IT'S ALL GO, GO, GO!

Princess Charlene took time out on her busy whistlestop trip to SA to talk to YOU’s NICI DE WET about her work, her family, her marriage and Bok fever! 

- NICI DE WET

SHE kicks off her heels and walks barefoot over to the pool where a group of kids are splashing about. She’s in jeans and a Bok supporters top but there’s no mistaking who the tall, slender beauty is, even with her newly darker hair.

As the children chant “Princess Charlene” she gathers them around her for a group photo. It’s her first day back under the African sun – and Her Serene Highness is in her element as she mingles with members of her Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, who are hosting a Learn to Swim day for local schoolchildren at Sun City.

It’s a whirlwind visit for her – just three days – but one she was determined to make, she tells YOU in an exclusive sit-down interview later that day.

It was the first time her beloved Water Bike Challenge was being held in her homeland and she wasn’t going to miss it for anything.

Until now the charity event has always taken place in Monaco and the princess took part herself in the race in 2020 but she’s always wanted South Africa to “have a taste of it too”.

“I’ve been wanting to do it here for a while – it’s such a fun event and I’m so grateful for all the support we’ve had,” the royal tells us.

Among the local celebrities who lent their star power – and muscle – were former Olympic swimmer Ryk Neethling, Proteas cricketer AB de Villiers, boxer Kevin Lerena and models Lee-Ann Liebenberg and Roxy Louw.

Charlene’s younger brothers, Sean Wittstock, who lives in Benoni, and Gareth Wittstock, who’s based in Monaco, also competed in the race, with all proceeds going to Lifesaving SA.