What a nice image to kick off the day! #wearefamily

Princess Stéphanie with Princess Charlene and her brother, Prince Albert II at Fight Aids Monaco

[Monaco] Charity Auction for World AIDS Day with Princess Stephanie, Prince Albert II & Princess Charlene

On the occasion of the World AIDS Day on Dec.1, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene joined HSH Princess Stephanie of Monaco for a charity auction.

Around 50 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures and photography was auctioned. An exclusive picture of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene during the Royal Monaco wedding was also included in the collection.

Princess Charlene looked stunning in a knee-length black, which she paired with black stilettos and a matching clutch. This is the second time that the princess joined her sister-in-law for the annual World AIDS Day program.

Princess Stephanie is the President of the Fight AIDS Monaco and has fought passionately for the cause. Every year, the foundation holds a charity auction, the proceeds of which are used for the various programs and campaigns adopted by the Fight AIDS Monaco. Besides this, they are also used to assist poor countries like Madagascar and Haiti.

Take a look at Princess Charlene's glam looks at the annual charity auction below.

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[Monaco] First National Day for Charlene as a Princess

It was arguably the biggest event since her wedding in July of this year. But Princess Charlene of Monaco was the epitome of cool as she celebrated her nation's first National Day in an official capacity.

The blonde South African has accompanied Prince Albert to the celebrations in previous years, but this was her first appearance as a princess.

And, despite having to recently deny runaway bride reports on a US chat show, Albert and Charlene looked blissfully happy as they led the festivities.

The morning ceremonies saw the pair take to the balcony in Monaco Palace Square.

Elegant in beige, Charlene smiled and waved to the crowds in the square below as Albert stood proudly by her side.

The royals looked close as they exchanged intimate smiles and entwined hands in a show of unity.

It was a family affair as Albert's sisters - Princess Stephanie and Caroline – strolled alongside their new sister-in-law during the parade.

Caroline's daughters, Charlotte Casiraghi and Alexandra were also in attendance.

The patriotic party culminated in a concert at the Grimaldi forum where Charlene opted for muted glamour in a brown, floor length gown and sleek up-do.

Then the princess was presented a bouquet of flowers by children dressed as Pierrots.

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Princess Charlene of Monaco denies "runaway bride" rumours in TV Interview

She should be enjoying the first few giddy months as a newlywed. Unfortunately, Princess Charlene of Monaco is still being forced to address unkind rumours about her marriage.

In New York with new husband Prince Albert, the feisty former Olympic swimmer from South Africa, told the US media that she'd ignored the 'runaway bride' reports.

Charlene – who has been in North America promoting an exhibition about the most famous princess of Monaco, the late Grace Kelly – branded the gossip "hilarious".

Sitting side by side with Grace's son, the prince who made her his wife in July before a global audience, the new royal answered questions with the confidence she learned during her top-flight athletic career.

Speaking to US show Today Charlene, 33, said: "(I) obviously focused on what the day meant for the two of us," she said.

"Why would he go through the effort to have our most intimate dearest friends join us for us to be reluctant. It sounded a bit hilarious."

Asked why they appeared so serious during their lavish open-air ceremony, her supportive 53-year-old husband jumped in.

"I thought I paid attention to you and smiled at you many times, but maybe that's not enough for some people."

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[Monaco] The balcony kiss after the civil wedding

It had been 55 years since a new sovereign princess had greeted the people of Monaco from the palace balcony.

And the atmosphere in the Cour d'Honneur, the main courtyard, was nothing short of electric, with the citizens eagerly awaiting the first public appearance of their prince and his bride - a couple whose road to matrimony had taken over a decade.

"We need to dream and this is the perfect occasion to do so," explained one excited young woman.

And the presentation of the sylph-like South African, who swam to glory in the Olympics, as the newest member of the ancient Grimaldi dynasty was indeed the stuff of dreams.

As the clock edged nearer to the allotted moment, the first notes of 'Princess Charlene's Anthem' rang out across the courtyard.

