Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco strike back at marriage rumors

Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife, Princess Charlene of Monaco, wave as they leave an exhibition about their wedding on July 21, 2011, in Monaco.

/ Getty

(CBS) Now back from their honeymoon, Monaco's royal newlyweds are setting the record straight about the rumors that their wedding almost didn't happen.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene addressed representatives from three news outlets on Wednesday evening, to strike back at the speculation.

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"We want to express our outrage about these rumors. It's unbearable," Albert, 53, said, according to Nice-Matin, one of the three publications that met with the couple. The paper described the prince as "obviously ... wounded."

"What is regrettable is that the media seized on these rumors without verifying their information," he added, according to People magazine. "I find it unworthy of your colleagues. I have always respected the freedom of expression. But the dissemination of false information is lamentable and subject to criminal penalties."

Charlene sat beside her husband, holding his hand, according to the report.

Speculation about the nature of their marriage, along with rumors that the former Charlene Wittstock tried to flee before the wedding and that Albert had fathered a third illegitimate child, were rampant in the French press since right before their $50 million nuptials on July 1-2.

And even after they said "I do," the rumors continued as they went on their South African honeymoon.

"Sometimes these rumors made us smile, such as when the media explained that the princess and I had not slept in the same hotel in South Africa. It was for practical reasons of course," Albert said, according to Nice-Matin.

As for what started the rumors, the prince said they stemmed from "people in Monaco who seek to harm us." He took no questions and made no further comment.

When Charlene was asked if she had anything to had, she reportedly responded in English, "No. I think that says it all."

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Monaco's royal wedding: The religious ceremony

[longtree-2009]

no one held a gun to her head to marry him. she certainly is far more attractive than he is so perhaps the attraction for her was she would be a princess.

[ecibu33]

Who cares...Disclaimer: I read the whole article.

[watchthis01]

She looks like if she was in the back seat of a car, she would be holding up a sign to the window saying "HELP ME!!" She looks like she gritting in her teeth a "HELP ME" message. If this was happy marriage from a 50m dollar wedding, you'd think you'd see this grand broad smile and laughter of joy....... Poor person

[watchthis01]

oops! sorry bout that.... it showed up twice

[watchthis01]

She looks like if she was in the back seat of a car, she would be holding up a sign to the window saying "HELP ME!!" She even looks like she gritting in her teeth a "HELP ME" message. If this was happy marriage from a 50m dollar wedding, you'd think you'd see this grand broad smile and laughter of joy&&.. Poor person

[erasmus111]

"Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco strike back at marriage rumors"



No, HE is the one striking back at the rumors.

[Farver4girls]

Charlene Wittstock has been romantically linked with Prince Albert since she moved to Monaco in 2006. If she was unhappy with him, she had several years to break off their romance before their wedding.

[michie7]

From what I can understand, she thinks he has been unfaithful to her during their yrs together and has requested a DNA of a 3rd child that the woman is claiming to be Prince Albert's. For me to just compare the actions, smiles, body language, etc. to that of William and Kate, well there's a world of difference. Seems she doesn't even try to appear happy and loving!!????
.
...........
...

[michie7]

Forgot to add...if it's available somewhere, the video of the ceremony, all you need to do is to look at the "wedding kiss".
It was for a nano second and to the side of the lips!!?? No real love there that I can see.

[michie7]

The unhappiest bride I have ever seen. Bet it don't last long! Have not seen a real "in love smile" or loving look at her prince yet!!!???

[erasmus111]

I agree. I also find it "telling" that he is the one doing the talking, not her. She is the one that supposedly wanted to run away, wouldn't you think she would be the one saying it wasn't true?