Qsophy said:
I am somewhat perturbed by the manner in which Nicole is discussed on this board, relative to how PA is treated. I realize that everyone has their own view of her and him, and I respect that. But I think a few things are worth noting:
1. Unless someone knows otherwise, I don't think Nicole purchased that villa in the South of France. My guess is that PA had something to do with that super-high-priced real estate purchase. So it's not likely that only Nicole that wanted her situated there. I daresay PA could have had her located elsewhere in France--this is a man with power. I have no idea why PA didn't have her located elsewhere. But it does make one think!
Of course Prince Albert bought Nicole's home (well actually Alexandre and a corporation). But, sorry you are kind of wrong about Nicole wanting to be situated there. Actually, Nicole stated in an interview that she wanted to be in Monaco, but albert refused. It was Nicole who found this house closer to Monaco. here's an excerpt from an interview that she gave. Also, I should add, during this time, Nicole had a huge trump card over Albert - secrecy. Albert didn't want this child revealed and she did.
L'Express du 04/07/2005
par Eric Pelletier, Jean-Marie Pontaut
Mais sa mère souhaite qu'Alexandre puisse de temps à autre se rapprocher de Monaco. A la rentrée 2004, on trouve le refuge idéal: une vaste demeure isolée, en pierre de pays, que jouxte une piscine de belle dimension, sur les hauteurs de Villefranche-sur-Mer (Alpes-Maritimes).
But his mother wishes that Alexander can get closer every so often to Monaco. In receipts 2004, one find the ideal shelter: a vast insulated, stone residence of country, which adjoins a swimming pool of nice dimension, on the height of Villefranche-sur-Mer (Alpes-Maritimes).
Qsophy said:
3. No one stays with someone 5 years just for sex. The sex-honeymoon wears off much sooner.
Actually, people do. I hope you know that Albert had girlfriends that he actually took to widely public events as his date (unlike Nicole who was at his apartment cooking his meal and waiting for him to come home from his "official functions"). During this time he dated Tasha and Alicia who both attended events on his arms (and printed in major papers) with his father in attendance. Also, he met Charlene in 2001 and they had a night on the town. In her paris Match interview, Nicole only stated three Monaco events (minor ones) that Albert took her to in five years. But, she was never his official date with the Grimaldi family. Please realize that when she came out with her story in Paris Match, many people didn't believe her becasue she was never heard or seen in 5 years, especially not being his girlfriend!
Look at the pictures of Charlene during the Grand Prix and the Olympics. Notice the pictures where he is introducing her to ofiicials of Monaco, other royals at the Olympics, his family - this is how you treat a girlfriend. And, they have been only dating 6 months, not 5 years.
So, I am sorry to disappoint you, but I had actually hoped that a charming European prince had a love affair with an elegant "African Queen". But, from where I stand, he and Nicole just had sex - and now a child.