The couple married on July 1 last year at a lavish ceremony attended by former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, supermodel Naomi Campbell and top designer Karl Lagerfeld, who designed her gown for the big day.

US television network CBS's reporter Holly Williams was invited for a rare interview with the royal couple but found herself struggling to get them to speak about anything.

Williams started off with a question about their married life.

Albert went first, saying: "Well, I think it's wonderful. I can't speak for Charlene, but she will be able to answer you. But we're having a wonderful time."

When Charlene was asked, she responded (in between a few pauses and giggles): "Great ... I recommend it ... "

Williams then asked her about being a princess.

More pauses.

Charlene: "Er ... yeah, it's er ... it's great, it's ... I don't know how to answer that ... honestly ..."

She then turned to the prince, asking him: "What's it like being a princess?"

The 54-year-old head of the House of Grimaldi mumbled a few things and signalled a "time-out" with his hands, which ended in Williams being asked to switch the cameras off so that his 34-year-old wife could take a breather.

But it wasn't going to get any easier.

When Williams brought up the issue of comparisons between former South African Olympic swimmer Charlene and Albert's mother, actress Grace Kelly, Charlene laughed, held her head in her hands and blocked her ears, saying she didn't want to hear it.

But when the prince was quizzed on whether it was similarities between the two women that drew him to Charlene, he said: "Well, I think, you know, every human being is unique and that's the beauty of the human race. I knew that whoever I would choose to marry that she would be compared to my mother and ... I was ready for that, but I think ... Charlene has her own personal qualities to be able to shine."

Prince Albert's family has ruled the principality since the 13th century. Residents live lavish lifestyles without paying tax.

He has fathered two children out of wedlock.

Just before their wedding, there were rumours that Charlene had tried to escape and return home.

They came to Durban for their honeymoon. It was claimed that they slept at different hotels.

Of the rumours, the princess said: "I really do not read anything that's printed. I think rumours ... the word says a lot about itself, I suppose."