Royal TV appearance

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II appear on US TV show 'Today'

The couple is in New York for the annual Princess Grace Awards, which has been supporting emerging talent for 29 years. The prince spoke about his late mother, screen starlet Grace Kelly, and his ensuing strong connection with the US, which he now wished to share with his new wife.

Matt Lauer, host of the popular morning program Today, delved into the touchy subject of the wedding rumours, asking about reports that the princess-to-be was ready to ditch the groom. “Why would we go through all this effort to have this fantastic couple of days and have our most intimate, closest friends comes join us, for us to be reluctant. For me it sounded a bit hilarious,” Charlene laughed.

“Where does this come from,” queried Lauer, “because there are details involved that were unusual for rumours.”

Prince Albert responded, “I think it was part jealousy, part that people were envious and did not like the fact that we were finally coming together and marrying.” The princess added: “It was also a wonderful opportunity for people to write about it in a negative spin because people would buy the magazines or listen to all the negativity.”

"So there was no runaway bride?" Lauer asked.

"No, no ... not at all," Charlene said, while looking at her husband.

To watch the full interview, click here

Cassandra Tanti