I'll carry out royal role my way, says Monaco's troubled princess

Freestyle: former Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene
Laura Roberts12 April 2012

Princess Charlene of Monaco has spoken publicly for the first time since her wedding to Prince Albert, saying that she will approach her new royal role "my way".

The South African-born princess, who married Prince Albert of Monaco in July, said she was "independent" and refused to accept excessive security, adding: "I don't like that. I'm quite independent. I will do it my way."

The former Olympic swimmer, 33, has rarely been seen in public since the wedding. However, she said in an interview today that she expects to take on a more official role soon.

"I think that would be expected of me in the near future. But I have just taken a bit of a break. I need time to adjust. I just got married."

Princess Charlene admitted she was struggling to learn French, saying that she was going "step by step". However, she insisted she did not want to be "too cut off". She added: "I think for anyone living in a new country and adapting to a new lifestyle, it's a different role. I was an Olympic swimmer, I lived in a swimsuit, I lived on tour."

Her comments to the Daily Telegraph follow speculation after reports that the princess had attempted to leave Monaco two days before her wedding because of allegations her husband-to-be had had a third love child. There were also reports that the newlywed couple slept in separate hotels one night on their honeymoon in South Africa.

Her husband has since denied rumours of a rift. The 53-year-old ruler told Monaco reporters: "My family have long been the subject of rumours born out of jealousy. The media pick up these rumours without verifying the information. I find that unworthy," he said.

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