had Pres. Clinton conducted his affair in the family quarters instead of his office most people would have said it was a private matter and let Hilary deal with it. When one goes to official functions with a date walking behind and not already at the event that is a very public statement. I don't think many who post here want to tear people down but being in the public eye is a tough and there will always be critics. Having said that, my late father once said it is important when one holds public office to understand and be in touch with the man/woman on the street . He who looses touch with his constituents looses his job. I think what is happening here is that you are hearing from the global street citizens who post here because in fact they care a great deal about Monaco and about Albert. I certainly wish nothing but the best for him and for Monaco. JMO

 

[royal pauper]

At this stage of the game I don't think she has to bring anything to Monaco or to anyone else. She is a private individual with no responsibility to anyone other than herself. Her public appearances are at the behest of the Prince as his date, not in an official role as finace or consort. I think judgements should wait until she has an official role in the principality, and even then perhaps over a period of years.

A current royal couple with a large age gap would be TRH the Duke and Duchess of Braganca. They married in May 1995 when he was 50 and Isabel de Heredia was 29. 12 years and 3 children later they seem to be doing well.
.

Well that could have been OK if PA is 35 years old. They could marry and grow together as a couple. PA is almost 50 years old and it would be wise to have a wife whom is ready to take a "job", and not an immature, an uneducated, and a none altruistic girl/woman. Neither Monaco nor PA should wait for next 10 years for Charlene to grow up and get ready to do the work. Especially if she would have started to have babies right away, which would have been desirable considering PA's age.
If she was matured and ready for the challenge I would say go ahead, but she is not and it seems that she is not in a hurry to learn anything. As for the altruisam or you have it or you don't. The same way as with the style.
And Charlene has none!

 

[Jaya]

I know its like beating a dead horse, but I still insist that people are making an awful lot of judgements about a person we truly know very little about. Factually, all we seem to know is that she is South African, a non-aristocrat, a former Olympic swimmer, blonde and rather beautiful and that she is currently dating the Prince of Monaco.

At this stage of the game I don't think she has to bring anything to Monaco or to anyone else. She is a private individual with no responsibility to anyone other than herself. Her public appearances are at the behest of the Prince as his date, not in an official role as finace or consort. I think judgements should wait until she has an official role in the principality, and even then perhaps over a period of years.

While couples ideally should be closer in social, economic, educational and age, there are always exceptions that work and a lot of examples where having everything in common failed to keep a couple together.

A current royal couple with a large age gap would be TRH the Duke and Duchess of Braganca. They married in May 1995 when he was 50 and Isabel de Heredia was 29. 12 years and 3 children later they seem to be doing well.

JMO, but then I'm the kind of guy who prefers to build people up than to tear them down.

Values. I think individuals should have strong values which they live for and cannot be swayed by anything on them.
While CW is the "official companion" that tells me her values are not that strong and that she is self interested & possibly willing to compromise them for that title.Judgements can be made democratically because they are philosophically sound . For instance reproof and condemnation are two different things.JMO

 

[sandsla]

I know its like beating a dead horse, but I still insist that people are making an awful lot of judgements about a person we truly know very little about. Factually, all we seem to know is that she is South African, a non-aristocrat, a former Olympic swimmer, blonde and rather beautiful and that she is currently dating the Prince of Monaco.

At this stage of the game I don't think she has to bring anything to Monaco or to anyone else. She is a private individual with no responsibility to anyone other than herself. Her public appearances are at the behest of the Prince as his date, not in an official role as finace or consort. I think judgements should wait until she has an official role in the principality, and even then perhaps over a period of years.

While couples ideally should be closer in social, economic, educational and age, there are always exceptions that work and a lot of examples where having everything in common failed to keep a couple together.

A current royal couple with a large age gap would be TRH the Duke and Duchess of Braganca. They married in May 1995 when he was 50 and Isabel de Heredia was 29. 12 years and 3 children later they seem to be doing well.

JMO, but then I the kind of guy who prefers to build people up than to tear them down.

