the bride Charelene Wittstock

[fogdancer]

The makeup is fine, great gown by Armani and no tiara... sorry

 

[JewelFreak]

I just posted pics of her diamond hair ornament in the Royal Jewels thread -- it's beautiful!

 

[T L]

She looks so chic and elegant. The little bridesmaids are too cute for words in their outfits. They look like they stepped out of a French fairy tale story.

 

[T L]

I find it a huge coincidence, or just ironic, that the sons of the two most endearing and legendary princesses of the 20th century, Diana and Grace, got married this year.

 

[Imdanny]

Not a fan, sorry.

She's very plain looking to me. She looks like she might have had some plastic surgery at such a young age, too. Other than having been an athlete, I don't know what she's done, other than wait around to marry Albert, and I find him to be extremely creepy.

Don't like the dress. Don't like how it's gathered at the, um, excuse me, nipple area. It looks like her nipples are showing, or it just looks like that's where the fabric is gathered. Very strange.

I'll also respectfully dissent about the lack of a tiara. This family is 800- something like that years old. Did they not have a tiara for her to wear?

I even don't like the VCA piece made for her. I find it offensive when so many people are being subjected to "austerity" and although I think it would make an alright necklace, I'd have to see it as a tiara. I don't think it will look good as a tiara because the pointy nature of the center of the piece is harsh.

I hope Albert will not sleep with other women/ father other children out of wedlock/ and if the persistent rumors are to believed will stop sleeping with men, but somehow I doubt he will stop living however he's been living for such a long time.

My personal feeling is that if he had to get married, he should have done it a long time ago, and he should have married someone his own age.

I'm glad others have enjoyed it though! These are just my personal feelings about it. I won't post about it again. I'm really not trying to ruin anyone else's fun! I'm just not into him and his new wife.

 

[JewelFreak]

I don't think it will look good as a tiara because the pointy nature of the center of the piece is harsh.

Danny, that's the reason I dont go for it either! There are only 1 or 2 tiaras I like that come to a point on top -- not a flattering line, to my eye.

Do agree w/you about Albert. At first I didn't believe the recent stories but they are becoming too detailed not to be true. What's the matter with that guy? Weird ethic: "I'm committing adultery, but use contraception? Gasp, no no, I'm Catholic!" It's just plain creepy that he keeps fathering these kids! Charlene will regret deeply having gone through w/the wedding if it is all true. No amount of lifestyle can compensate for what she's gonna live with. Once they have children (knowing Albert, maybe the next 15 minutes), especially an heir, she'll never be able to leave him -- unless she is willing to go without her kids. The saddest part is that before this came out, she looked at him like she just adored him. It's such a nasty situation. I still hope against hope it's all not the truth but won't hold my breath.

--- Laurie

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I heard on the radio this morning that her "keepers" had to hide her passport because they were afraid she'd run.

 

[AGBF]

Do agree w/you about Albert. At first I didn't believe the recent stories but they are becoming too detailed not to be true. What's the matter with that guy? Weird ethic: "I'm committing adultery, but use contraception? Gasp, no no, I'm Catholic!" It's just plain creepy that he keeps fathering these kids! Charlene will regret deeply having gone through w/the wedding if it is all true. No amount of lifestyle can compensate for what she's gonna live with. Once they have children (knowing Albert, maybe the next 15 minutes), especially an heir, she'll never be able to leave him -- unless she is willing to go without her kids. The saddest part is that before this came out, she looked at him like she just adored him. It's such a nasty situation. I still hope against hope it's all not the truth but won't hold my breath.

This is a good thread in which to have this discussion, so I hope we can continue it here. It doesn't belong in a royal jewels or tiara thread! The truth is, I need to be brought up to date.

