Monaco's Prince Albert engaged
Prince Albert of Monaco is engaged to marry South African former Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock, the royal palace has said.
The palace issued a statement announcing the engagement of "His Serene Highness", 52, and Miss Wittstock, 32, who worked as a school teacher before moving to the Mediterranean principality.
The palace did not indicate a planned wedding date, but the statement puts to rest months of speculation that the two long-time companions would tie the knot.
It will be the first marriage of a reigning prince since Hollywood actress Grace Kelly married Albert's father, Prince Rainier III, in 1956.
Princess Grace died in a car accident in 1982, casting a pall of tragedy over the family.
Laetitia Pierrat, a palace spokeswoman, said Albert met Miss Wittstock in 2000 when she was visiting Monaco for a swimming competition. She has lived in the principality since 2006.
Asked whether Miss Wittstock might already be pregnant, Ms Pierrat said: "Honestly, I don't think so."
She added that she was not privy to such private matters, but if Miss Wittstock were, a formal announcement would probably have been made.
Ms Pierrat said that, according to protocol, royal couples must wait at least six months between the announcement of the engagement and the wedding day.
Royal watchers welcomed the announcement.