There were the intimate photographs of them at the Winter Olympics in Turin. And recently Prince Albert introduced his girlfriend Charlene Wittstock to the Monaco establishment, when he escorted her to a glitzy reception where she met the principality's minister of state Jean-Paul Proust.
Following the South African swimmer's appearance at such a high profile event, speculation is mounting that the 48-year-old Monegasque sovereign will announce his long-awaited engagement.
Charlene - who got to know the prince in 2001 when they went on a date in Monte Carlo - was recently reported to have had an audience with the Archbishop of Monaco, Bernard Barsi. The elegant blonde was also apparently seen picking out a ring at a famous jeweller's with one of Albert's aides by her side.
So far the palace has refused to comment on the rumours. Albert has always said he would not be pressured into marrying to satisfy those eager to see the Grimaldi succession issue resolved.
Charlene and her prince have a love of sport in common. She is a former breastroke champion, while the eligible royal was once a member of Monaco’s Olympic bobsleigh team. The pair have been on romantic holidays together, including a trip on a luxury vessel in the Maldives.
Tellingly, Albert's 28-year-old girlfriend seems to have the approval of one person whose opinion matters a great deal. Observers watching the royal box at the Monaco Grand Prix this year noted Charlene looking totally at ease with Princess Caroline by her side, bringing the possibility of a formal announcement that much closer.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
