GLORIA,

Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic

TEARS DIDN’T SPOIL A FAIRY TALE

Writen by: Zaneta Apostolovski
Photographs: Sipa/JLP and the Royal Palace archive

The little Mediterranean Principality of Monaco celebrated for three days the wedding of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco (53) and beautiful Charlene Witstock (33). Gala diners, balls, concerts, fire-works, a magnificent wedding cake… Everything looked like a modern fairy-tale,  and tears shed by the bride during church  ceremony in the garden of the Palace didn’t spoil the moment for many guests who came all over the world

Crown Prince Alexander (66), who spent three unforgettable days there with his wife Crown Princess Katherine (67) as a guest of honor of his very good friend Prince Albert, he was also fascinated by the spectacle in Monaco.

What are your impressions after the wedding of Prince Albert II and Charlene Witstock?

It was a beautiful wedding that took place in a very a special country. Monaco is very nice and exciting. We had a wonderful time during an interesting three days and we met many very nice people.

You had the honor together with Princess Katherine to be among the invitees at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Which wedding made a stronger impression on You?

One should note that the two weddings were somewhat similar, but there were some differences like Prince Albert is a head of state so there were many heads of state at the wedding in Monaco. Both weddings made a strong impression on my wife and I due to the outpour of love and interest.  We were lucky to mingle with relatives, presidents and personalities of the world. 

The wedding of Prince Albert began with a party of the “Eagles” band. Were You and Princess Katherine at this event? 

We knew about the Eagles, but we arrived later in the afternoon on Friday and attended a very nice reception in the evening at the Hermitage Hotel, with a spectacular view over the port of Monte Carlo. We saw the famous French musician Jean Michel Jarre perform a memorable sound and light concert.

Princess Katherine was wearing a very elegant dress for the formal dinner. Who was in charge of her styling?

The beautiful dress was designed by the famous Greek fashion designer Celia Krithariotis who is also a very good family friend.

Would You like to unveil to our readers what kind of present you gave to Prince Albert?

We gave the lovely couple a personal present. 

World media write for days that Princess Charlene tried several times already to cancel a wedding and leave Prince Albert. What were your impressions, are there any problems between them?

Speculations are part of the life of celebrities all around the world. My wife and I wish Prince Albert and Princess Charlene all the joy and happiness for their future life together.

Many world media compare Charlene Witstock to the late Grace Kelly. Do You see any similarities between them? 

I knew Princess Grace and I have known Princess Charlene, but I don’t find them to be that similar. They are both beautiful and charming. I have fond memories of Princess Grace and will always remember her amazing hospitality and dynamic character. I can see why Prince Rainier fell in love with her. Princess Charlene is an extremely sweet, intelligent and caring person, she is also very strong, sporty and full of energy.

Did anyone else of Serbian Royal family attend that wedding? 

Actually the religious wedding took place Saturday evening in the spectacular courtyard of the Monaco Palace, a very impressive and beautifully decorated place. Prince Dimitri and Prince Serge (the sons of Prince Alexander, son of Prince Paul, were there) and it was so nice to see them.

You and Prince Albert are long-term friends. When and how did You meet him?

We met many years ago in Monaco during one of my long ago visits to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. I always admired Prince Albert for his sporting courage like his participation in bob-sleighing and for his amazing tough adventure spirit around the world. 

What was the impression that his wife, Charlene Witstock, left on You and Princess Katherine?

Whenever my wife and I see Princess Charlene we feel closer and closer to her since she is always bubbling with energy and wonderful conversation. We are impressed with the Princess's ability to learn so much about Monaco and its history. My wife and I were very much taken in by the charm of her parents who we saw for the first time.

What was it that particularly fascinated You in Monaco?  

I have always liked Monaco due to the very nice and close friendship with the Monegasque Princely Family. I would come to Monaco often when I was at school. My wife and I have been guests several times of Prince Rainier and Prince Albert in the Monaco Palace. We also had the pleasure to meet a few years ago Princess Charlene when staying in the Palace. I attended the same school, Le Rosey,  in Switzerland that Prince Rainier went to, but he was there before me. 

Did You like the Prince’s invitation to all the adult citizens of Monaco to attend the celebration?

That was a wonderful gesture of Prince Albert and very popular. We witnessed the very strongly loyalty of the Monegasque people to Prince Albert and the other members of the Princely Family, so you can imagine how thrilled the people were with this superb invitation.

You have three adult sons. Three educated, charming and handsome Princes. Will Serbia get to enjoy such celebrations in the near future as well? 

I am certain that one day in the future the Serbian people will enjoy a marriage in our beautiful country. We are lucky to have such beautiful country.