The Religious Wedding of Prince Albert of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock

Controversy aside, which I won't go into because it wouldn't be in the spirit of this blog, the religious wedding today in Monaco was a lovely affair, regal with that extra touch of glamor, that comes from being a very, very wealthy country and having the beautiful backdrop of the sparkling Mediterranean.

The wedding started at 5pm local time, and I was able to watch the whole ceremony through live streaming, which was of excellent quality and had oodles of detail. The wedding was attended by residents of Monaco plus crowned heads of Europe, heads of state and a sprinkling of celebrities.

The ceremony didn't take place in Monaco's cathedral but in the open air, in the Main Courtyard of the Prince's palace. The bride, Charlene Wittstock walked down an extremely long red carpet on her father Michael's arm, from the Carabiniers Barracks to the altar, followed by adorable little attendants.

The Archbishop of Monaco assisted by Monaco's clergy, celebrated the mass.

                                                                            

The most outstanding part of the ceremony for me was the music, it was incredibly moving, excellent choices and there was an abundance of it. When I find links to videos of the wedding I will post them, it's worth it to watch them just for the music, even if you don't have much interest in the ceremony itself.

The philharmonic orchestra performed throughout, and hymns were sung by soprano Renée Fleming and Andrea Bocelli. You can find a full listing of the music from todays ceremony at: Music Program

                                                                                       

Prince Albert's nieces, Alexandra (daughter of his sister Princess Caroline of Handover) and Pauline (eldest daughter of his other sister Princess Stephanie) both performed readings.

After the ceremony, the couple headed to Sainte Dévote church in an open topped car, for the Princess to leave her bouquet, a Monegasque tradition. A small ceremony took place here also, with music, from a singing mother/daughter duo. Charlene seemed clearly overcome with emotion at this point.

During the drive, you could see the streets decorated with Monaco and South African flags. See the route they took on this online map.

Charlene Wittstock is now known as Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene de Monaco. The newlyweds were given two gifts from the Monegasques, a painting by Kandinsky and a bronze by French sculptor Bourdelle.

More Photos:
Paris Match
The Star

Further Reading:
Mailonline