Princess Charlene of Monaco enjoys potjie kos in Boksburg
On her first day of arrival in the country on Thursday, April 20, the princess took a nostalgic mini trip around Ekurhuleni which included swimming at the Virgin Active pool in Boksburg, enjoying a local popular potjie dish at Turn n’ Tender, and finally doing some retail therapy at East Rand Mall.
Her Serene Highness (HSH) Princess Charlene of Monaco also paid a visit to Gugulesizwe Primary School, on Friday, April 21, in Daveyton, as her first official royal duty during her five day visit to the country.
She was joined by Ekurhuleni acting mayor Clr Lesiba Mpya and Sinazo Masina, wife of Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina.
The school is situated about 20km outside of Benoni and five years ago the princess launched The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa at the faculty.
With the support of the Benoni Red Cross, Princess Charlene gave first aid lessons and CPR demonstrations to the teachers as well as learners from child-headed families.
A year ago, Princess Charlene was elected as a patron of the Red Cross South Africa at an auspicious and glittering event at the pink palace for her charity and philanthropic work.
“I have taken a personal interest in the school and I will support and do my best to make sure that the leaners at the school are exposed to great sports, health and safety, so that they can build a great community around them,” she said.
On April 4, Princess Charlene donated her childhood swimming medals to Gugulesizwe Primary School to inspire young learners who have an interest in pursuing a swimming career.
The medals, together with a portrait painting of the princess, were hand-delivered by her father, Mike Wittstock.
Princess Charlene and her father are also working on a new charity horse race with Peermont called The Princess Charlene Empress Club Stake. The race is scheduled to take place on April 22 at the Turffontein Race Course. The Red Cross, Highveld Horse Care Unit and Gugulesizwe Primary School will all benefit from the event.
“I look forward to once again attending a race meeting at the historic Turffontein Racecourse and, of course, continuing the support of a number of worthy causes,” said Princess Charlene when talking about her involvement on the day.
“To have the horse-racing community rally behind this will be amazing, and being able to play a part in restoring some of the glamour back into the sport is also special.”
Princess Charlene was a special guest at the same venue back in 2012 where she showed her support for the Charity Mile event.
After her visit to Gugulesizwe Primary School, the princess went to visit her parents in Benoni, at the house where she grew up.
