Prince Albert finally off the market; engaged to swimmer Charlene Wittstock

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It’s not the royal engagement news we wanted -- do you hear us, Prince William and Kate Middleton? -- but congratulations are in order for Prince Albert of Monaco.

The long-single 52-year-old son of actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer III has popped the question to his girlfriend of more than five years -- former swimmer Charlene Wittstock.

‘Everyone here is extremely, extremely happy,’ palace officials in Monaco told People magazine.

Civilian Wittstock has had plenty of counsel and royal training from Albert’s sisters, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie.

‘She knows instinctively what is expected of her,’ a source from the magazine said of her new life as princess.

No date has been set for the nuptials, but Wittstock will also be assuming the role of stepmom -- Albert has an 18-year-old daughter and a son born in 2005.

-- Matt Donnelly

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