On July 1, 2011, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene married in aromantic royal wedding.
To impress this incredible group of people, Albert and Charlene spared no expense.
Over the course of three days, the royal couple wasreportedto have spent a whopping $70 million.
What’s more, they invited Monegasque residents to enjoy cocktails at the palace.
Caught off guard, Albert scrambled to get in touch with his soon-to-be father-in-law.
Thankfully for Albert and Charlene, Wittstock was supportive of the match.
Thus, an engagement was the last thing on his mind.
The ring boasted a three-carat pear-cut diamond with several smaller diamonds flanking each side.
Unfortunately, though, this is much easier said than done.
Because of the prominence of the players involved, the wedding could be nothing short of spectacular.
In the end, however, this meant that wedding planning was extraordinarily stressful.
Remembering this dynamic, Princess Caroline told People that Albert and Charlene took issue with many of the details.
As Ducasse revealed to the Associated Press, “We decided to do something sustainable, local and ethical.
Prince Albert is very interested in protecting the Mediterranean, its flora and fauna.
It’s something of an obsession” (viaPeople).
However, Charlene also wanted her Zimbabwean roots to be reflected in the menu and that it was.
“We had some South African wine to start for Charlene,” the chef revealed.
As reported byVogue, the blushing bride collaborated with none other thantheGiorgio Armani to design her wedding gown.
I’m starting to play with fresher, bolder, and more daring looks."
Armani seemed open to this idea of Charlene embracing her own sense of style.
The ensemble was tied together with a long white veil, which would trail Charlene down the aisle.
She was also able to enjoy a blow-out bachelorette party in New York City.
As Charlene toldVogueat the time, the springtime bash boasted a risque leather and lace theme.
They paired this revealing top with a tight pair of pants for a scandalously sexy look.
Naturally, though, the night was about more than just a rebellious black outfit.
It was also a celebration of Charlene’s last days as a commoner.
The princess-to-be kicked off the evening with dinner at The Lion.
Later, she headed to Cipriani Downtown for music and dancing.
After all, Charlene didn’t hesitate to party the night away tequila shots and all.
Did Charlene get cold feet?
The reason for her hesitation?
Compellingly, this tidbit was never confirmed.
Within days, another French paper,Le Journal du Dimanche, claimed to have confirmed these rumors.
The outlet went on to allege that Charlene had attempted to leave Monaco three times.
At the time, she supposedly tried to hide in the South African embassy.
Later, she apparently attempted to return to her home country during the Grand Prix.
Although this story may sound unbelievable, it is worth noting that L’Express tends to be a reputable source.
Albert’s lawyer, Thierry Lacoste, vehemently denied the existence of any secret children whatsoever.
Charlene’s father, Mike Wittstock, also went on the record to defend his daughter’s relationship.
Nevertheless, the editor of L’Express stood by the publication’s reporting.
Caroline supposedly felt that this gift was unfair after all, she was Grace’s oldest daughter.
That’s why I haven’t been able to send the video to the papers."
Naturally, Charlene’s representatives were quick to discredit the story.
However, when Lennon arrived at Charlene’s hotel room, she was apparently a total mess.
In his view, the princess-to-be was overcome with “bridal nerves.”
As a longtime friend of Charlene’s, however, Lennon tried to talk her down.
“Let me photograph you,” he reportedly told her.
Ultimately, Charlene agreed to sit for the photos, andthe final resultsturned out beautifully.
You wouldn’t believe it."
To commemorate Charlene’s transformation from a commoner to a princess, Albert purchased some expensive jewelry.
Thus, the Ocean Tiara was conceived with an aquatic theme in mind.
Interestingly, though, the piece ended up being far more than just a tiara.
It can also transform into a stunning necklace on occasions that don’t require the formality of a headpiece.
Designed by Baumer to resemble ocean spray, the headpiece gave Charlene an even greater air of oceanic elegance.
