Three's a crowd: Prince Albert takes new wife Charlene for honeymoon lunch (but South African president Jacob Zuma comes along too)

By Emily Miller


Elegant: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene arrives at the residence of South African president Jacob Zuma in Durban for lunch


Prince Albert of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock today enjoyed a late lunch overlooking the sea - with South African president Jacob Zuma.

Heavy on protocol and light on romance, the function was the among a string of public engagements the couple have booked in the bride's home country this week.

The pair arrived at the statesman's residence, smiling in an effort to quash rumours of marital strife sparked by claims that the prince recently fathered a love child.

A tanned Charlene, 33, wore a white crochet dress and thanked her new husband, 53, as he helped her out of the car. Asked how she was, she replied, 'Fine thanks.'


The prince is rumoured to have fathered a third baby out of wedlock, a scandal which allegedly prompted former Olympic swimmer Charlene to try to flee through France ahead of the nuptials in Monte Carlo at the weekend.

Today the couple joined Mr Zuma, 69, at his seaside residence, King's House, in Durban on South Africa's east coast.

As they left the house, the prince tried to silence rumours about his marriage by planting a careful kiss on new bride Charlene's cheek.

The monarch made the tentative gesture after emerging from lunch with Mr Zuma and his wife Thobeka Madiba.

Puckering up outside the president's mansion, he put his arm around her back for a brief moment of affection.

The couple departed in separate cars, as the prince was due in Durban city centre to vote at the International Olympic Committee conference, which is choosing the 2018 Winter Olympics host country.

Before leaving he said: 'Durban is very close to Charlene's heart so it's great that I have the chance to get to know it.

'It has been an incredible pleasure and really momentous. It's a wonderful coincidence that the 123rd IOC conference happening at the time of our visit.'

New wife in white: The Prince and Princess of Monaco are greeted as they arrive at the President's residence

Heads of state: The Royal couple posed with Preisdent Zuma and his wife Thobeka Madiba after their lunch


The new princess appeared tense as she embarked on among her first official state appearances since her marriage.

Polygamist premier Mr Zuma, who chose Ms Madiba, 39, for his visit to Britain last year, said ties had today been strengthened between South Africa and Monaco.

He said: 'I'm so pleased that this courtesy call has taken place. It was very good to meet.'

Mr Zuma is understood to have had at least 20 children, both in and out of wedlock.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene will tomorrow host their South African wedding reception at the £4,600-a-night Oyster Box hotel at Umhlanga, a stretch of golden sands north of Durban.

Around 400 guests are expected for red and white-themed cocktails and dinner at the romantic getaway where it is understood they are keen to dodge the global spotlight.

Signaling their desire for privacy, security has been stepped up around the rambling colonial buildings, where they have booked the luxurious presidential suite.

But much of Prince Albert's time is being consumed with a conference of the International Olympic Committee taking place this week in Durban.

As a member of the organisation, he is expected to attend meetings before a vote on whether France, Germany or South Korea will host the Winter Games 2018.

Last night the couple appeared at a black-tie launch of the meetings at Durban Playhouse theatre.

Dressed in black, the new Princess stayed close to her husband at a champagne reception and smiled demurely for photographers.

Umhlanga is an expensive resort popular with an international crowd including Prince Harry and former girlfriend Chelsy Davy.

The working honeymoon: The couple were also at an event for the opening of the International Olympic Committee session on Tuesday night


The Princess grew up in the Johannesburg suburb of Benoni, but is said to be fond of Durban and stayed at the Oyster Box during a trip home in February.

But she will have little time to relax there, as reportedly a string of charity visits have kept her diary full.

The former Olympic swimmer is said to be leaving Durban for Cape Town early on Friday to visit three development projects, local charity the Giving Organisation Trust said.

Keen to use her new-found resources for good works, she is also due to meet former archbishop Desmond Tutu during the day.

On Saturday she is expected in Johannesburg to see another programme.

Prince Albert has reigned the tiny European state of Monaco since 2005 when his father Prince Rainier died.

He has had two other children out of wedlock - Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, 19, and Alexandre Coste, seven.

