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Charlene parks protocol for the Games' most powerful moment
Monaco's Princess Charlene lets her emotions run wild as she watches Olympic swimmer Chad le Clos secure gold for her native South Africa.When the 20 year-old powered to victory in the 200m butterfly final race, the royal leapt out of her seat, screaming and crying.
With her husband Prince Albert looking on as her countryman was crowned king of the podium, Charlene also kissed the medal.
Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer herself, knows only too well the determination it took for Chad to triumph over his "hero" Michael Phelps. The American is widely regarded as the best Olympic swimmer alive today, with a plethora of medals to his name.
But on this occasion, he had to make do with silver whilst his young competitor and his royal fan rode the wave of success in the Aquatics Centre.
Princess Charlene couldn't hide her euphoria as South African Chad le Clos beat Michael Phelps to the gold medal in the men's 200m butterfly final
Charlene, who is attending her first Games as a princess, is a former Olympic swimmer and likes to attend all swimming competitions
An emotional Chad le Clos said Michael Phelps was his "hero", and added that he could not believe he had beaten the American in an Olympic final
Protocol was the last thing on the royal's mind as she got lost in the moment
The blonde royal has acted as a mentor for the swimming team, providing for their lodging and training in the run up to the London Olympics 2012
The South African let the tears fall as she cried after the win
As did the man of the moment. Chad welled up on the podium while his country's National Anthem rang out
Chad's father Bert paid an emotional tribute to his "beautiful boy" on live TV.
"Unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable. I’ve never been so happy in my life"
"Unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable. I’ve never been so happy in my life"
Planting a kiss on the medal
