Princess Alexandra of Hanover has announced her engagement to her long-term partner, Ben-Sylvester Strautmann, after 10 years together.
The 27-year-old royal shared the news on Friday in a series of photographs posted on her personal Instagram account, including images of the diamond ring chosen by Mr Strautmann.
Princess Alexandra, the only daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco and Ernst August, Prince of Hanover, showed off the 18-carat yellow and white gold ring while posing alongside her German partner.
In one photograph, she placed her left hand prominently beside her dachshund, Eloise. Other images showed the ring alongside a breakfast spread and resting in its box on what appeared to be a bedside cabinet.
The photographs were captioned: “The marriage plot”.
The ring was designed by Antinori di Sanpietro and incorporates details inspired by Rome’s Piazza del Campidoglio. It also bears the inscriptions “Antinori” and “Made in Italy”, reflecting the couple’s affection for the Italian capital.
Messages of congratulations followed from members of royal and celebrity circles. Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece wrote: “Omgggg congratulations!!!”, accompanied by sparkle and heart emojis.
Lady Kitty Spencer, the niece of Diana, Princess of Wales, replied: “Aah congratulations,” with red heart emojis. Alexandra Leclerc, wife of Monégasque racing driver Charles Leclerc, also sent her congratulations.
Princess Alexandra and Mr Strautmann were first publicly seen together in late 2016 and made their relationship official the following year.
Mr Strautmann, who was born in Germany and moved to Monaco as a child, became a professional basketball player before moving into finance.
Princess Alexandra is currently 13th in line to the Monégasque throne. Her grandmother was the late American actress Grace Kelly, who became Princess of Monaco.
Born in Vöcklabruck in Upper Austria, Princess Alexandra was formerly a junior figure skater and represented her country at the European Youth Olympics. She is now a writer.
The couple are established members of Monaco’s social scene and have attended gala events alongside Princess Alexandra’s uncle and aunt, Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco.