I am always up to date on the British royal family, but usually know little about other royals. I happen to know some history here and there, but definitely do not stay on top of their gossip! Just as Prince Albert was about to get married, I heard that Charlene would not be a runaway bride due to another "illegitimate" child of Prince Albert. Since I had never heard she would be, I didn't know what to make of it! I don't know his history, except what the two of you have said here! I know Princess Caroline's history...at least I know of her three marriages. I know of the wild life Princess Stephanie lived. All I knew of Prince Albert was that he was a confirmed bachelor who had had, I thought, a couple of children in serious relationships with women with whom he had been involved long before Charlene came along.

Deb/AGBF

 

[AmeliaG]

I'm not a fan of Charlene either but she definitely wasn't plain looking - she's the most chic bride I've seen in a long time. I thought the diamond hairpiece was a masterful touch and suited her very well.

 

[AGBF]

I'm not a fan of Charlene either but she definitely wasn't plain looking - she's the most chic bride I've seen in a long time. I thought the diamond hairpiece was a masterful touch and suited her very well.

Well...since we are offering opinions, I will say that Charlene has grown on me. I used to think that she was very plain looking because she was "too perfect" and it made her look bland. While everyone else raved about her, I secretly disliked her and thought that Albert had just picked up some trophy girlfriend who looked like a model.

As I have read about her, I read about an interviewer who called her the most nervous person she ever met (or words to that effect) and how she broke down and cried after the religious service. I am seeing Charlene as a person. I may not be seeing her as she really is. How could I? I am not privy to the truth about her, to who she really is, to her real thoughts and feelings. But I realize that is was incredibly unkind of me to judge her by her outward appearance. We don't know what struggles others face, how hard the journeys of others are in life.

Deb/AGBF

 

[AmeliaG]

I'm not a fan of Charlene either but she definitely wasn't plain looking - she's the most chic bride I've seen in a long time. I thought the diamond hairpiece was a masterful touch and suited her very well.

Well...since we are offering opinions, I will say that Charlene has grown on me. I used to think that she was very plain looking because she was "too perfect" and it made her look bland. While everyone else raved about her, I secretly disliked her and thought that Albert had just picked up some trophy girlfriend who looked like a model.

As I have read about her, I read about an interviewer who called her the most nervous person she ever met (or words to that effect) and how she broke down and cried after the religious service. I am seeing Charlene as a person. I may not be seeing her as she really is. How could I? I am not privy to the truth about her, to who she really is, to her real thoughts and feelings. But I realize that is was incredibly unkind of me to judge her by her outward appearance. We don't know what struggles others face, how hard the journeys of others are in life.

Deb/AGBF

Ah Deb, you shame me...you're much deeper than I am. I was just thinking of them and the wedding as eyecandy, nothing more. I'm impressed that her style suits her physical atributes because a lot of women (including myself) can't get that right. I can see where it can look bland because nothing stands out but I'm always pleasantly surprised when someone can pull together a look that suits their unique physical characteristics because it is so rare.

I think people are far more cynical about Albert and its kinda rubbed off on her. He does have a history. But I have to say, Albert, as a ruler, with all his faults is, to me, most representative of Monaco. Monte Carlo was for a long time most famous as the playground of the rich and famous with its Casino and tax havens for the rich. Oddly enough, I've heard from some French friends that Albert the ruler has changed a lot of that. The Casino is no longer the biggest money maker in Monaco and I think the tax havens have died out. But the mentality of his citizens and I daresay Albert himself in his personal life hasn't caught up to this. So in a weird way, I think he reflects the mentality of his people which is I'd expect from someone ruling a very small country.

So I'm content to let them be eyecandy.

 

[T L]

Plastic surgery or no, I do find her fun to look at. She's statuesque, tall, great figure, elegant (to me) and I think she's eye candy. I am always excited about what she'll wear next. I can't say the same for other members of royal families of the world. I also love CP Mette-Marit of Norway too. Maybe I'm just drawn to tall, statuesque blondes (Diana too!!).

I don't know anything about her, and Albert is really creepy to me as well Danny. I think they make a strange looking couple. Just from a visual standpoint, she's way out of his league, except for his riches/status.

