While Durban buzzes with the excitement of the Durban July, it’s emerged that Prince Albert II of Monaco and his bride-to-be Charlene Wittstock will hold a function to celebrate their wedding with Wittstock’s family and friends at the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks.
Prince Albert and South African Charlene will also be joined by VIPs and some of the celebrity guests who were not able to attend their wedding in Monaco. The pair arrived in Umhlanga today.
It’s been well documented that Charlene has proud South African, and Durban roots. The Bulawayo, Zimbabwe born lass represented South Africa in swimming at the Olympic Games in 2000. Charlene started her swimming career in Durban before pursuing opportunities in Pretoria. She returned to Durban in 2005 and attempted to make the team for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing but failed, although she was the national champion in her event at the time.
Dated
It’s believed that Charlene met Albert at a swim meeting in Monaco in 2000. