Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco have announced they are expecting their first child.

The couple, who married in 2011, issued a statement expressing their "immense joy" at the news.  The child is expected before the end of the year.

The child will be heir to the throne of the Principality of Monaco, which is located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. Monaco is famous as an international banking center and tax haven.

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Princess Charlene, or Charlene Wittstock before her marriage, is a champion South African swimmer. She is 36. Her royal title is Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco.

Her husband, Albert II, is the reigning monarch of Monaco and head of the Princely House of Grimaldi. He is the son of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and the American actress Grace Kelly.

Albert has acknowledged two children from previous relationships. Both these children were born out of wedlock and are excluded from succeeding him to the throne of Monaco.

TagsPrince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Monaco, Prince Rainier III, Grace Kelly