London: Prince Albert of Monaco has accepted an apology and damages from Britain`s Sunday Times newspaper over an article suggesting his wife Princess Charlene was reluctant to marry him, lawyers said today.
The prince had launched libel action over a July 2011 article that suggested Charlene agreed to a sham marriage in exchange for payment, and that Albert had confiscated her passport to prevent her from fleeing Monaco so she would stay and marry him for appearance`s sake.
The article headlined "The Full Filthy Monte" also alleged that Albert had turned a blind eye to corrupt activity and granted residence permits to foreigners for fear of having alleged secrets about his love life exposed.
The prince`s lawyer, Mark Thomson, argued that the article`s publication, two days after the couple`s wedding, had upset and embarrassed them.
Thomson said the newspaper had confirmed it would pay damages and legal fees to the couple.
The paper`s lawyer, Rupert Earle, today apologized for the damage and distress caused in court.
"We accepted that these allegations were untrue and seriously defamatory," the newspaper`s publisher, News International, said in a statement.
PTI