I think we are all adults here & have our own abilities & our own backgrounds and trust that we are capable of making our own judgements and opinions. If you want to post your own opinion you are welcomed to do that. Be it that Charlene is (in your opinion) blond? & beautiful? And that is all the criteria you require to form an opinion? Many people seem to have a problem with how she conducts herself in public, and she has chosen to be public and promote herself by association with a public person in many different ways. If one chooses to pose for magazines & give interviews, or appear publically with a public figure, she has removed herself from being a private person (even legally). By her own words & conduct she has only strengthened the ill opinion that she gave many in the beginning 18 months ago. I don't see anyone enhancing photos or her or misconstruing her own words? I think people have backed-up their own opinions and given ample reason many times over why they find Charlene shallow, insincere and inappropriate or any other reasons as to why they do not care for her? Most people judge people by their character & not their looks? I do not see what you do not understand? If you have a differing opinion, please post freely as we do? But do not tell us that we do not have a right to use our own brains. I would have to differ on the fact that we should wait to have an opinion on Charlene's character untill after years of marriage? If Albert & Charlene had chosen to keep their relationship private until they were married, we would not have any other option? But that was not the route they chose to take? One usually does not marry first (especially in his position) & decide to put off judgements later well into a marriage. Albert has gotten himself in trouble and in an embarrassing position more than most men by his bad judgement and by not being concerned enough with a woman's character & motives in the beginning. I think Albert has more reason than most men for wanting to be careful especially when Charlene's character comes across as suspect & insincere already? Most of us have problems with what seems to be in the way of her character flaws than the idea that she needs to have achieved much to this point. Many examples are given above. We just expect her to convey that she is a mature, sincere woman, none of her words or actions has yet convinced many of us that she possesses the most basic of virtues? I think NotAPretender gave a pretty accurate example has how Charlene come's across? Most of us do not feel we have to meet Paris Hilton to have an opinion of her, she has publicized herself to make sure we know who she is, just as Charlene has been seeking what seems to be much needed public adulation. I'm sorry but that does not impress me!

You are right in thinking we are beating a dead horse!

 

[tbhrc]

I know its like beating a dead horse, but I still insist that people are making an awful lot of judgements about a person we truly know very little about. Factually, all we seem to know is that she is South African, a non-aristocrat, a former Olympic swimmer, blonde and rather beautiful and that she is currently dating the Prince of Monaco.

At this stage of the game I don't think she has to bring anything to Monaco or to anyone else. She is a private individual with no responsibility to anyone other than herself. Her public appearances are at the behest of the Prince as his date, not in an official role as finace or consort. I think judgements should wait until she has an official role in the principality, and even then perhaps over a period of years.

While couples ideally should be closer in social, economic, educational and age, there are always exceptions that work and a lot of examples where having everything in common failed to keep a couple together.

A current royal couple with a large age gap would be TRH the Duke and Duchess of Braganca. They married in May 1995 when he was 50 and Isabel de Heredia was 29. 12 years and 3 children later they seem to be doing well.

JMO, but then I'm the kind of guy who prefers to build people up than to tear them down.

Thank you very much for this great post NGalitzine. Imo you bring up some interesting points.

Well so far Charlene has no official role or function in Monaco and so there is absolutly no need for her to show us what she can do for Monaco, whether she is attending events with Albert or not. I never heard of a royal girlfriend doing some charitable work to impress her 'future' people before she got engaged or even married to her Prince.

And still I believe that no one here on the forum is able to judge a persons character by pics or some interviews. You get to know someone by talking to him and that's it, imo. Has anyone here talked to her so far? I'm not sure.

All those posts about Charlene just wanting the fame, Albert's money and the title are pure speculation. Has she said something like this before, I don't think so.

 

[sandsla]

Thank you very much for this great post NGalitzine. Imo you bring up some interesting points.

Well so far Charlene has no official role or function in Monaco and so there is absolutly no need for her to show us what she can do for Monaco, whether she is attending events with Albert or not. I never heard of a royal girlfriend doing some charitable work to impress her 'future' people before she got engaged or even married to her Prince.

And still I believe that no one here on the forum is able to judge a persons character by pics or some interviews. You get to know someone by talking to him and that's it, imo. Has anyone here talked to her so far? I'm not sure.

All those posts about Charlene just wanting the fame, Albert's money and the title are pure speculation. Has she said something like this before, I don't think so.

