For Paris Match, Michael tells about his daughter, Charlene Wittstock, the adventurous little girl becoming a princess. Michael Wittstock receives Paris Match in his companys gray office. The 60-year old wears a black sweater with a Xerox logo. The future father-in-law of Prince Albert II of Monaco is businessman for the copier company. He still lives in Benoni, there where his daughter grew up, Charlene, in the heart of a in Johannesburg residential suburb bordered by the high heaps of old gold mines. It is with humor and tenderness that he paints a portrait of his daughter, soon-to-be Princess. Paris Match. What is your first image of Charlene? Michael Wittstock. The first time I saw her she was in an incubator and the nurses told me: Your little girl is very tough. That was in 1978 when the country was still called Southern Rhodesia. She was born two months premature and survived. And thats how she has always been throughout her life: a very strong girl and strong willed. What was the childhood of Charlene like, a small African girl with white skin? She was pretty rough. At the time, the country was at war [from independence of Zimbabwe]. So I was not always present. I went to the front for six weeks. But Charlene never really knew what was happening. On weekends, we went to the Gwai riverside. There were wild animals, elephants, giraffes. Charlene went horse riding. I think she had a very happy childhood. She was a real tomboy! She was running everywhere and always returned covered with dust or dirt. She learned to swim very young? Yes. At 3 years, she learned to swim. One day our dog pushed her in the pool and she managed to get to the edge. Thats how she started. My wife, Lynette, was also very good swimmer. She dove at a professional level and encouraged her to become a champion. Later, when she was training as a professional, did she have a very disciplined life, almost spartan? Perhaps, at 15, up at 4:30 am every morning and doing dozens of laps, it is necessary to be very focused and motivated. Charlene always knew what she wanted and she is given the means. She was supported and she reached the highest level. I think its thanks to that she holds up, right now, with all the pressure before the wedding. What was the hardest during these years of sacrifice? When she injured her shoulder as she prepared for the Beijing Olympics. She then decided to end her career. Immediately after, she chose to move to Monaco. (Note: Prince Albert actually invited her to move to Monaco- Creator/Editor of this page) “THIS IS NOT AN EASY TIME FOR THE FAMILY She then had the strength to leave everything, to start anew after her life as a champion ... But she did not know if her tale would work with Albert. Do you think she would be able to make the choice to walk in the footsteps of her ancestors, too adventurous? Yes, you may be right. Sure, my ancestors who came from Germany, were very brave people. In 1861, three brothers set out from Hamburg and landed in the Eastern Cape province to rebuild their lives in Africa. When I was 5, with my parents, we moved to Zimbabwe to start, we too, a new adventure. Then, when Charlene was 10, my wife and I decided to return to South Africa in Benoni, to be closer to family. We have never been afraid to go for it all and pursue our dreams! Charlenes life was turned upside down. Has she changed a lot in Monaco? I saw her transform into a princess there. Before she was jogging all the time. But she acquired a taste for fashion. Now shes a wonderful woman. Does Charlene confide to you her doubts, her fears? No, not really. She has always been quite secretive. One day I discovered that when she lived in Durban, she was helping AIDS orphans. But she had spoken to her grandmother. I learned many years later. It is like that, humble and discreet. What bond have you made with Prince Albert? Hes a charming guy, easy going. We go to the pub and drink a few glasses. We talk sports, especially rugby. He does not have a big head. I appreciate him very much. How are you prepare for the wedding? This is not an easy time for the family. My wife lives in Monaco for seven months, with Gareth, one of our son, to help Charlene. I am also here to prepare for the festivities. The family is separated. There are a lot of pressure. And were not sure yet whether we will all be moving on the Rock or stay here in Benoni. Everything is a blur. One day after another! (Note: Charlene purchased a house for her parents in LaTurbie before she married Prince Albert- Creator/Editor of this Page)
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 11:55:39 +0000
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