The well-known Hollywood beauty Grace Kelly wed Monaco’s Prince Rainier III in a magnificent and opulent ceremony in 1957.
Even though there have since been several noteworthy nuptials, such as those of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and Prince William and Kate Middleton, none have matched the sheer grandeur of Kelly and Kelly’s faultless union.
It is clear from the breath-taking photos why it was called “the wedding of the century.”. ”.
However, it is incomprehensible how much of an impact this relationship has had on Monaco and on people all over the world.
On April 18, 1956, Grace, then only 26, wed Prince Rainier in a civil ceremony. A religious occasion occurred on April 19, 1956.
Before becoming a member of the royal family, Grace Kelly had already captivated audiences for five years with her extraordinary performances in movies like “Rear Window” and “Dial M for Murder.”. She was born in Philadelphia and was selected to represent the American delegation at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955.
She was given the opportunity to visit the close-by microstate of Monaco, which borders France, while she was there and take pictures with the prince in his renowned home. This encounter served as the beginning of their covert correspondence, which ultimately resulted in their engagement later that year, starting the planning for their grand wedding.
The Napoleonic Code of Monaco and the Roman Catholic Church mandated two rituals: civil and religious ceremonies. The Palace of Monaco was completely redecorated to accommodate the civil ceremony and banquet that followed.
International television broadcast the holy rite, which was presided over by Monaco’s Bishop Gilles Barthe, to an estimated 30 million viewers. A stunning bridal gown that took an incredible three weeks to make was one of the two that Grace Kelly wore.
Grace received these magnificent designs from Oscar-winning designer Helen Rose. The studio that supported Grace throughout her illustrious career as a Hollywood star, MGM, painstakingly built them.
Famous entertainers like David Niven, Cary Grant, Gloria Swanson, and Ava Gardner were among the guests, as well as Aristotle Onassis (also known as Mr. Jackie Kennedy). Unexpectedly, the bride decided to stay in America for the wedding preparations.
Grace Kelly and her group traveled in style on the SS Constitution ocean liner to various engagements. The bride, her family, six bridesmaids, 80 pieces of luggage, a poodle, and a throng of eager reporters and photographers boarded the ship in New York.
Despite receiving over 400 applications, only a small number of journalists were selected to participate in this expedition. Those who were unable to board the ship were still treated to a breathtaking sight as Aristotle Onassis’ plane hovered overhead, dousing the crowd below in red and white flowers.
“My mother would often reminisce about the entire trip on the Constitution,” Prince Albert reflected on the incident. She would discuss how much fun the wedding celebration was and how it bonded her Philadelphian friends and family. ”.
He added that she spoke affectionately of Oliver, a French poodle that Cary Grant, her co-star in Alfred Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief,” had given to her. ”.
With 1,800 photographers present to record the momentous occasion, Grace Kelly’s arrival in Monaco outdid the spectacle of her departure. The activities that took place before the ceremony were equally demanding.
According to my father, going through all the preparations, pageantry, and planning was quite exhausting, Albert recalled. ”.
But the careful planning paid off, and Monaco launched an eight-day celebration that ranks among the most magnificent celebrity events of the twentieth century.
A lavish event with outdoor entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display was held at the recently reconstructed palace on this historic day, and forty foreign delegations attended.
The civil ceremony took place the following day in the Throne Room of the palace. Grace Kelly wore the first of MGM’s gowns, a lovely light pink taffeta two-piece ensemble adorned with champagne-colored French Alençon lace.
The ceremony only lasted 16 minutes, and Grace then spent another 25 minutes receiving her 140 new titles as Princess of Monaco.
To accommodate the news crews, the newlyweds were required to recreate their wedding rituals.
The next day, the second ceremony was held in the stunning Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Grace attracted the attention of 30 million people when she appeared in a stunning dress made of 150 yards of silk, taffeta, and tulle, enhanced by 300 yards of antique Belgian lace.
Instead of wearing a conventional tiara to hold her veil in place, the future princess opted for a Juliet Cap. The 90 yards of tulle, her shoes, and Juliet Cap were all subtly pearl-decorated in order to keep her face visible to the cameras.
Given that Grace and Rainier were of similar heights, she chose a 2 15 inch stiletto. According to Tatler, Grace’s name was engraved on the left shoe and Prince Rainier’s on the right of her David Evins-made shoes.
Seed pearls, lace, and a copper penny were added to the shoe heels as a good luck charm and well-wisher gesture.
It took 36 skilled seamstresses three weeks of diligent work to complete the magnificent bridal ensemble. Grace Kelly entered the church, embodying every quality of a real princess and inspiring pride in the tailors.
Kelly’s captivating wedding dress continues to serve as an example for modern princesses decades later. There is a striking resemblance between this dress and Kate Middleton’s gorgeous lace wedding dress, which was created by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
Visitors can enjoy the clothing supporting future princesses’ fantasies by viewing Grace Kelly’s stunning wedding dress, which is currently on display at the esteemed Philadelphia Museum of Art.
In 1956, during wedding ceremonies, it was common to see brides carrying the Bible rather than floral bouquets down the aisle. In accordance with this tradition, Grace obtained a Bible that was laced, pearlized, and decorated with silk. She carried lilies of the valley with the holy book, showing her unwavering adherence to custom.
Even in modern times, royal brides still favor the timeless and magnificent lilies of the valley.
Grace helped Prince Rainier put the ring on her finger during the ceremony as he struggled with nerves. Millions of onlookers were enchanted by her as she kept a calm demeanor throughout.
A customary offering to St. Michael marked the end of the wedding. 600 people attended a spectacular feast after a devotion to Dévote, the patron saint of Monaco. Everyone enjoyed the lavish offerings at the buffet, which included caviar, lobster, and champagne.
Two real turtle doves were a unique addition to the elaborate wedding cake, which is said to have cost over £10,000 in total. The adorable turtle doves, which stand for loyalty, trust, and enduring love, were released as the groom ceremoniously carved the cake with his sword. The cake also had a musical box that gave it life.
Following the festivities, the prince and princess sailed on Prince Rainier’s stunning yacht, the Deo Juvante II, for a seven-week honeymoon. After the flurry of activity, they took a well-earned break by anchoring close to Monaco’s stunning shore.
The honeymoon officially began the following day, and they left behind a wealth of memories and pictures that would endure far beyond their own lifetimes.
Until tragedy struck on September 14, 1982, when Grace Kelly died in a car accident at the age of 52, their fantasy continued unabated. Prince Rainier devoted himself to his work and remained single after she passed away. It was 2005 when he passed away.
