Monaco's reigning prince, Albert II, wed Charlene Wittstock of South Africa on Friday in a long-awaited civil ceremony that transformed the one-time Olympic swimmer into the Princess of Monaco.
Wittstock succeeds Hollywood beauty Grace Kelly, who wed Albert's father, Prince Rainier III in 1956, had three children with him but died in a car mishap in 1982.
When asked if they take each other in marriage, president of Monaco's Council of State, pronounced "I declare you united by the bonds of marriage."The royal couple signed the marriage register with a specially created pen in gold and precious stones and adorned with their autograph made by German luxury penmaker Montblanc.
Although Albert, 53, was seen for decades as one of Europe's most eligible bachelors, he had long resisted marriage. Many in Monaco, feared he might never tie the knot.
Monaco's bride seeking to make her own mark
Friday's wedding was the first for both Wittstock and Albert, although the soft-spoken prince has acknowledged fathering two children out of wedlock.
Monaco palace rejects ‘ugly rumors’ about wedding
The palace dismissed the stories as "ugly rumors" born out of jealousy. Speaking earlier this week on Monaco-Info TV, a top aide to the prince said the couple were "affected" by the rumors but were concentrating on last-minute preparations.
Monaco palace releases guest list for royal wedding
The Catholic ceremony will also take place in the palace, followed by a gala dinner by three-time triple-starred Michelin chef Alain Ducasse. Besides the Champagne and the South African wines, everything served at the sumptuous buffet is being sourced in a 10-kilometer (6-mile) radius from Monaco, Ducasse told The Associated Press in an interview.
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