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