Ceremony: The pair exchange glances during their wedding in Monaco on Saturday

Pomp and ceremony: An official photograph from the wedding of Charlene and Albert which took place on saturday in Monte Carlo


source:dailymail

Two Royals in a boat: Canoe-dling Kate and William wow Canada's Northwest Territories with their paddling partnership in a kayak

-Royal couple fly to Yellowknife on sixth day of Canada tour to experience traditions of native people
-Prince tries his hand at a game of shinty - street hockey
-Vast North Western Territories are home to only 48,000 people
-Kate and Wills presented with hockey jerseys with Cambridge on the back
-Duke and Duchess will then travel on to Calgary


By Rebecca English


Water babe: Prince William and wife Kate take a canoe ride at Lake Blatchford, Canada, lodge in the Northwest Territories


Prince William and Kate are being welcomed to the Northwest Territories with a traditional Native Canadian drumming performance by the Dene tribe during the royal couple's most northerly stop of their Canadian tour.

Kate, wearing a light-beige, knee-length dress cinched at the waist, and William in a dark suit, arrived at the Somba K'e Civic Plaza in Yellowknife, the sparsely populated capital, to a crowd of thousands cheering.

The couple are on the sixth day of a nine-day visit to Canada, their first official overseas journey since their April 29 wedding.

Bonding: Prince William and Kate take a canoe ride with elder Francois Paulette, left, from the Fort Smith area at Lake Blatchford, Canada

Scenic paddle: The young royals enjoy a turn past the pines, in blue water. They both show great paddling form

Lunch: Prince William and Kate enjoy some arctic char with Defense Minister Peter McKay and Canadian Rangers at Lake Blatchford, Canada on Tuesday


The couple will tour the region before flying to Calgary on Wednesday.

Yesterday, the Duchess of Cambridge got another royal first under her belt when she started a game of 'shinny' or street hockey.

Kate, who was a formidable hockey player herself at school, laughingly shrugged off calls from the crowd to take part herself – especially after she was handed a red sports shirt with her name – Cambridge – emblazoned on it.

'I would have taken a shot if I wasn't in heels,' she told Gloria Francis, 16, from Yellowknife, as she gestured to her cream £175 LK Bennett stilettoes. But she did throw the bright orange ball onto the floor to start the game.

The Duke was facing 6'3" goalie Calvin Lomen, as he failed to hit to hit the target with any of his three shots. He even begged 20-year-old Mr Lomen 'You realise you've got to let one in!' before trying to outfox the goalie by telling him 'top left corner' before going for the right.

Red: William and Kate pose wearing the sweaters of the Canadian Rangers after being made honorary members during a visit to Blatchford Lake

Teepee time: The young royals exit a traditional teepee at Blatchford Lodge, where they learned something about ancient ways of life

Pitching in: The royals help carry a caribou skin to a tent to be smoked while visiting Blatchford Lake. It's an authentic experience

Natural fabric: William and Kate learn about the craft of leathermaking from First Nations people, who smoke caribou hides

Quiet moment: Prince William and his wife Kate enjoy the serene beauty of the far north. It's wilderness not that many people ever see
But all three shots were either saved or went wide.


Afterwards he and his wife were presented with red Canada ice hockey tops with “Cambridge' and the numbers 1 for the Duchess and 2 for the Duke.

The royal couple were spending the morning experiencing the sights, sounds and traditions of Canada's native peoples after arriving in Yellowknife on the sixth day of their tour of the Commonwealth realm.

Around half of the region's population has native heritage, and members of the Inuktitut and Chipewyan tribes were among those who welcomed the royal couple to the regional capital.

Yummy: The young royals watch an elder woman prepare caribou meat for smoking while visiting Blatchford Lake

Fragrant: William and Kate smell aboriginal herbal medicines, which have been used for thousands of years by resourceful people in the north country


A group of drummers performed a prayer song for the couple on caribou-skin drums, considered sacred objects by the native people, dancers from the Inuvialuit tribe danced for their royal guests.

