Subscribe to MPlus for unlimited access to Extraordinary Stories To lock down the future of the Grimaldi dynasty, Prince Albert II needed to marry and produce a legitimate heir. So when he met South African olympian Charlene Wittstock, the palace breathed a sigh of relief. Beautiful and elegant, Charlene would make the perfect princess. But when Albert’s past life as “The Playboy Prince” caught up with him, the star-studded princely wedding in Monaco almost had everything except a bride. The tabloids were reporting Albert had a new love child, and that Charlene had tried to escape the tiny country three times. The world wondered if Charlene really wanted to marry into the Grimaldi family, and if she did, why was she crying on her wedding day? Host: Emma Gillespie Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie Audio Production: Madeline Joannou Executive Producer: Sydney Pead With thanks to: Professor Chandrika Kaul- Historian, University of St Andrews Maddalena Maestrostefano - Royal Correspondent, Royal Central Chelsea McLaughlin - Entertainment Reporter, Mamamia SOURCES: Entertainment Tonight The Times Graham Bassinger, 2017 SABC, Top Billing Subscribe to Mamamia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.