You may believe what you wish, but I most certainly think you can judge someone not only by their own words in an interview, but by the fact they chose to do mutiple interviews in the first place? Which I would have to ask for what purpose does one give an interview if not to invite public commentary, invite speculation, or to promote oneself? Nevemind that she started off (imo) badly by going to the press after her first date with Prince Albert & gave a play by play account of their first date. In my opinion this does not show a woman with any intigrity or maturity? She has happily chosen to promote her image on the cover of magazines as well as amaturish photo shoots by exploiting her association with Prince Albert. Gee, I don't know where one could possibly get the idea that she is after fame? The fact that she does not hold any position & chooses to promote herself is exactly what invites this kind of speculation.

Nevermind, that she is dating a man the same age as her mother, with a few physical features that a woman her age does not usually find desirable? I'm sure the fact that Albert is the Prince of Monaco & quite wealthy plays no part in her interest in Albert? How odd this should bring speculation regarding Charlene's sincerity?

Sometimes people choose to do charitable work because they are charitable & not to impress anyone???

I would have to disagree that how she conducts herself when she is with Albert is not important!! His image is already suffering because of hers (IMO). I can't imagine why she seems to be so unpopular with so many, if not for her actions & her own words? I think one who does not understand the position she is in does not understand public relations or politics well. If they do choose to take this relationship to another level, all I can say is - Good luck to her! Or to both of them for that matter!

I do agree:
"Actions speak louder than words"

 

[paca]

A current royal couple with a large age gap would be TRH the Duke and Duchess of Braganca. They married in May 1995 when he was 50 and Isabel de Heredia was 29. 12 years and 3 children later they seem to be doing well.

Yes, but when you look at what Isabel de Heredia did before her marriage, we are back to the education part, because she had an excellent education and was a successful woman who had no necessity to marry a man to provide for her. She could have done so on her own and maybe even better. Although we shouldn't compare, we have seen 2 examples of marriage with age gap, one that works where the woman has an education and self value, and another that didn't work where the woman had little education and derived her self value solely from her social position coming to her through her husbands social status. And I think that there we put the finger on sth far more important then age, beauty, dresses etc. Those are superficial things that don't really matter. We've all heard and might even have had the experience, that men mature later, so that might give some explanation why a woman might be looking to older men. I could sermon now the reasons why women are usually looking towards older men whereas men are looking for younger women, but I think everyone has already their opinion to that matter. But in order for any relation, no matter all these superficiallities, to work the core ingredient to me seems to be both partners sense of selfworth and selfrespect. And I think in this department both Albert and Charlene are terribly wanting. With Charlene we have seen how easily she accepted to have her boyfriend cheat on her (we have seen her look at the pictures), we have heard the flatout denial of any marriage intentions from Albert (and he did not only say it once but keeps repeating it) and well with Albert we can see by the type of women he has gotten himself involved with that he obviously doesn't think that he deserves any better then what one of his friends described (I posted an article to that respect) as "bimbos".

I know that in math two minus make a plus and it does work in relationships too - to a degree: as soon as ones selfesteem growth and thinks that there should be more to have, it becomes unbalanced and that's where the problems usually start and the odds to turn one minus and a plus into a plus ... you'd better ask a mathematician

 

[miraglia1983]

I know Charlene is not the favorite for Prince Albert. But at this point, who is? I think he has made his choice, no matter what her background is. He seems to have been interested in her for many years. I wish them well and do hope they marry because they seem very happy together. The big age difference is what worries me. She is a very pretty and attractive woman, apparently charming from what I have read, and as he ages, let's hope she will stay loyal to him. Monaco needs an heir, a legitimate child from Prince Albert. I would love to see him with a family, lots of children around him. Charlene is young and strong and I believe this is an important factor in their relationship. If she is his choice, then we are going to have to accept and wish them the best.

 

[paca]

18 months is not may years. They have met many years ago, but apparently the attraction on his side for her wasn't big enough to persue it any further until his belly grew bigger and his hair became more scarce. And she too was going out with younger and more attractive men while her athletic stars were still shining. That looks almost like two people met on their way down to comfort each other, doesn't it? It has the air of desperation to it. And don't forget that still a lot of women hear their biological clock ticking as 30 approaches....

 

[amad1108]

i agree with you paca now every thing is down hill for her, her only way of getting back up his him, is she still training the last i check that is why she is in monaco or am mistakeing?

