Albert II, Prince of Monaco

ABOUT

Albert II is the reigning Prince of Monaco, having ascended the throne on April 6, 2005, after the death of his father, Prince Rainier III. Born on March 14, 1958, in the Prince's Palace of Monaco, Albert is the son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. As a sovereign prince, he has focused on environmental conservation, sustainability, and ocean preservation, establishing the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in 2006 to promote these causes.

BEFORE FAME

Before assuming his role as Prince of Monaco, Albert's life was marked by a blend of rigorous academic and military endeavors. He attended the Lycee Albert Premier in Monaco before proceeding to Amherst College in Massachusetts, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1981. Albert also trained with the French Navy and participated in various sports, excelling particularly in bobsleigh, representing Monaco in five Winter Olympic Games.

TRIVIA

An interesting aspect of Prince Albert II's life lies in his commitments to adventure and environmentalism. He has trekked to the North Pole to bring attention to the impacts of climate change and was the first reigning monarch to visit both the North and South Poles. Furthermore, he is an advocate for marine biodiversity and has been actively involved in various international environmental initiatives, reflecting his deep commitment to the planet.

FAMILY LIFE

Albert II married Charlene Wittstock, a former South African Olympic swimmer, on July 1, 2011. The couple has two children, twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, born on December 10, 2014. Prince Jacques is the heir apparent, with the title Marquis of Baux. Albert also has two acknowledged children born out of wedlock, Jazmin Grace Grimaldi and Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste, though they are not in the line of succession.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Prince Albert II is connected with various global figures through his environmental work and royal duties. He has collaborated with prominent environmental activists and organizations and is also a frequent attendee at international royal gatherings. Through his American mother, he has familial links to Hollywood, and through his philanthropic work, he maintains close associations with various influential global leaders working towards sustainable development and climate action.