Prince Albert Changes His Wedding Date

NEW YORK (CBS) Prince Albert II of Monaco will be tying the knot a few days earlier than originally announced.

The prince and his bride-to-be, South African former Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock, were set to marry in a civil ceremony on July 8 and a religious ceremony on July 9 of next year, but the nuptials have been pushed up to July 2 and 3.

Pictures: Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock
Pictures: Power Weddings

The date change, according to a statement from the palace, allows the couple to attend International Olympic Committee meeting in Durban, South Africa, from July 5 until 9.

Pictures: Prince Albert II
Pictures: Albert's Enthronement
Pictures: A Princely Birthday
Pictures: Albert's Mother, Grace Kelly

The statement said that "the couple wished for the presence of the Olympic family by their sides."

"The Prince equally wishes that the Princess's first foreign visit be reserved for her native country, South Africa," it continued, according to People magazine.

The couple announced their engagement in June.