Prince Albert of Monaco swaps vows in second wedding

Just one day after the low-key civil ceremony that transformed an ex-swimmer into European nobility, Charlene Wittstock and Prince Albert of Monaco shared vows in a sumptuous religious betrothal.

Draped in a Georgio Armani gown and looking every inch as regal as she became after yesterday’s service the new Princess Charlene de Monaco joined 850 guests in the courtyard of her new husband’s Palace to exchange vows before the Archbishop of Monaco, Bernard Barsi.

And unlike Prince William, Albert will now wear an 18-carat white gold and platinum Cartier ring as public proof of their bond.

The Princess’s off-white silk gown took the Armani expert sewers over 2,000 hours to prepare and sported no less than 40,000 Swarovski crystals, 20,000 mother-of-pearl tear drops and another 30,000 golden stones. It also boasted a 20-meter [65ft] long train.

The groom wore the crisp Summer uniform of Monaco’s Palace guards.

Guests for the sequel included Karl Lagerfeld, Naomi Campbell, Roger Moore and Armani himself, plus several European royals and heads of state. Model Karolina Kurkova also caught the eye of the paparazzi and spent several minutes striking a pose.

To compliment the more formal Roman Catholic service Prince Albert’s two nieces Alexander and Pauline also gave readings. And what seemed like Monaco’s entire population watched the proceedings on giant screens outside.

“My husband last night touched the prince’s hand, then the princess touched my husband’s hand – I was jealous!” said 72-year-old Marie Malghreli who was among the al-fresco audience. “She is really pretty, she’s delicious.”

Once Mass was complete, the bride and groom visited Monaco’s Sainte Devote Church so Charlene could lay her bouquet on the altar to honor a long-held tradition. She was seen to brush away a tear as they left.

The day was then rounded off with a banquet where no-one went hungry – Dinner was once more in the capable hands of renowned chef Alain Ducasse, who made catering for the 450 guests seem almost effortless…

Source: Daily Mail