Princess of poise, heart and passions

Debbie Reynolds

The last time I spoke to Princess Charlene of Monaco (néeWittstock), she was sitting at my dining room table making a fuss of my dogs and agonising over how to deal with the media.

Her relationship with Prince Albert of Monaco had recently made headlines at home and abroad. The media attention was overwhelming even for a South African Olympic swimmer who attracted attention as much for her athletic prowess as her natural beauty.

It was early 2006. I had met the statuesque blonde informally a few months before through mutual friends. My first impressions were of a gorgeous, but self-conscious woman uncomfortable with being in the limelight.

There was no way you could ignore the statuesque blonde who walked into the party. She was quiet and reticent, some would say snobbish. But given half a chance, she turned on the charm. Unwittingly I wanted to be her best friend.

My cynical husband danced with her oblivious that he might be making a right royal ass of himself.

To this day he cherishes the pictures. Not because she is Princess Charlene of Monaco, but because she was a South African sports star unaffected enough to enjoy a moment of fun with a friendly stranger.

I treated initial reports of her growing relationship with Prince Albert with a seasoned journalist’s scepticism.

But then came the call for Charlene to meet the billionaire monarch in Cape Town where they celebrated New Year in 2006. Soon she was appearing at official functions with the prince and the media frenzy began. Even at home in Durban she was pursued by paparazzi and journalists, all jostling for the inside track on her relationship with one of the world’s most eligible bachelors.

The phone call from Charlene came out of the blue. Did I have time for an informal chat about media protocol? Could we meet at my house away from prying eyes?

What we discussed was off the record and still is, but through it all her overriding concern was that she did the right thing.

It was evident even then that she saw a future with Prince Albert. Without having to sacrifice her fun-loving personality, she also did not want to be exploited. More than anything she did not want to disappoint the Grimaldi family and their beloved Monaco.

In previous interviews about the impending wedding, Charlene said she had “spent the last five years learning the protocol, habits and customs of Monaco”.

“I am now truly ready,” she said.

Having endured intense media scrutiny and the sometimes less than encouraging attitude of citizens of Monaco who balked at her wicked sense of humour and directness, she has had to pack away the exuberant tomboy in favour of the regal princess.

Tracksuits, flip-flops and bargain buys have been replaced with designer gowns, diamonds and heels. And they all fit like a glove.

But, according to those close to her, beneath the perceived icy exterior is the same caring, lovable, endearing and tenacious woman who began her life in the limelight as an Olympic South African swimmer and a champion for the underprivileged.