MONACO, Monaco - 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 accident in 1982.
Residents of the principality on the Riviera swarmed the plaza outside the palace where the ceremony took place, hoping to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds during the first of two days of royal wedding events.
Wittstock wore a silken blue jacket with ankle-length pants, an outfit that famed fashion house Chanel created for the civil ceremony, which will be followed on Saturday by an elaborate religious wedding ceremony and a star-studded wedding gala.
When asked if they take each other in marriage, both quietly responded "Oui." The marriage became official — and Wittstock became a princess — when Philippe Narmino, president of Monaco's Council of State, pronounced "I declare you united by the bonds of marriage."
Prince Albert of Monaco weds South Africa's Charlene Wittstock in long-awaited union
