Princess Charlene 'tried to flee three times'

(EPA)

As Princess Charlene of Monaco prepares to depart for her honeymoon in her South African homeland today, fresh claims that the newlywed royal had tried to flee three times in the run-up to her marriage with Prince Albert II have cast further shadows over their glittering weekend nuptials.

Citing sources close to the royal couple, French newspaper Le Journal de Dimanche has reported that the 33-year-old Olympic swimmer attempted to seek refuge in the South African embassy during a trip to try on her Giorgio Armani wedding dress in May, but was thwarted by palace officials who confiscated her passport, before persuading her to return to Monaco to take her vows. The report also alleged that Charlene Wittstock attempted to escape during the Monaco Grand Prix the same month, and again during the week leading up to her wedding.

The Serene Princess (her official title) is thought to be distressed by reports that Prince Albert may have fathered two more illegitimate children in addition to the two he already has.

The claims are the latest in a series of scandals to have blighted the couple's £55 million nuptials, which drew crowds of thousands at the weekend.

Betting agents William Hill yesterday offered odds of 5/1 that Princess Charlene would not return from her South African honeymoon.