Charlene, Princess of Monaco Biography: Husband, Age, Children, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Olympics

Charlene Lynette Wittstock, known as Princess Charlene of Monaco, is a former South African Olympic swimmer turned Princess Consort through her marriage to Prince Albert II.

Renowned for her athletic achievements, including competing in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she has transitioned into a prominent philanthropist, focusing on water safety, sports, and children’s welfare through her Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

Profile

• Full Name: Charlene Lynette Wittstock
• Stage Name: Princess Charlene of Monaco
• Born: January 25, 1978
• Age: 47 years old
• Birthplace: Bulawayo, Rhodesia
• Nationality: South African, Monégasque
• Occupation: Princess Consort of Monaco, Former Olympic Swimmer, Philanthropist
• Height: 5’9½” (177 cm)
• Parents: Michael Kenneth Wittstock, Lynette Humberstone Wittstock
• Siblings: Gareth Wittstock, Sean Wittstock
• Spouse: Prince Albert II of Monaco (M. 2011)
• Children: Princess Gabriella, Countess of Carladès; Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $150 million USD

Early Life and Education

Charlene Lynette Wittstock, a distinguished Princess Consort and former Olympic swimmer, was born on January 25, 1978, in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), to Michael Kenneth Wittstock, a sales manager, and Lynette Humberstone Wittstock, a former competitive diver and swimming coach. The eldest of three children, she grew up with two younger brothers, Gareth (born 1980) and Sean (born 1983).

Her family, of German descent with Irish and English ancestry, relocated to South Africa in 1989 when she was 11, settling in Benoni near Johannesburg. Charlene attended Tom Newby Primary School from 1988 to 1991, where her mother’s coaching sparked her passion for swimming.

Her early life in a modest, supportive household and her German heritage shaped her grounded yet determined character.

Career

Charlene Lynette Wittstock, a celebrated Princess Consort and former Olympic swimmer, began her swimming career at 18, winning the South African Championship in 1996. She represented South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where her team finished fifth in the women’s 4×100-meter medley relay.

That year, she won gold in the 200m backstroke at the Mare Nostrum meet in Monaco, where she met Prince Albert II. She earned three gold medals and a silver at the 1999 All-Africa Games and a silver in the 4x100m medley relay at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. A shoulder injury forced her retirement in 2007.

After marrying Prince Albert II in 2011, Charlene embraced her role as Princess Consort, focusing on philanthropy. She founded the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation in 2012 to promote water safety and youth sports, supporting over 510 projects in 43 countries.

She serves as a global ambassador for the Special Olympics, honorary president of Monaco Against Autism, and patron of AS Rugby Monaco, among others.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @hshprincesscharlene
• Facebook Handle: Princess Charlene of Monaco

Personal Life

Charlene Lynette Wittstock, a renowned Princess Consort and former Olympic swimmer, married Prince Albert II of Monaco on July 1, 2011, in a civil ceremony, followed by a religious ceremony on July 2. They have twins, Princess Gabriella, Countess of Carladès, and Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco, born on December 10, 2014.

Raised Protestant, she converted to Catholicism before her marriage, learning French and Monégasque customs. In 2021, she faced health challenges due to an ENT infection, requiring multiple surgeries in South Africa, which sparked rumors of marital strain, later denied by the palace.

Charlene enjoys surfing, hiking, and contemporary art, and maintains close ties with South African friends, including Charlize Theron and Ryk Neethling, whom she appointed CEO of her foundation. She lives in Monaco with her family, sharing candid family moments on social media.

Net Worth

Charlene Lynette Wittstock, a distinguished Princess Consort and former Olympic swimmer, has an estimated net worth of $150 million USD, primarily derived from her association with the Monaco royal family, personal earnings from her swimming career, and investments. Her wealth reflects her status and involvement in high-profile philanthropy.