GOSSIP FROM INSIDE FRANCE
Watching what I thought of as a terrific Opening Ceremony to the Olympics, reminded me of the time and I spent in France, and all the ‘inside stories’ that locals knew but were never published in the press. Here is one of my favorites.
Prince Albert of Monaco, needed an heir. Not just an heir, but a legitimate heir. His sister, Stephanie, was loved by the people because she was one of them. Often her boyfriends were regular men, like dock workers or wait staff. Then Caroline, also a sister, was intensely disliked because of her superior attitude and dislike to ordinary citizens of Monaco. But Albert was without an heir.
After several years of romancing Charlene of South Africa, a wedding date was set. Things were looking up.
Unfortunately, a black airline hostess gave birth to Albert’s son three days before the wedding. Impossible, impossible, impossible to have this child as his legitimate heir. Albert needs a legitimate son. This new arrival did not bother Albert, but Charlene was not happy.
In fact, Charlene was so distraught with the news that she quietly grabbed her passport and made for the airport, where she bought a one -way ticket to South Africa. She was having none of this. After she was settled in her seat awaiting take off with the engines rumbling, Caroline, the Prince’s unpopular sister, marched onto the plane with policemen behind her. She confronted Charlene and the police demanded her passport. Charlene was then escorted from the plane sandwiched between two police officers and Caroline bringing up the rear.
There was going to be a wedding, like it or not.
The wedding went on as planned, with Charlene crying as she came down the aisle. The tears continued as the newly wedded couple was photographed for the world press.
Prince Albert explained to the papparazzi, “Charlene always cries when she is happy.” He was beaming., holding his bride’s arm tightly.
And tears or not, with HIV, Charlene was able to produce a set of twins, one boy and one girl. At last, a legitimate heir. Of course, Prince Albert has been bothered with two irritating paternity suits, but those details are easily dealt with when Monaco has an heir. The marriage was successful and life goes on.
Apparently, Charlene needs to spend an excess amount of time in South Africa due to health reasons, but manages to be by her loving husband’s side at important events, like the Summer Olympics in Paris. They were seen walking the carpet, hand in hand and smiling to the crowds. Oh, sweet love.