The Sovereign Prince of Monaco recently announced that he will not be going ahead with plans to expand the principality.

The Prince, who promotes the green life and even drives an electric car, had expressed concerns about the principality’s expansion into the sea and the environmental implications. He was, however, once an enthusiastic backer of the idea of “reclaiming” land from the sea as a way to increase prosperity for Monaco. The principality cannot possibly expand anywhere else except into the Mediterranean, so it seemed like the thing to do.

Now with the world’s economic chaos on top of environmental concerns, the deal’s off.

“Basically, it has all been a big waste of time and money. Albert has a lot of explaining to do,” complained a lawyer associated with a French construction group that had spent £5m on engineering studies.

They’re a little cranky.

While he’s not irritating developers, Prince Albert is frustrating his subjects with a serious lack of wedding action. Charlene Wittstock, his companion of the last couple of years, has been reported to have immersed herself in learning the French language in order to prepare for a future role as a Sovereign Princess. Don’t hold your breath, though.

Speaking of Europe, here’s a link to the “Victory in Europe” series featured at the Times. Because I feel like it.

This article – based on The Times Online’s report on Monaco expansion.