SA decorator fit for a princess

One of South Africa's top interior designers has been commissioned to give Monaco's royal palace an overhaul.

Stephen Falcke's involvement in redecorating the palace comes just over a month after the wedding between former South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock and Prince Albert of Monaco.

Examples of Falcke's designs can be seen at the exclusive Saxon Boutique Hotel and the Da Vinci Hotel, both in Sandton, Johannesburg, as well as at the Summer Place conference centre in Hyde Park.

News of his royal job surfaced after fashion editor and stylist Jenny Andrew tweeted on Thursday evening: "The best news from (decor and design exhibition) Decorex so far. Stephen Falcke has been commissioned to decorate the Monaco palace."

When asked for further details on Friday, Falcke was startled to learn that the cat was out the bag and then said his "clients" had requested privacy.