 

[miraglia1983]

Do you think Prince Albert would risk so much if he didn't love Charlene? I think he is giving her time to adjust to a crazy life and see if she is willing to go ahead with it. It will not always be glamour for Charlene as Princess of Monaco. A lot of work and committment is also required. Most of her actions and words will be scrutinized and criticized constantly like Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson. Charlene will have to step up and become a role model and ambassador for the Principality. Can she do it? I have no idea. But maybe that's why he is taking his time in getting engaged to her. He will need a strong, intelligent, dutiful and committed wife to do all that will be required of the Princess of Monaco. Only time will tell.

 

[hibou]

Do you think Prince Albert would risk so much if he didn't love Charlene? I think he is giving her time to adjust to a crazy life and see if she is willing to go ahead with it. It will not always be glamour for Charlene as Princess of Monaco. A lot of work and committment is also required. Most of her actions and words will be scrutinized and criticized constantly like Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson. Charlene will have to step up and become a role model and ambassador for the Principality. Can she do it? I have no idea. But maybe that's why he is taking his time in getting engaged to her. He will need a strong, intelligent, dutiful and committed wife to do all that will be required of the Princess of Monaco. Only time will tell.

It's good to be king - I don't think he thinks he's risking anything. She has already proven she isn't up to the job - Time will tell sorry but it already has especially with this last photo of her cupping her hands around her mouth and shouting. How dignified is that for a grown woman. One thing for sure, it pretty much sums up her image. JMO

 

[miraglia1983]

Charlene is young and full of energy. Why wouldn't she cheer on her fellow countrymen? I have always said that she needs grooming and polishing. With all his money, this should be an easy task. Prince Albert can also help her get an education and learn French. She can master the task of Princess of Monaco if Princess Caroline is willing to help and guide her. Hopefully, it will all work out.

 

[royal pauper]

Do you think Prince Albert would risk so much if he didn't love Charlene? I think he is giving her time to adjust to a crazy life and see if she is willing to go ahead with it. It will not always be glamour for Charlene as Princess of Monaco. A lot of work and committment is also required. Most of her actions and words will be scrutinized and criticized constantly like Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson. Charlene will have to step up and become a role model and ambassador for the Principality. Can she do it? I have no idea. But maybe that's why he is taking his time in getting engaged to her. He will need a strong, intelligent, dutiful and committed wife to do all that will be required of the Princess of Monaco. Only time will tell.

You have just answered your own question! Can she do it?
You have perfectly described what kind of woman PA needs by his side. Everything that Charlene is not. And that is the exact reason whay so many of us have been criticizing their relationship and a possibility of their marriage over and over again. Charlene didn't show any growth in the last 18 months, she didn't move any further from the role of an escort.

You are right she has no defined position in PA's life and she doesn't have to prove anything to anyone. She is an oblivious and a self-centered person whom never before or after meeting PA had done anything else but swim. There are many athletes and "busy" people in general who find time to do some kind of charitable work at any level. Charlene has done none!
How do we know that?!!! If she had done something it would had surfaced already. Her PR machine would have splashed her all over the Bunte magazine as the next Mother Teresa of South Arfica. Charlene is coming from South Africa, a country with a huge political and human right problems. I am sure that there was/is a plenty opportunity in her on back yard to do something meaningful and useful. Instead she was busy swimming and partying. Not even in one of her interviews have she taken an opportunity to say something which will bring more attention to sufferings/difficulties of people in her own country.
Should we still give her a chance? Not in my book, but she isn't my problem after all. It is PA's problem and he has to solve it by himself. We all know how PA loves to learn a lesson a hard way by his own mistakes. Good luck to him!

 

[paca]

Do you think Prince Albert would risk so much if he didn't love Charlene? I think he is giving her time to adjust to a crazy life and see if she is willing to go ahead with it. It will not always be glamour for Charlene as Princess of Monaco. A lot of work and committment is also required. Most of her actions and words will be scrutinized and criticized constantly like Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson. Charlene will have to step up and become a role model and ambassador for the Principality. Can she do it? I have no idea. But maybe that's why he is taking his time in getting engaged to her. He will need a strong, intelligent, dutiful and committed wife to do all that will be required of the Princess of Monaco. Only time will tell.