The specially composed fanfare was played by the 24 musicians of the Palace Guard's brass band. Four silver trumpets had been crafted for the occasion. Longer than normal, they proudly flew regal banners commemorating the marriage.

Then, as one, all eyes turned expectantly upwards.

At 6pm, the window of the Salon des Graces – the Hall of Mirrors - flung open and Albert and Charlene of Monaco stepped out to greet the enthusiastic crowds.

Moments after becoming husband and wife in a beautiful civil ceremony, the glowing newlyweds stood hand in hand, waving to the thousands of well-wishers gathered below.

As the princess joined her beloved on the balcony, the newlyminted couple's official monogram was proudly displayed on screens around the courtyard, which had earlier broadcast their nuptials live from the opulent throne room.

To the delight of the throng - who had greeted the moment they said "Oui" with cries of joy - the pair then shared a loving kiss, before Charlene tenderly rested her head on her groom's shoulder.

Cheers rang out again. Below them the square was an unending sea of red and white - the colours of Monaco - and the green, yellow, blue, black, white and red of the South African flag.

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[Monaco] The civil royal wedding that turned Charlene into a princess

A simple sentence quietly but firmly uttered, ushered in a new era in Monaco and changed the life of a young South African woman forever. Just after 5.30pm the reigning Grimaldi family's registrar said: "I now pronounce you man and wife".

With that time-honoured phrase, spoken in French to Prince Albert and his bride in the red silk damask-draped Throne Room of the royal palace in Monte Carlo, 33-year-old Charlene Wittstock became the newest member of a clan that has ruled the glittering principality since 1297.

The statuesque blonde, a former Olympic swimmer, wed her beloved prince - the man she met, aged 22, and whom she recognised immediately as 'The One' - on Friday during a touching civil ceremony.

It all took place in the very same room in which the groom's parents Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III wed on April 18, 1956.

No one could fail to notice the parallels with their union. Then too, an exquisitely attired bride, capped off her smart suit with a halo of flaxen hair.

The start of a new chapter

And Albert's actress mother was also closing one chapter of her life, leaving behind Hollywood and America for a new start far away in a European court.

Essential aspects of the script were different, though. Grace's story was hailed as a fairytale.

Saying 'oui, je veux', while their friends and family looked on, Charlene might have been tempted to reflect on the unkind rumours and sniping directed at her, if that was her way. Those who know her say it isn't.

The road which led her to the sumptuosly-decorated Throne Room - where for centuries the principality's rulers have taken their sacred oaths - has been a long one.

And the resilient African, who is described by the prince's journalist friend Stephan Bern as having "nerves of steel" hasn't faltered under the weight of expectation upon her any more than she did during her gold-medal-winning sporting career.

Another friend, Albert's Olympian colleague Mark Thomas notes: "She has handled the pressures of the relationship with dignity." No mean feat for someone following such a beguiling precedessor.

This ceremony - during which she became Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene of Monaco - is seen as a new start for the people of the principality, who are hoping the marriage heralds stability after centuries of ill-fated royal unions.

Then, there is Albert's past as one of most sought-after prizes on the royal marriage market – and the scrunity she faces as the women who finally got him to settle down.

All that was far from her, mind, however on Friday. Charlene looked radiantly happy, the smile never left her face. Though she did look a little shy when saying her vows in French – a language she has been making an effort to learn in the time since she arrived in Monaco.

Charlene's joy

While she was no doubt saving her most spectacular outfit for Saturday's religious ceremony, the glam blonde still looked gorgeous in a sky blue suit. Her hair was pulled back into an elegant chignon.

Albert looked deeply moved during the ceremony - the first princely wedding to take place in Monaco in the last 55 years - while his bride was beaming.

He even winked at her several times, and at one point leant over and took her hand and placed a tender kiss on it.

During the ceremony, the doors of the room were left open, symbolising the union of the couple in the presence of the public.