 

[JewelFreak]

So do I, SDL. I think she's really attractive too & generally like her sense of fashion.

Been doing some thinking. Regardless of the truth or not of new paternity claims, the rest of the story is fishy. Waaaayy overdone. Neither the French gov't nor Monaco's can take the passport of a foreign national who has not committed a crime, nor forcefully prevent said foreigner from leaving the country. It would create a mammoth international incident & hugely embarrass the gov't that tried it. Persuasion to come back, yes. Force -- not so much.

"Sanctuary" in the S.A. embassy in Paris? Nuh uh. The Nazis weren't hunting her. I'm sure no police or mob figures were on her tail. She was most likely handling visa/citizenship stuff involved w/her marriage.

If she truly wanted to go home from Paris or Nice, she only had to call a limo for the airport. Under a fake name, if the Taliban were shadowing her. What sort of "keepers" was she supposed to have? Brawny guys w/guns in their pockets? Maybe she took a maid to help w/her clothes. Possibly a friend or 2 too -- you don't go wedding shopping alone, no fun. Hard to strong-arm a girl with witnesses.

This: http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/ar...ding-charlene-wittstock-addresses-the-rumors/ describes her giggling & calm, dressing for the civil ceremony.

I've seen a few interviews; she is reserved & self-conscious. In one she mentioned the difficulty of getting used to being torn to pieces in the press every day & generally living in the public eye, over the 6 yrs she & A. were together. Knowing what everyone was thinking as they watched her during the religious ceremony, after all the s**t hit the fan, she'd be more nervous. And tired -- they partied till 2 a.m. the night before.

People see what they look for. Press said the civil ceremony was "tense." To me, she looked deliriously happy. I noticed no tension. Afterward w/ eyes sparkling & her head on Fat Albert's shoulder -- aw gee, give me misery like that!

They'll have to deal w/this new stuff for good or ill. But she is 33 & has known him for years, what he's like. This ain't Princess Diana, barely out of high school & inexperienced. Whether or not these claims turn out to be genuine, I think the story got puffed up bigger w/each telling & each newspaper till it has little relation to the truth.

--- Laurie

 

[JewelFreak]

P.S. Don't believe me. I thought Casey Anthony would be found guilty. Shows you how good a judge I am!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I enjoyed seeing her photo's--she looked stunning. Impossibly beautiful dress. Wishing her happiness (and perhaps success?).

cheers--Sharon

 

[bluesky2012]

HI:

I enjoyed seeing her photo's--she looked stunning. Impossibly beautiful dress. Wishing her happiness (and perhaps success?).

cheers--Sharon

she is so chariming for sure.

 

[rosetta]

Apart from the pointy breast area, I loved her dress. I think she dressed very well for her figure.

Her marriage: only time will tell but I do think William and Kate have a better chance of a faithful and loving life together. That's pure speculation of course. None of us possess a crystal ball.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Very elegant dress! So different from Kate's, but I love them both! I just always hope for the princess to live happily ever after in every story!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I agree with you, JewelFreak. The stories are very far fetched. Besides, if they indeed withheld her passport, she still could have refused to participate in the wedding. How about a nice, ringing "NO" at the right time of the service?

Danny - I am pretty sure she would have worn a tiara if she had wanted. I am betting on her choice, not that one was not offered to her. besides, her hair ornament was brilliant!

 

[JewelFreak]

Looking for what she is wearing in S.A. I came upon this photo -- obviously at the concert following the civil wedding. Does not look like an unhappy couple to me. I'm glad & hope it continues.

 

[AGBF]

Looking for what she is wearing in S.A. I came upon this photo -- obviously at the concert following the civil wedding. Does not look like an unhappy couple to me.

I agree, Laurie. A very encouraging picture.

Deb

 

[JewelFreak]

Found this, printed 7/22 at 1 pm EDT along w/ 3 other similar articles.

