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Monaco - Prince Albert II of Monaco and his bride Princess Charlene are set to marry in a religious ceremony on Saturday, despite officials privately admitting to rumours of the prince facing a paternity test.
The second day of their royal nuptials is to be marked with a spectacular open-air religious ceremony in front of 800 honoured guests and 3 500 of their subjects in the courtyard of the Grimaldi clan's palace.
Organisers hope the glamour of the spectacle will overshadow what senior Monaco officials now privately admit is the "truth" of the rumour that Albert II faces a paternity test following a claim by at least one former lover.
Modern marriage
Reports that the South African princess was furious and threatened to leave when she learned her prince's latest secret marred the build-up to the wedding, but the event itself has gone smoothly and the Monegasques are philosophical.
"We can't remake the prince. It's a modern marriage. Charlene has known him for a long time and accepts it," shrugged a 30-something well-wisher, insisting on remaining anonymous like most of Monaco's 7 810-strong native population.
Albert, who at 53 is two decades older than his blonde bride, has two children from previous relationships, but even if a third or a fourth is confirmed he will still not have an official heir until his lawful wife bears him one.
"We just want the Grimaldi dynasty to continue," said a 72-year-old Monegasque.
The second day of their royal nuptials is to be marked with a spectacular open-air religious ceremony in front of 800 honoured guests and 3 500 of their subjects in the courtyard of the Grimaldi clan's palace.
Organisers hope the glamour of the spectacle will overshadow what senior Monaco officials now privately admit is the "truth" of the rumour that Albert II faces a paternity test following a claim by at least one former lover.
Modern marriage
Reports that the South African princess was furious and threatened to leave when she learned her prince's latest secret marred the build-up to the wedding, but the event itself has gone smoothly and the Monegasques are philosophical.
"We can't remake the prince. It's a modern marriage. Charlene has known him for a long time and accepts it," shrugged a 30-something well-wisher, insisting on remaining anonymous like most of Monaco's 7 810-strong native population.
Albert, who at 53 is two decades older than his blonde bride, has two children from previous relationships, but even if a third or a fourth is confirmed he will still not have an official heir until his lawful wife bears him one.
"We just want the Grimaldi dynasty to continue," said a 72-year-old Monegasque.
