Pretoria - South Africa has extended well wishes to former Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock ahead of her marriage to Prince Albert II of Monaco.
"On behalf of government and the people of South Africa, the President [Jacob Zuma] wishes the couple well with their nuptials and their life together as man and wife, and extends good wishes to Ms Wittstock in particular, as she prepares to assume royal responsibilities," said the Presidency.
The much anticipated royal wedding is set to be an extravagant affair, taking place over two days. Today, the civil wedding between Prince Albert and Wittstock will take place in the throne room at the Prince's Palace. The couple is then expected to make an appearance on the palace balcony to greet the Monegasque people.
The following day, the religious ceremony will take place in the main courtyard of the Prince's Palace.
Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk will attend the Monaco royal wedding on behalf of President Zuma.
"President Jacob Zuma has asked [Van Schalkwyk] to represent him at the wedding," said the Presidency.
Zuma will not be able to attend due to the 17th African Union assembly session that is taking place in Equatorial Guinea and other matters of State.