He isn't risking anything, except that of being laughed at behind his back, but that is happening anyways as he hasn't been showing any management skills during his last 2 years and people have tried to do as they pleased as much as political intrigue corruption etc would allow them with an absent (in mind and body) ruler.

I agree with your description of a possible wife, but would summarize it as follows: in his present position Albert needs a wife that is willing to do his job for him without claiming the credit. Is Charlene the person to do so? Absolutely not, because apart from not speaking the language and having a grasp on the political games played in Monaco, she simply lacks the skills.

Look at Monaco like a ship. At present this ship has a captain that is incapable of running it. He doesn't seem to have a reliable first officer who has enough respect with thin the rest of the crew which basically ends in the various crew members fighting with each other. This is starting to get out of hand. The captain realizes that he is about to lose the ship for good and tries to regain control. The crew is stunned for the moment, but they are still at the brink of a mutiny. What is the captain supposed to do? He has several choices: 1. he can show the crew that he is a capable captain (not likely as old habbits die hard and that would mean hard work that he isn't used to), 2. he can get a reliable first officer (wife? minister d'etat? chef du cabinet?) who has the necessary skills of a captain ( just for the record captain and first officer have the same diploma, just not the same rank) and will do the job for him, 3. he get's a pilot in (outsider with experience to run a ship as a captain) that runs the ship until he gets a new crew ( not likely as there aren't many to chose from unless he wants to get people from other countries in), 4. let the crew run the ship and watch who wins (most probable as none of the crew is really interested in getting rid of the captain per se and he could easily function as a figurehead and in that case it wouldn't matter whom he marries ). All Albert basically needs to do is decide which of the options he is going for. But he'd better make up his mind before others do it for him.

 

[royal pauper]

Charlene is young and full of energy. Why wouldn't she cheer on her fellow countrymen? I have always said that she needs grooming and polishing. With all his money, this should be an easy task. Prince Albert can also help her get an education and learn French. She can master the task of Princess of Monaco if Princess Caroline is willing to help and guide her. Hopefully, it will all work out.

That doesn't happen over night! It takes time, maturity and willingness to learn. I am still waiting to see that from Charlene. How many years can PA sacrifice to invest in her grooming and reeducation? A five-ten years maybe....Do not forget that she will have to learn all of that and to have and raise babies at the same time. I don't think that she is capable of doing it!JMO
As I said before PA will be 60 years old before we see a significant improvement (hopefully) on Charlene. Can PA afford to wait that long. Sure why not... if he loves her that much!

 

[miraglia1983]

Prince Albert should have thought about all this a long time ago and find a suitable wife way back then. But he was too busy being a playboy. Now that it is time to settle down, how can he start a relationship with a more mature woman who probably would not be able to give him children as heirs. If he would have started years ago, he would have a family now and a more fullfilled life. It seems that older men are going for the younger women whether they have a good head on their shoulders or not. Have you seen how he looks at Charlene? He is in love or infatuated with her. She is very attractive, let's face it, and he has lost his attractiveness, sorry. He needs a family and I think she can give him one. What can we do? Just wait and hope for the best. Prince Albert will end up doing whatever he wants.

 

[Jaya]

Thank you very much for this great post NGalitzine. Imo you bring up some interesting points.

Well so far Charlene has no official role or function in Monaco and so there is absolutly no need for her to show us what she can do for Monaco, whether she is attending events with Albert or not. I never heard of a royal girlfriend doing some charitable work to impress her 'future' people before she got engaged or even married to her Prince.

And still I believe that no one here on the forum is able to judge a persons character by pics or some interviews. You get to know someone by talking to him and that's it, imo. Has anyone here talked to her so far? I'm not sure.

All those posts about Charlene just wanting the fame, Albert's money and the title are pure speculation. Has she said something like this before, I don't think so.

