The principality is buzzing about what’s really going on between Prince Albert and his new wife. They are calling her “The Silent Princess” – a pale, sad-eyed beauty who hasn’t said a word in public since murmuring “yes” to her husband on July 2. A month after the lavish wedding of Prince Albert of Monaco and ex-swimming champion Charlene Wittstock, doubts and suspicions still swirl around the couple. In fact, the Mediterranean realm was last week buzzing with talk that the royal pair will secretly live apart – and that their marriage is a sham intended only to produce an heir.
Feeding the rumour frenzy is the puzzling behaviour of 33-year-old Charlene. On her rare public appearances she seems – in the words of royal watcher Joelle Deviras - “distant and distracted”. When Albert, 53, summoned a group of journalists to issue an impassioned denial that the pair was unhappy, Charlene did little to help the cause, sitting expressionless at his side. Asked by her husband if she wanted to add anything, the South African-born blonde shook her head, and quickly left the room. The fear now is that her silence may speak volumes about what is happening behind palace walls. Meanwhile, on the streets of Monaco, it seems everyone else is having their say.
Feeding the rumour frenzy is the puzzling behaviour of 33-year-old Charlene. On her rare public appearances she seems – in the words of royal watcher Joelle Deviras - “distant and distracted”. When Albert, 53, summoned a group of journalists to issue an impassioned denial that the pair was unhappy, Charlene did little to help the cause, sitting expressionless at his side. Asked by her husband if she wanted to add anything, the South African-born blonde shook her head, and quickly left the room. The fear now is that her silence may speak volumes about what is happening behind palace walls. Meanwhile, on the streets of Monaco, it seems everyone else is having their say.
