Princess Alexandra of Hanover, granddaughter of the late Grace Kelly, has announced her engagement to her long-term partner, Ben-Sylvester Strautmann.
The couple, who have been together for 10 years, shared the news on Friday via a series of photos posted to Princess Alexandra's personal Instagram account. The Monégasque royal, daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco and Ernst August, Prince of Hanover, displayed her engagement ring in a smiling photograph alongside her German beau.
The ring, designed by Antinori di Sanpietro, is an 18-carat yellow and white gold piece featuring diamonds. Its design incorporates elements inspired by Rome's Piazza del Campidoglio and includes inscriptions referencing the city, reflecting the couple's affection for it. Princess Alexandra, 27, also shared intimate glimpses of the special moment, including a tasteful breakfast spread and the ring presented in its box.
Messages of congratulations were shared on social media by fellow royals and celebrities. Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Lady Kitty Spencer, Princess Diana's niece, offered their felicitations. Alexandra Leclerc, wife of Monégasque racing driver Charles Leclerc, also extended her congratulations.
Princess Alexandra and Mr. Strautmann, a former professional basketball player who now works in finance, first became publicly known in late 2016 and made their relationship official in 2017. Mr. Strautmann relocated to Monaco as a child.
The princess, currently 13th in line to the Monégasque throne, was formerly an accomplished junior figure skater and represented Austria at the European Youth Olympics. She converted to Catholicism in September 2018, which removed her from the line of succession to the British throne.
The couple are known figures in Monaco's social scene and have attended events such as the Bal D'Ete in Paris, as well as joining Princess Alexandra's uncle and aunt, Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco, at the principality's gala balls.