Then local teenagers demonstrated their skills in Arctic sports including the Alaskan High Kick, which involves balancing on one hand and kicking a target, and the 'airplane', a show of strength in which the contestants hold their bodies in a cross shape and are carried horizontally for as long as they can hold the position.

Although the Duke did not fancy his chances at the high kicking, he happily joined in a game of street hockey, or 'shinny', taking penalty shots against the goalkeeper in a pause in the game taking place at the Somba K'e civic plaza, a recreation area overlooking Frame Lake.

Helping hand: After a quick change, William and Kate make their way onto a water plane on their way to Blachford Lake

Bear essentials: Seated around a bear rug the Duke and Duchess took part in a sitting of the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife

Prince William took a shot with a hockey stick in a game of 'shinny' to the delight of onlookers (including Kate) and they were treated to some of the Arctic sports

They met the Yellowknife hockey team which claims to be the birthplace of the sport in Canada

Kate looks shocked as her husband misses his hockey shot during the street game in Somba K'e Civic Plaza

Prince William begged goalkeeper Calvin Lomen to let one of his shots go into the net but he either hit the puck wide or it was saved

Kate declined the invitation to play 'shinny' because of her Bennett stilettos. The above the knee By Malene Birger dress may have had something to do with it too

Old and new: Kate chats with one of the Aboriginal people of Canada, left, while taking time out to chat with the crowds at Somba K'e Civic Plaza in Yellowknife

William and Kate follow a bagpiper as they arrive at the Somba K'e Civic Plaza in the Northwest Territories


The royal couple were also given the chance to participate in traditional Inuit and Dene games, which are used both for entertainment and to hone skills necessary for everyday survival in the harsh northern environment where it is winter 10 months of the year.

These included the Alaskan High Kick and the One Hand Reach in which athletes lift themselves off the floor on one arm and, while balancing, use their other hand to touch a target.

The highlight for the couple, however, was taking part in a street hockey game known locally as 'shinny', using a ball instead of the traditional ice hockey puck.

While they were there the Duke and Duchess were presented with Aboriginal gifts to signify their 'mutual respect and affection' – a pair of platinum and diamond pave cufflinks featuring a polar bear for him and a similar brooch for her.

Later in the day the young royals were due to get a taste of the great outdoors – including some of its legendary great lakes - something aides said they had been 'extremely keen' to do.

They were due to take a float plane to picturesque Blachford Lake, set in an extraordinary landscape on the edge of the Tundra, where they will join young rangers for a campfire, before rowing themselves by canoe to a nearby island for a private BBQ.

Later the couple boarded a float plane and headed out into the wilderness. Kate was wearing an olive fitted shirt, skin-tight jeans and white and cream deck shoes while William sported jeans, an open-necked blue shirt and Timberland boots.

The couple gazed out of the window of their tiny plane excitedly as it took off from the water and headed out to Blachford Lake.

Meeting: William and Kate look on during an official welcome ceremony at the Somba K'e Civic Plaza in Yellowknife, Canada

Their day in Yellowknife is a real mix of tradition and modernity with these residents dressed in traditional native clothing

Kate is beginning to get the hang of using a shovel as she plants a shrub, today, and while in Yellowknife the couple were presented with hockey Jerseys






source: dailymail

Bully off! Kate starts game of street hockey but cries off taking part because of her £175 LK Bennett heels

By REBECCA ENGLISH

As a team of hockey players watched William have a go with a hockey stick, Kate listened intently as she chatted with one of the players


The Duchess of Cambridge got another royal first under her belt yesterday when she started a game of 'shinny' or street hockey.

Kate, who was a formidable hockey player herself at school, laughingly shrugged off calls from the crowd to take part herself – especially after she was handed a red sports shirt with her name – Cambridge – emblazoned on it.

'I would have taken a shot if I wasn't in heels,' she told Gloria Francis, 16, from Yellowknife as she gestured to her cream £175 LK Bennett stilettoes. But she did throw the bright orange ball onto the floor to start the game.


