WATCH: Princess Charlene visits Kempton Park
The Monacoian royal made an announcement about one of her charities.
Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene temporarily traded her palace in Monaco for one in Kempton Park, Emperors Palace.
The conference room of this venue was buzzing with journalists and excited guests on Wednesday morning, as they awaited the arrival of the Benoni-bred beauty and former Olympic swimmer. For many, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have tea with a real-life princess.
Princess Charlene is in South Africa to attend the annual Nelson Mandela Lecture, which will be delivered by former US president Barack Obama, at the Wanderers Stadium on July 17.
But not before she graced local charities’ representatives with her royal presence. As she entered the room gracefully, dressed in a grey cashmere throw and ankle boots, guests stood up in her honour. Despite her royal status and fame, she appeared down-to-earth, waving and greeting the guests.
“Your Serene Highness, you have made South Africans proud,” Lavinia Crawford-Browne, marketing and liaison officer for the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, welcomed the princess.
“Firstly, as a champion in the pool, and now as a champion for our country in Europe and beyond. We appreciate that you have not forgotten your roots.”
Princess Charlene, who was born in Zimbabwe and moved to South Africa when she was 11, then took to the stage. A small red-and-white Monacoian flag stood proudly on the podium, but Proteas to the side gave homage to her local roots.
“It’s always great to come back home,” the Princess said with a smile. Swimming always gave me lots of opportunities to travel the world, so it is my duty to give back to my country and those less fortunate than myself.”
The princess does this through her Princess Charlene Foundation, a charity for children with an interest in sports. Ambassadors for the charity include tennis player Novak Djokovic, local legend Francois Pienaar, and many more.
With enthusiasm, Princess Charlene announced that she would launch her Water Bike Challenge in Cape Town next year. This event launched across Europe, where a mix of celebrities and athletes compete on advanced water bikes over a 20km relay course. All proceeds of the event go toward the Princess Charlene Foundation.
Bob Yearham, the VIP operations executive for Peermont, had the final word of the day: “Having gotten to know you, Princess Charlene, I understand that your charity efforts are not only your duty but come from the heart.”
With that, the princess waited patiently as people posed for pictures with her. She also made an effort to speak to everyone who wanted to speak to her. She may be part of the Grimaldi dynasty now, but our local golden girl will always have her South African hospitality.