Monaco royals to sue over break-up rumours: premier

(AFP) – 3 hours ago

MONACO — Monaco's government head Michel Roger railed Friday against "false" rumours of discord between Prince Albert II and his wife, and said the couple will sue a French magazine for spreading them.

"It is very distressing," Roger, whose official title is minister of state, told journalists of the gossip that swirled around the wedding held over two days in early July.

Rumours that Charlene Wittstock tried to leave the principality in a huff just days before the royal wedding have already been rejected by the palace, a lawyer for the princely pair, as well as by Albert himself.

"They are all false," added Roger.

L'Express magazine had reported on its website that Wittstock, now Princess Charlene, interrupted preparations for the lavish celebrations and prepared to take a flight for her home country South Africa.

In fact, "she left for Greece accompanied by a Monegasque delegation" for the Special Olympics -- a competition for the intellectually disabled that opened in Athens on June 25, said Roger.

As for allegations that Albert fathered a third child out of wedlock while engaged to Charlene, the politician said: "We have proof that this is false".

Roger said the couple intended to sue L'Express because it "gave credibility to these unfounded rumours by publishing them".



And this, from People Magazine:



The honeymoon is over – at least for the press.

Dogged by persistent rumors that their early July wedding was not going to take place because of new revelations about the groom's private life – and continuing press speculation concerning the nature of their marriage – Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco addressed representatives of three news outlets on Wednesday evening, only hours after the couple returned from their honeymoon.

"We want to express our outrage about these rumors. It's unbearable," declared Albert, 53, reports Nice-Matin, one of those publications hastily summoned to meet with the newlyweds. The newspaper described the prince as "visibly ... wounded."

"What is regrettable is that the media seized on these rumors without verifying their information," complained Albert, as his bride sat beside him, holding his hand. "I find it unworthy of your colleagues. I have always respected the freedom of expression. But the dissemination of false information is lamentable and subject to criminal penalties."

Questions and speculation surrounding the couple's marriage have been unparalleled in the French press since the week before their $50 million wedding in July. This includes charges that Charlene sought to flee the nuptials only to be stopped at the airport by Monaco officals – vehemently denied by the palace – as well as allegations that Albert has fathered another child out of wedlock.

Despite palace attempts to deny rumors, the couple's activities during the official South African portion of the honeymoon were also analyzed and subjected to tabloid rumor.

"Sometimes these rumors made us smile, such as when the media explained that the princess and I had not slept in the same hotel in South Africa. It was for practical reasons of course," Nice-Matin quotes Albert as saying.

The couple's extended July 9-20 honeymoon in Mozambique was "a wonderful stay," said Albert. "We were not disturbed. It was a dreamy atmosphere."

Explaining what may have promoted the rumors, Albert said, "There are people in Monaco who seek to harm us." He made no further comment and refused questions.

During the royal audience, which was mostly conducted in French, Princess Charlene was asked whether she had anything to add.

"No," she replied in English. "I think that says it all."

 

[Imdanny]

Explaining what may have promoted the rumors, Albert said, "There are people in Monaco who seek to harm us." He made no further comment and refused questions.

What a weird thing to say.

 

[JewelFreak]

I noticed that too, Danny. I've read that Monaco, though, is a hotbed of politics, rumors, backstabbing, probably because there's a ton of money floating around & gambling attracts some sleazy, greedy characters. Rainier, with P. Grace's encouragement, managed to throw Onassis out a while after they were married -- he owned much of the casino interests & shady stuff went on constantly. Monaco's reputation then was as a seedy, tattered former watering hole. Now the Grimaldis own the largest stake & I can imagine snakes & vultures do lurk around looking to create opportunities for themselves. After Grace died, articles indicated she had few friends in Monaco, which contributed to her being unthrilled about living there. Difficult to know whom to trust. Charlene has said the same, that she's had a hard time making friends there.