Kate looks shocked as her husband misses his hockey shot during the street game in Somba K'e Civic Plaza


The Duke was facing 6'3" goalie Calvin Lomen, as he failed to hit to hit the target with any of his three shots. He even begged 20-year-old Mr Lomen 'You realise you've got to let one in!' before trying to outfox the goalie by telling him “top left corner' before going for the right. But all three shots were either saved or went wide.


Prince William begged goalkeeper Calvin Lomen to let one of his shots go into the net but he either hit the puck wide or it was saved


After he and his wife were presented with red Canada ice hockey tops with “Cambridge' and the numbers 1 for the Duchess and 2 for the Duke.

The royal couple were spending the morning experiencing the sights, sounds and traditions of Canada's native peoples after arriving in Yellowknife on the sixth day of their tour of the Commonwealth realm.

Around half of the region's population has Aboriginal heritage, and members of the Inuktitut and Chipewyan tribes were among those who welcomed the royal couple to the regional capital.


Prince William took a shot with a hockey stick in a game of 'shinny' to the delight of onlookers (including Kate) and they were treated to some of the Arctic sports


A group of drummers performed a prayer song for the couple on caribou-skin drums, considered sacred objects by the native people, dancers from the Inuvialuit tribe danced for their royal guests.

Then local teenagers demonstrated their skills in Arctic sports including the Alaskan High Kick, which involves balancing on one hand and kicking a target, and the “airplane', a show of strength in which the contestants hold their bodies in a cross shape and are carried horizontally for as long as they can hold the position.

Although the Duke did not fancy his chances at the high kicking, he happily joined in a game of street hockey, or “shinny', taking penalty shots against the goalkeeper in a pause in the game taking place at the Somba K'e civic plaza, a recreation area overlooking Frame Lake.


They met the Yellowknife hockey team which claims to be the birthplace of the sport in Canada


The Duchess, wearing a cream linen three-quarter length sleeve dress by the Danish high street designer Malene Birger, told one of the players: 'I'm not used to the cameras, there are so many!'

The Duke, meanwhile, told his hosts the region 'is what Canada is all about' and thanked them in the local Dene dialect, saying 'Mahsi Cho' and in Inuvialuit, saying: 'Kay na nuck-puck.'

The vast Northwest Territories is bigger than France, Spain and Portugal combined, but has a population of just 43,759, smaller than that of Folkestone.

Around half of the entire population lives in the regional capital, Yellowknife, a diamond mining town that gets its name from the copper knives that were once carried by the native Chipewyan.


Kate declined the invitation to play 'shinny' because of her Bennett stilettos. The above the knee By Malene Birger dress may have had something to do with it too


Old and new: Kate chats with one of the Aboriginal people of Canada, left, while taking time out to chat with the crowds at Somba K'e Civic Plaza in Yellowknife


William and Kate follow a bagpiper as they arrive at the Somba K'e Civic Plaza in the Northwest Territories


The royal couple were also given the chance to participate in traditional Inuit and Dene games, which are used both for entertainment and to hone skills necessary for everyday survival in the harsh northern environment where it is winter 10 months of the year.

These included the Alaskan High Kick and the One Hand Reach in which athletes lift themselves off the floor on one arm and, while balancing, use their other hand to touch a target.

The highlight for the couple, however, was taking part in a street hockey game known locally as 'shinny', using a ball instead of the traditional ice hockey puck.


Their day in Yellowknife is a real mix of tradition and modernity with these residents dressed in traditional native clothing


While they were there the Duke and Duchess were presented with Aboriginal gifts to signify their 'mutual respect and affection' – a pair of platinum and diamond pave cufflinks featuring a polar bear for him and a similar brooch for her.

Later in the day the young royals were due to get a taste of the great outdoors – including some of its legendary great lakes - something aides said they had been 'extremely keen' to do.

They were due to take a float plane to picturesque Blachford Lake, set in an extraordinary landscape on the edge of the Tundra, where they will join young rangers for a campfire, before rowing themselves by canoe to a nearby island for a private BBQ.


