Aussie friend tells: Charlene's tears were tears of joy

The world may think Charlene was Prince Albert’s ‘runaway’ bride but one of her closest friends, Aussie swim star Sophie Edington, insists her tears were those of joy.

There were few signs of last-minute nerves when Adelaide swimmer Sophie Edington arrived in Monaco to spend a few days “relaxing and hanging out” with Charlene Wittstock before the wedding. “We had such a good time,” Sophie says. “Charlene was very informal, just wearing shorts, T-shirts and thongs most of the time. In Monaco, she has been able to get around without too much fanfare. Most people don’t stop and stare or anything.”

Commonwealth Games backstroke gold medallist Sophie, 26, met fellow swimmer Charlene at a swim meet four years ago and has been a close friend ever since. “I was alone at a swimming contest in South Africa and Charlene took me under her wing and showed me around,” she says. “That’s when we really became good friends. Charlene is a really down-to-earth, lovely person.”

Sophie and her partner, Melbourne Rebels rugby union player Adam Byrnes, 29, report the wedding was a “happy, wonderful event” and that they were unaware of any problems. “We were dancing with them until dawn, and they’re very happy,” Sophie says. “They’re really looking forward to having children and sharing their life together.” She also spent time with Charlene at the palace in the lead-up to the wedding, and the two enjoyed massages and facials at a local spa.

“It was fantastic,” says Sophie, who gave the bride and groom a crocodile clutch bag, a pen, cufflinks and an autographed Melbourne Rebels jersey. “We went to dinner with a whole group – her mum and dad and some friends. They’re flying to South Africa this week to have a private service with Charlene’s family and friends back home. “Then Albert’s taking her on a month-long honeymoon. She doesn’t know where, though. It’s a surprise, but of course it will be somewhere fabulous!” Sophie reveals the wedding was a “fairytale come true” for her friend, while Adam says it was extraordinary from the moment they arrived for the three-day celebration.