It was an exactly quiet little wedding--- 800 guests at Royal Palace and seemingly the world supply of red carpet. Prince Albert of Monaco and his bride Charlene Wittstock came to the palace of Monte Carlo for their marriage blessing, the South African swimmer choosing an Armani dress complete with a 15-foot train for her big day. Among the guests, supermodel Naomi Campbell, who left Kate Moss' wedding celebrations early to be in Monaco, a former 007 and the French president.
But it's a wedding that reportedly almost didn't happen with rumours 33-year-old Ms Wittstock tried to flee the tiny principality after discovering Prince Albert had fathered a third illegitimate child. At the couple civil ceremony yesterday, there were nerves and then cheers as she finally said "I do."
"A picture queen who'll become a princess greets her new subjects."
Of course Ms Wittstock's not the first commoner to marry into the Grimaldi family. Prince Albert's mother, Hollywood legend Grace Kelly, married Prince Rainier in 1956.
At 53, the one-time playboy prince is two decades' older than the new wife. Grimaldi family he now heads have ruled Monaco for 800 years. The couple say they want to start a family as soon as possible to provide a much needed heir. Royal aides have rubbished the runaway bride story. Ms Wittstock they say was heading to Paris for some pre-wedding shopping. The couple have expected to honeymoon in South Africa. The bill for their big day, a cool 50-million pounds.
Simon Newton, Sky News.
