Paris - A day after surprising his principality with an engagement announcement, Prince Albert II of Monaco says he'll be marrying in about a year - the summer of 2011.
He has also expressed hope that the population of his tiny Riviera homeland will "welcome with kindness" his future bride, Charlene Wittstock, a South African ex-swimming champion 20 years his junior.
Albert, 52, told Nice-Matin on Thursday that "I know the Monagesque population was waiting for this moment."
Albert has stubbornly remained a bachelor prince. Now, his beloved must step into the shoes of Princess Grace, killed in a 1982 car crash. He told Nice-Matin what everyone wonders: when will the nuptials take place? With a smile, he said "next summer" - but gave no date.