The Princess bride: Monaco comes to a standstill as stunning Charlene and Prince Albert exchange vows in religious ceremony
By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 12:23 AM on 3rd July 2011 A day after the civil wedding that transformed one-time Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock into the Princess of Monaco, the South African and her prince, Albert II exchanged vows in the religious ceremony yesterday. The happy both couple both answered 'oui' (yes) to the Archbishop of Monaco, Bernard Barsi, who conducted the service in front of 850 guests. Wearing an off-the-shoulder Armani dress, the new Princess Charlene on Monaco looked serene and beautiful as she wed Prince Albert in the courtyard of the Prince's Palace.  Just married: Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco leave the Prince's Palace in Monaco after their religious wedding ceremony
 A tender kiss: The new Princess Charlene shares a kiss with her Prince after they are pronounced husband and wife  With this ring, I thee wed: Charlene places a 18-carat white gold platinum rings by Cartier on the Prince's finger The palace said the stunning gown took Armani's team 2,500 hours to prepare, of which 700 hours was spent on the embroidery alone, using 'kilometres' of platinum-coated thread sewn into 130 metres of off-white silk. The gown would have been heavy for the new Princess, as she would have had to carry the weight of 40,000 Swarovski crystals, 20,000 mother of pearl tear drops and 30,000 'stones in gold shades'. The dress's crowning glory was the five-metre long train made from 20 metres of silk tulle, which took 100 hours to make.  Let us pray: The couple kneel at the altar during their service  Intimate: The couple share a private word with each other during the ceremony  Striking: Charlene's bridesmaid carries her long train as the couple leave the wedding mass  Craftmanship: Danish designer Isabell Kristensen and maid-of-honour Donatella Knecht de Massy hold the Princess' train, made from 20 metres of silk tulle The groom looked smart in a cream summer uniform of Monaco's palace guards, with his sleeves embroidered with oak and olive leave. Accompanying the bride was her maid-of-honour Donatella Knecht de Massy and seven young bridesmaids from around Monaco and neighbouring French districts wearing traditional taffeta red and white outfits and straw hats. During the service, the couple exchanged 18-carat white gold platinum rings by Cartier, with Princess Charlene laughing as she placed the ring on her husband's finger.  Religious ceremony: The Roman-Catholic ceremony follows the civil wedding which was held in the Throne Room of the Prince's Palace of Monaco yesterday  Spectacular, spectacular: The VIPs, royals and dignitaries crowed into the main courtyard for the lavish wedding mass
 Jubilation: Monaco locals looked thrilled to be able to share the day with the newlyweds  Wedding mania: Thousands of Monaco residents were invited to join in the ceremony During the service, Prince Albert's nieces Alexander - daughter of his sister Princess Caroline of Handover - and Pauline - eldest daughter of his other sister Princess Stephanie - both performed readings. After the mass, the couple went to the nearby Sainte Devote Church to lay down her bridal bouquet in the tradition in honour of the Patroness of Monaco. As the couple left the church, Princess Charlene was seen wiping away a tear as a choir sang.  Emotional: Princess Charlene wipes away a tear as she leaves the Sainte Devote Church after placing her bouquet inside  Moved: Princess Charlene sheds a tear as she listens to a song as she leaves the Saint Devote Church  All eyes on you: Monegasque citizens watch the couple kiss inside the Sainte Devote church  |
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Fwd: The Princess Bride (Not Kate)
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