Prince Albert attends Princess Antoinette's funeral

Monaco's Prince Albert II and his fiancee Charlene Wittstock attended the funeral of the kingdom's Princess Antoinette yesterday (24.03.11).

The prince gave an emotional goodbye about his aunt before the couple paid their respects at a service which took place in Monaco Cathedral's Peace Chapel. Princess Antoinette, Prince Ranier III's eldest sister, died at age 90 on March 17 following years of ill health.

Preceding the private ceremony, a funeral mass was held at Monaco's Cathedral, which was attended by the entire royal family.

Prince Albert led mourners from the Palace to the Cathedral. Among the procession were his two sisters, Princess Stephanie and Princess Caroline of Hanover, along her 11-year-old daughter Princess Alexandra.

Antoinette's son, Christian de Massy and daughter Elizabeth Ann were also among the procession.

Princess Antoinette was a keen supporter of animal rights and was the president of Monaco's Society for the Protection of Animals.

The royal had been married three times and is survived by Christian and Elizabeth.