Just 80 guests were present – among them Charlene's parents Michael and Lynette. Also sharing in the joyous occasion were Albert's sisters Caroline and Stephanie, whose eyes misted over.

And fashion designer Isabell Kristensen and Donatella Knecht de Massy, Albert’s cousin – both of whom planned Charlene's New York hen party.

Thousands more were watching the historic moment unfold on giant screens in the Palace Square.

Conducting the civil service - in English, French and the local Monegasque dialect - was Mr Philippe Narmito, President of the State Council.

"This is the marriage that counts"

"In the eyes of the people, it is this marriage that counts," said the president ahead of the ceremony. Upon their arrival, he spoke - first in English, then in French - of the joining of Monaco and South Africa by the union.

"Charlene, you are marrying not only a prince, but a counry as well," he told the pretty South African.

He asked for the free consent of the couple, asking them if they wished to take each other as husband and wife.

And when Charlene uttered the phrase, je veux, there were jubilant cheers from those watching outside, and the flags of both nations fluttered from every corner of the square.

Then they were declared man and wife.

And then there was time for another kiss before the newlyweds signed the marriage register with a pen especially created for the occasion by Montblanc. Adorned with precious stones, the unique piece also featured their official monogram.

With their union sealed, Albert took his new wife's hand and led her out of the Throne Room and off to begin her new life.

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[Monaco] No place for rumours when there is genuine love

I dunno how to explain, but it is really in photos like these, in a style like this that I see Charlene's personality and style. And I like it, it is more genuine. As Hello shares with us, the couple that is about to get married, spend the evening "exchanging loving glances, arms around one another, Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock look like a couple who can't wait to get married. The bride and groom kicked off the festivities by attending an Eagles concert in the Luis II stadium.

Greeting the 15,000-strong crowd, the Monegasque sovereign and his princess-to-be dispelled unkind rumours that she was having second thoughts about the wedding.

Charlene looked strong and sexy in figure-hugging black trousers and a strapless top. The sultry outfit was finished off with a necklace and bracelet that appeared to be from her South African homeland. And her hair had been teased up in one of her favourite bouffant styles. Meanwhile, Albert looked proud to be showing her off ahead of the day that they have longed to celebrate".

[Monaco] Palace denies Charlene Wittstock tried to flee as preparations for royal wedding continue

"Completely, completely crazy": This is how the Monaco royal palace has described rumours that Charlene Wittstock tried to flee back to South Africa last week.

French magazine L'Express is claiming that Prince Albert's fiancée was stopped by police at Nice airport as she tried to board a flight home.

She was upset, said the publication, "after learning that Albert had not been leading the exemplary life she thought".

An official statement from the couple – pictured above at an equestrian event at the weekend with Charlotte Casiraghi – said: "The Prince’s Palace firmly denies the allegations."

"These rumours, spread a few days before the wedding ceremonies... have only one purpose – to seriously damage the sovereign’s image and by consequence that of Miss Wittstock and to cause serious prejudice to a happy event." The highly-anticipated nuptials are still firmly on, and last minute preparations are in full swing.

Already, 200,000 tourists have descended on the principality for the wedding celebrations, which are estimated to be costing £45million.

The streets have already been turned into a sea of red and white – with Monaco flags and bunting adorned with the words 'Mariage Princier Monaco Juillet 2011'.

Shops in the centre of town have filled their displays with official wedding souvenirs, and many have plans to stay open well outside their usual opening hours to make the most of the extra number of visitors.

Over 12,000 flowers have been shipped in to decorate monuments, and the various venues where the royal couple will be celebrating over the weekend.

The palace has also taken delivery of the midnight blue sedan Lexus the couple will use to travel from their ceremony at the royal palace to the Sainte-Devote Church.,And more guests have confirmed they'll be present when the couple say "oui, je veux".

Crown Prince Frederik and his wife Princess Mary of Denmark will be there, as will Prince Haakon and Mette-Marit of Norway.

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