Prince Albert Changes His Wedding Date

By Peter Mikelbank and Stephen M. Silverman

08/02/2010 at 07:00 AM EDT

After the Palace in Monaco announced to the world 10 days ago that Prince Albert II and South African former swimmer Charlene Wittstock would marry next year in a July 8 civil ceremony and July 9 religious one, someone has had a change in heart.

Now, the couple will be tying the knot a few days earlier, in ceremonies to take place July 2 and 3.

This switch will allow Albert, 52, and his 32-year old bride to attend the International Olympic Committee meeting in Durban, South Africa, from July 5 until 9.

RELATED: Monaco's Prince Albert to Marry

In a statement issued by the Palace on Sunday night, it was said that the newlyweds-to-be wish "to have the Olympic family around them. The Prince equally wishes that the Princess's first foreign visit be reserved for her native country, South Africa."

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