IT was a fairy-tale wedding.
The entire principality of Monaco celebrated when their most popular bachelor H.S.H. Prince Albert II wed Charlene Lynette Wittstock from Zimbabwe in a fairy-tale ceremony witnessed by European royalty, Hollywood celebrities, business tycoons, the Monagasque citizens and selected consuls from around the world.
As the wife of the Vice Consul General of Monaco to the Philippines, my husband and I were very privileged to have been invited by the Palace to attend this truly magical affair. Sadly, work kept us both in the country. However, my mother-in-law, Consul General of Monaco to the Philippines, Fortune A. Ledesma, together with my father-in-law, Rene L. Ledesma, Consul of Bulgaria to the Philippines, were able to attend this royal wedding.
The three-day wedding celebration began on Thursday (June 30) with a special concert by the Eagles at the Louis II Stadium that was hosted by the Palace for Monegasque citizens, residents, persons working in the Principality and people from the nearby communities. This was attended by more than 15,000 people.
The following day, the couple’s intimate civil wedding took place in the Throne Room of the Prince’s Palace that the guests were able to view from large video screens in the Palace Square. The Monagasque community and guests applauded the Prince and his bride as the newlyweds saluted the crowd from the balcony of the Salon des Glaces.
After greeting the community, the couple held a buffet in the Palace catered by the luxury hotel Fairmont Monte Carlo that had dishes by chefs from Monaco and South Africa. Later that evening, the guests were invited to the reception at the Port area where the music was accompanied by lights, laser displays and fireworks.
On Saturday the guests were able to watch the religious ceremony in the Main Courtyard of the Prince’s Palace. After the ceremonies, the couple left the Palace for the Sainte Devote church so that the Princess could leave her bouquet at the church. The day concluded with an official dinner at the Opera terraces followed by fireworks and the opening of the ball in the Opera.
The guests were overwhelmed to see the outpouring of love from all attendees, particularly the Monagasque citizens, for the His Serene Highness and his new bride.
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In Photo: Consul General of Lithuania to Dominican Republic Wilhelm Brouwer, Consul of Monaco to Dominican Republic Sonia Brouwer, Ledesma and Consul of Bulgaria to the Philippines Rene Locsin Ledesma
