Monaco's Prince Albert is to marry his long-term girlfriend - according to reports.
According to Royalist.com, wedding rumors were sparked after Albert's lover, swimmer Charlene Wittstock, was spotted shopping for an engagement ring.
The speculations were further fueled after the 48-year-old royal brought the South African beauty - 20 years his junior - to prestigious Monaco Automobile Club's gala recently.
The annual event is popular with Monaco's rich and famous and was also attended by the country's Principality's Minister of State, Jean-Paul Proust.
Albert officially introduced his stunning companion to the official guest and, soon after the Olympic athlete was spotted shaking hands with the Archbishop of Monaco, Bernard Barsi.
Monaco's Royal Palace has declined to comment on the speculations.
Albert first met stunning Charlene in 2001 and reportedly wooed the beauty with exquisite dinners, chauffeured Rolls Royce rides and champagne in his royal apartments.
If the engagement allegations turn out to be true, this would not be the first time Albert has come close to walking down the aisle.
In 2002, it was reported that the royal had proposed to his then girlfriend, American athlete Alicia Warlick.
Albert - who has dated a host of high-profile beauties including actress Gwyneth Paltrow and supermodel Claudia Schiffer - was recently exposed for fathering his second illegitimate child.
According to Britain's The Times newspaper, Albert had a brief affair with a married California waitress Tamara Rotolo in 1991, while she was visiting the Riveria principality.
The royal confirmed in May he was father of her 14-year-old daughter, Jazmin.
Albert's lawyer said at the time, "He officially recognizes a paternity that was legally established a few weeks ago."
The prince's other illegitimate child is three-year-old Alexandre - who was conceived with a Togolese flight attendant.