Democratically speaking that is your opinion.
CW has been touted with the title "official companion" either by a newspaper or someone else for over a year now.
She has not done much to deny, reprove or rescind that ascribed title . If any woman with a semblance of integrity was cast in that title and role they would ask for whoever to rescind the titular speculation. As for getting to know people by speaking to them I have to disagree.....Chamberlain returned to Britain after speaking to Hitler[judging his character through speaking to him} paper of peace in hand only for the WW two II to ensue.
For me her acceptance of the title "official companion" speaks volumes of her character and I am able to judge it and wonder why she has not asked for that unflattering title to be removed from the annals of history regarding her name.Could it help or hinder her to attain the position.?
NGaliItzine has made some points for the semi learned.
CW cannot inspire the confidence of Monaco investors IMO. They have big stakes and they need as investors to be honoured with the highest denominators in womanhood and not anyone from a chiaroscuro"official companion" backround.JMO

 

[paca]

Prince Albert should have thought about all this a long time ago and find a suitable wife way back then. But he was too busy being a playboy. Now that it is time to settle down, how can he start a relationship with a more mature woman who probably would not be able to give him children as heirs.

I agree with you that he should have started earlier as it also would have given him a chance to actually spend time with them and get to know his children and watch them as they grow up. But maturity does not necessarily have anything to do with age, Albert being a perfect proof for it himself. But if you look at the wife of Germany's late president Rau, then you can see that she was significantly younger (25 years) then her husband, but none the less she was an excellent first lady and when you looked at the two of them together, Rau never made the impression of being the dirty old man with a young trophy wife. But then again she was the grand daughter of another German president who was also a friend of her late husband. That woman was born mature as she decided at the age of 11 that she wanted to go to boarding school and where. Prince Andrew was one of her schoolmates and she studied in wales and at Kingston College politics, history and economics. right after she finished, she married her husband and was one of his advisors. she never wanted a political career in her own right. she is/was involved in many charities, one of them about former children soldiers in Sierra Leone. Some of her charities stayed with the present president and his wife, but in many she is still involved.

Now do you see Charlene doing this? I don't, but I wish that Albert would find his Christina.

 

[royal pauper]

Prince Albert should have thought about all this a long time ago and find a suitable wife way back then. But he was too busy being a playboy. Now that it is time to settle down, how can he start a relationship with a more mature woman who probably would not be able to give him children as heirs. If he would have started years ago, he would have a family now and a more fullfilled life. It seems that older men are going for the younger women whether they have a good head on their shoulders or not. Have you seen how he looks at Charlene? He is in love or infatuated with her. She is very attractive, let's face it, and he has lost his attractiveness, sorry. He needs a family and I think she can give him one. What can we do? Just wait and hope for the best. Prince Albert will end up doing whatever he wants.

In todays world women in their forties can have and they are having babies without any problem.
As for PA's infatuation with Charlene and the looks on his face, it seems more like an amusement to me. It is sometimes hard to believe that woman of nearly 30 years is behaving like that in a public accompanying a head of state and other dignitaries. He probably had never seen something like that, so he is quite amused by her. He needs to grow up too!

 

[lckc571]

He isn't risking anything, except that of being laughed at behind his back, but that is happening anyways as he hasn't been showing any management skills during his last 2 years and people have tried to do as they pleased as much as political intrigue corruption etc would allow them with an absent (in mind and body) ruler.

I agree with your description of a possible wife, but would summarize it as follows: in his present position Albert needs a wife that is willing to do his job for him without claiming the credit. Is Charlene the person to do so? Absolutely not, because apart from not speaking the language and having a grasp on the political games played in Monaco, she simply lacks the skills.

Look at Monaco like a ship. At present this ship has a captain that is incapable of running it. He doesn't seem to have a reliable first officer who has enough respect with thin the rest of the crew which basically ends in the various crew members fighting with each other. This is starting to get out of hand. The captain realizes that he is about to lose the ship for good and tries to regain control. The crew is stunned for the moment, but they are still at the brink of a mutiny. What is the captain supposed to do? He has several choices: 1. he can show the crew that he is a capable captain (not likely as old habbits die hard and that would mean hard work that he isn't used to), 2. he can get a reliable first officer (wife? minister d'etat? chef du cabinet?) who has the necessary skills of a captain ( just for the record captain and first officer have the same diploma, just not the same rank) and will do the job for him, 3. he get's a pilot in (outsider with experience to run a ship as a captain) that runs the ship until he gets a new crew ( not likely as there aren't many to chose from unless he wants to get people from other countries in), 4. let the crew run the ship and watch who wins (most probable as none of the crew is really interested in getting rid of the captain per se and he could easily function as a figurehead and in that case it wouldn't matter whom he marries ). All Albert basically needs to do is decide which of the options he is going for. But he'd better make up his mind before others do it for him.

