THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The daughter of a South African photocopy salesman became Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco on Friday when she wed Prince Albert II at a civil ceremony on the tiny Riviera principality following a week of intrigue and rumour.
Under clear blue skies, scores of residents and tourists lined the streets to watch the statuesque blonde's transformation from commoner into princess in the red silk damask-draped throne room where Hollywood icon Grace Kelly married Albert's father, Prince Rainier III, 55 years ago.
Scotching persistent rumours that she had sought to flee Monaco shortly before the wedding day after discovering Prince Albert allegedly had a third illegitimate child, the 33-year old Olympic swimmer was the first to say "I do" in a matching Chanel sky blue jacket and skirt.
Under huge chandeliers and with Albert's forebears looking on from portraits adorning the room, she exchanged restrained smiles with Prince Albert, 20 years her senior, in a dark suit and grey tie.
Only 80 family members, friends and dignitaries were gathered around the couple during the 20-minute ceremony. But the gates of the Italian Renaissance residence were thrown open to more than 5,000 Monegasques who followed the proceedings from the palace square, waving the red and white flags of Monaco and those of Charlene's native South Africa. » | Henry Samuel, Monaco | Friday, July 01, 2011
