The couple’s first meeting takes place at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition, in 2000. Fresh from the Sydney Olympic Games (where she placed fifth in the swimming), the then Charlene Wittstock met Prince Albert of Monaco while competing in the principality at the Mare Nostrum event.
She won gold in the competition, winning the 200m backstroke. The two no doubt bonded over their shared experience of the Olympics – Prince Albert had taken part at the winter iteration with Monaco’s bobsled team multiple times.
The couple announced their engagement in 2010 and their wedding in July 2011 made headlines around the world.
The three-day celebrations began with a concert on 30 June 2011 by classic rockers the Eagles and ended with a lavish reception on 2 July attended by the guests, who ranged from the Monaco royal family to Prince Edward, with his wife Sophie, and Naomi Campbell.
Princess Charlene gave birth to twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, on 10 December 2014 at The Princess Grace Hospital Centre in Monaco.