After decades in the public eye as one of Europe’s most talked-about royals, Prince Albert of Monaco is shifting focus—from past drama to present-day pride.
The 67-year-old monarch, often dubbed the “playboy prince” for his past high-profile romances and complex personal life, recently opened up about what he values most.
Surprisingly, or perhaps not, his proudest achievement isn’t his reign or royal duties—it’s his marriage to Princess Charlene and their two children.
In a rare joint interview this week at the Prince’s Palace in Monte-Carlo, Albert and Charlene sat down with local journalists and offered a candid glimpse into their private world.
The Prince Gets Personal About His Legacy
When asked what he’s most proud of after nearly 20 years on the throne, Albert didn’t hesitate.
“My marriage and my children, first and foremost,” he told La Gazette de Monaco.
It’s a deeply personal response from a man whose love life has often made more headlines than his leadership.
The couple shares 9-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella—two bright symbols of continuity for Monaco’s royal future.
A Love Story Often Overshadowed by Rumors
Despite Albert’s heartfelt remarks, his relationship with Princess Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer from South Africa, has long been a magnet for speculation.
The couple wed in 2011 after a lengthy courtship, but their union was immediately met with whispers of trouble.
Even before the ceremony, French media nicknamed Charlene the “Runaway Bride,” alleging she had cold feet.
The palace firmly denied the claims, but the buzz never quite died down.
Their glamorous wedding was attended by international royals and celebrities, yet questions loomed over the paternity scandals that continued to haunt Albert.
Children Before Charlene and a Trail of Headlines
Before settling down, Albert publicly acknowledged two children born from earlier relationships—Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, now 32, and Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste, 21.
Both were officially recognized, but the news only added fuel to the media firestorm.
The drama didn’t stop there. Just as the couple started married life, another paternity claim surfaced involving a Brazilian woman.
Albert’s legal team strongly dismissed it as a hoax, but once again, headlines ran wild.
The Couple Pushes Back Against Constant Scrutiny
In more recent years, Albert and Charlene have spoken out to set the record straight.
In separate interviews in 2023, both royals insisted that rumors of a crumbling marriage were unfounded.
Charlene told South African outlet News 24 that she found the constant gossip “draining and exhausting,” adding that she couldn’t understand why people seemed so eager to see their relationship fail. She labeled it “clickbait” journalism.
Albert echoed her sentiment in a separate chat with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, praising Charlene’s unwavering support.
“We are a working couple,” he said. “Sometimes we only see each other at the end of a long day full of appointments.”
A Public Show of Unity
In April, the couple stepped out together at the Monte Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament, walking arm-in-arm and sharing affectionate glances.
It was a clear signal to onlookers: they’re still standing strong—at least publicly.
Moments like these have become more frequent, with Charlene returning to a more visible royal role after a prolonged absence due to illness.
A Health Crisis That Sparked Even More Gossip
In 2021, Charlene’s 10-day trip to South Africa turned into a 10-month ordeal due to complications from a sinus surgery.
Her long absence set off another wave of rumors, including claims that Albert had agreed to pay her a staggering £10 million per year to fulfill royal duties.
When she returned briefly to Monaco before entering a treatment facility in Switzerland, the French press raised eyebrows yet again.
Though the nature of her condition wasn’t revealed, Albert said she was simply “exhausted.”
Still by Each Other’s Side
Photos of Charlene’s return were met with media skepticism, but Albert dismissed the negative press, saying he was “hurt by the vicious rumours.”
For him, having Charlene back was “the most beautiful thing.”
Since her return, Princess Charlene has quietly resumed her official duties alongside her husband, gradually stepping back into the spotlight with grace and strength.
Beyond the Drama, a Marriage That Endures
Prince Albert may have once been known for scandal, but today, he seems focused on family.
Despite the countless tabloid stories and persistent speculation, he insists that his greatest success isn’t political or ceremonial—it’s personal.
At 67, the man who once made headlines for all the wrong reasons now finds pride in something far more enduring: his wife, his children, and the life they continue to build together inside the palace walls.