Kate is beginning to get the hang of using a shovel as she plants a shrub, today, and while in Yellowknife the couple were presented with hockey Jerseys


Prince William playing road hockey in Yellowknife, NWT


Raw Video: Royal Couple in Northwest Territories



source: dailymail

The £4,600-a-night hotel where Prince Albert is 'trying to persuade Charlene to stay in marriage'

-Love child DNA test results to be delayed until honeymoon is over

By Peter Allen


Honeymoon hideaway: The entrance of the Oyster Box hotel in Durban, South Africa, where Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco will spend their honeymoon


Prince Albert of Monaco is set to use a £4,600-a-night hotel suite to try to 'persuade' his new bride that their marriage can work.

It follows at least three alleged attempts by Princess Charlene to escape from the principality over the past year, right up until their £55million wedding last weekend.

She is said to be dreading the results of DNA tests, which may show that Albert has fathered at least one other illegitimate child to add to the two he already has with two other women.

Dark clouds: Princess Charlene and Prince Albert arrive for a dinner at Opera terraces in Monaco after their religious wedding ceremony on July 2

The view from the infinity pool: With sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and direct beach access, the Oyster Box Hotel is one of South Africa's most distinguished hotels


But now the 53-year-old Prince is believed to be taking the 33-year-old former Olympic swimmer on a massively expensive honeymoon in her home country of South Africa.

Sources in Monaco say they will book into the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, which is on the Indian Ocean.

It is less than half-an-hour's drive from Durban, where Charlene used to train, and often enjoyed by newlyweds.

Its website reads: 'Constructed in 1869 and originally used as a navigational beacon, a beach cottage known as the "Oyster Box" was first converted into a hotel in the 1930s.'

Sumptuous: The sea views and ocean air will help Prince Albert and Princess Charlene work up an appetite - and hopefully help her forget about his lovechild dramas

Time for a dip: The hotel's premier suite includes a marble bath with a view of the Indian Ocean

Magical: A fairytale suite fit for a prince and his princess


Albert, who is a billionaire, is believed to have booked the Presidential Suite, which is set on two floors and includes an ornate-leafed bed, its own swimming pool and a freestanding marble bath overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The suite, which has its own terrace overlooking the sea and a private dining area which can seat ten, is priced at £4,600 a night.

On Thursday, the royal couple are also expected to attend an International Olympic Committee banquet in their honour at the hotel.

Hard at work: A member of staff at the Oyster Box hotel in Durban puts the finishing touches to preparations for the arrival of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene

Important guests: Staff at The Oyster Box in Durban prepare to fly the Monaco flag in the foyer in preparations for the arrival of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene


A senior Palace source in Monte Carlo said: 'It's a perfect place for a pair of newlyweds, and may well be all that Charlene needs to make her feel certain that marrying Albert was exactly the right thing to do.

'William took Catherine to a very expensive beach resort for their honeymoon following the British Royal Wedding, so why not Albert and Charlene?'

Tears of joy? Charlene Princess of Monaco wipes a tear as she leaves the St Devote Church after her wedding to Prince Albert II of Monaco

Solemn moment: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene kneel at the altar during their religious wedding ceremony at the Palace in Monaco

Results of the DNA tests are unlikely to be released during the couple's South Africa honeymoon, and this is because Charlene could refuse to return to Monaco if they point towards Albert having been unfaithful, the source admitted.

Sources said the Monaco palace had hoped the glitzy wedding - attended by a host of celebrities and European royalty - would 'overshadow' new claims about secret children fathered by Albert.

Instead, Charlene was in floods of tears at one point, while her husband looked on impassively.

If an 'arrangement' has been reached it may be that Charlene's principal aim will be to produce a legitimate heir for Albert in return for a multi-millionaire lifestyle.

Albert has a six-year-old son named Alexandre through Togolese former air hostess Nicole Coste, and a 19-year-old daughter, Jazmin, with Tamara Rotolo, an American estate agent.

Despite confirmation of the DNA tests, Charlene's father, photocopier salesman Mike Wittstock said: 'I am so disappointed that people believe this nonsense'.

Describing the joy he felt at his only daughter marrying a multi-millionaire Prince, he added: 'It feels as if we've just won the World Cup.'


source:dailymail