great comparison, I like a lot, It's right..
If charlene had continued to train to show her will to win at the Olympic Games,
if she had shown the photos of the children that or saying she takes charge,
if at least she had spoken about her assocation (who does not exist obviously),
If she speak respectfully about sisters of Albert, respected moments family
If she had respected moments (official reception, exhibition, dinner) concerning only the family,
If she had participated in the other games in swimming to be with the other swimmers,
if she had been with her team for the dinner instead of being with Albert,
if she did not look for constantly the objective of the photographers,
if by her behavior she had to try to delay the behavior of albert,
if she had not shown her boredom during a concert of classical music, a match of football, an opera...

if she was to erase in front of Caroline,
if she was discreet on herself,
if she had been smiling,
if she had learnt the French language,
if she had to speak about her co-team members, about her team,
if instead of speaking about her, she spoke about the others...
If she was so proud to say that manson mandela advised her to return to the swimming, why do not we see a photo of her with him?
If she got dressed correctly so as to respect the place where she is (I notably think of the fire(light) of St jeans (bare shoulders) which(who) shocked the old population)
If the poses which she takes during her exhibition with the Prince were worked (instead of seeing the head strolling as if she be at the end of a very flexible pipe) (symbolic image of "Maison E.T. Maison")
if she had at least the other thing than the swimming as the passion,
If she did not have to smoke
if she did not have to show that she drank (alcohol) while she is under contract ( national Games(Sets))....
If she had not taken the poses who calls back Princess Grace of Monaco,
if she had a real personality instead of showing us that she is capable of imitation (mimicry)
And the list is not ended...
I know that I bring some water to its mill, knowing that charlene reads our posts (we see it) her behavior modifies as we publish the criticisms
BUT IT IS TOO LATE...
We observe, we analyze and we are just
We are good observers to know her and they are not speculations, are facts, taken one by one...
lckc571

 

[miraglia1983]

Paca,
What kind of women have we seen Prince Albert hanging out with? Have any of them seemed educated and cultured? Not that I know of. Why? He has wanted to party too much and now it is too late to find a "Christina". From all the trashy women we have seen him with, Charlene doesn't seem that way to me. Yes, in her way of dressing, but that seems to be improving. She looks beautiful in the latest photos. She can still be educated and cultured if he decides to make her his wife. It can be done.

 

[sebastian]

You know , guys, for not careing for Albert and Charlene at all you have been playing this stupid parade of disapproving for an awful long time now.

Everyone's enitled to their own opinion, yes ... ok and something seems to be bugging you a lot there, I know .. but for the love of god , what is it?
That Charlene is the wrong person ,at the wrong time, in the wrong place ?
Why do you care? Oh and yes you do care 'cause otherwise you wouldn't put so much time and effort in posting here ( or elswhere). Why do you think this is any of you business? Yeah , I know you'll ask to delete this post again because it's off topic or whatever or it's likeyou feel as if I'm attacking you personally. You're like : 'Hey respect our opinions!' - but did you ever show any kind of respect to other opinions. No, they're just getting brushed off like that.
You are having a lot of negative thaughts on someone you never met and who'll quite frankly never cross your ways. You'll now say: If we're ot allowed to write about these people anymore and express what we're thinking then there's no sense in having these boards' ... well, yeah.. It's not about that fact that you write about them it's about how you're doing it. You're beeing mean and nasty often times. This is like some crusade of yours against ... man, I don't know, whatever it is you are upset about.

Yes, you're entitled to you opinion, I do have an opinion on Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan but I don't care to go on and on and on about how disgraceful they act and how 'oh so shameful' this is. ' Cause: who cares ?

Do you want Albert, Charlene and those around them to read and understand what you write. To see you and your opinion, to feel bad because you write what you write? Is that it? Well, the first one is accomplished. The others, well, you know .... what does that change?!

Sometimes, whenever I find time, reading your posts it's like ' Ha, I knew it ..' and sometimes I'm like : ' Oh , geez, no way ....'.
The ranting will not take you anywhere. Just let it go.