The “Real Housewives” franchise already has a countess — and soon it will also include a duchess!
One week after her divorce from Marty Caffrey was finalized, “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Danielle Staub became engaged to Olivier Maier, who just happens to be the Duke of Provence — which means the 56-year-old reality star will be a duchess.
People reports that Staub and Maier got engaged on Thursday morning during a tropical vacation in St. Barth. The couple will then jet to New York City where they’ll get married by a Justice of the Peace, with wedding invitees including Staub’s “RJONJ” co-star Teresa Giudice.
“I’m madly in love,” Staub tells People. “I’m feeling elated and excited for the next stage of my life. I’m going to marry the man of my possible dreams and hopefully I’ll spend the rest of my life in bliss.”
Staub also reveals that she had no idea about her fiance’s nobility (his family owns 15 vineyards and two castles in the South of France) until recently — or that when she ties the knot she’ll become Duchess Danielle.
However, the couple’s road to the altar wasn’t without complications — particularly the part where Staub “quite frankly couldn’t stand him when I first met him,” she explained. “He’s so strong-willed, and at first, I read that as rude, and arrogant and entitled. It wasn’t until I got to know him that I saw the other side.”
Meanwhile, she admits she certainly wasn’t looking to jump back into a relationship after her messy split from Caffrey to end their brief 10-month marriage. “I was ready to just go out with my girlfriends in Manhattan,” Staub says. “I didn’t want this.”
RELATED: ‘RHONJ’ Star Danielle Staub Granted Restraining Order Against Husband Marty Caffrey
However, Maier’s persistence ultimately paid off. “People don’t like to take a risk, but I took a risk,” says Maier. “Danielle’s one of the smartest people I’ve met. People have preconceived notions about her from reality TV, but she’s a smart women. And I was instantly attracted to that.”
Admitting she “still tried to push it off, but as the weeks went on, he did not let off the throttle, and he pursued me adamantly,” says Staub. “And he got what he wanted. We fell madly in love.”
As People reminds, this will be Staub’s fourth marriage — and 21st engagement!
“Here we go again,” she jokes.
“The Real Housewives of New Jersey” airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Slice.