--- Laurie

 

[AGBF]

I noticed that too, Danny. I've read that Monaco, though, is a hotbed of politics, rumors, backstabbing, probably because there's a ton of money floating around & gambling attracts some sleazy, greedy characters. Rainier, with P. Grace's encouragement, managed to throw Onassis out a while after they were married -- he owned much of the casino interests & shady stuff went on constantly. Monaco's reputation then was as a seedy, tattered former watering hole. Now the Grimaldis own the largest stake & I can imagine snakes & vultures do lurk around looking to create opportunities for themselves. After Grace died, articles indicated she had few friends in Monaco, which contributed to her being unthrilled about living there. Difficult to know whom to trust. Charlene has said the same, that she's had a hard time making friends there.

--- Laurie

I noticed you had posted again, Laurie, and I rushed to open this thread hoping for some news. I thought-in my half-awake state-there might be some exciting news. It doesn't seem likely, as I sit here now, thinking, that anyone would be announcing a pregnancy, but-as I said-I was half awake! I went to sleep at 4:00 AM and was up at 9:00 AM. I wouldn't be back at the computer unless (cough, cough) the phone hadn't rung and interrupted my reading of, "The New York Times" articles on the compromise over the raising of the debt ceiling. (Seriously. I read the portion of three articles on the debt ceiling that was on the the front page of the paper and was feeling very proud of myself for venturing down that path, which I had not wanted to take. I had felt, "saved by the bell", though, when the phone rang. But I digress.)

Do post news of a pregnancy when when you hear any, won't you?

Deb

 

[JewelFreak]

Will do, Deb, but doubt I'll know any sooner than you do! As for the debt ceiling, oy vay, surprised you don't hear me from wherever you are, shouting at the tv. And how I HATE euphemisms -- suddenly "revenues" is a synonym for taxes. They are NOT THE SAME THING. Taxes are revenue but not all revenue is taxes. Can understand politicians using mealy-mouthed crap like that, but I can't STAND it when reporters immediately pick up that jargon too -- if we're talking about taxes, say t.a.x.e.s.! And if I hear the word "trigger" one more time, I'll shoot my television; can't these idiots use a thesaurus?

 

[Imdanny]

Laurie, thanks for your post. Actually, it makes a lot of sense to me now.

Small places seem to breed more than their fair share of gossip. I know this from living on an island(s). There is something about the insular nature of small places that seems to bring this ugly aspect of human nature to the surface.

 

[JewelFreak]

Weird, isn't it, Danny? Lord of the Rings! Maybe it's due to a smaller pot, so to speak, from which everyone wants to grab.

Another thought occurred to me about that quote. The original comment or interview might have been in French & simply translated strangely. Albert could have said something like, "Some people in Monaco want to damage us [the monarchy/Grimaldis]," or "..want to undermine our happiness..." Whatever, they did a good job.

 

[Imdanny]

Maybe it's due to a smaller pot, so to speak, from which everyone wants to grab.

Laurie, this is exactly how SO explains it. We've talked about it many times. Great minds think alike.

I haven't paid very much attention to Monaco, to be honest, other than Princess Grace (I'm a fan of Old Hollywood) but I hope the bride and groom will be happy. I certainly wouldn't want them not to be!

And who knows, maybe we'll see a picture of Princess Charlene in her new VC&A tiara, and I might like it. For me, VC&A is right up there with the best of them and their pieces are made with a very rare talent and skill. I watched a video on their site about how they make their Alhambra pieces and the fact that anyone still has the ability to make jewels with this level of craftsmanship is amazing to me.

 

[JewelFreak]

Great minds think alike.

Yeah!!

For me, VC&A is right up there with the best of them and their pieces are made with a very rare talent and skill. I watched a video on their site about how they make their Alhambra pieces and the fact that anyone still has the ability to make jewels with this level of craftsmanship is amazing to me.

There are so few left & it is a real pleasure to see their work. Oscar Heyman Bros. is another that's still around -- & even more rarely, still family owned & run. Magnificent skill & design. Check their website for a thrill -- or look them up in past Sotheby's & Christies auctions. Wow.

--- Laurie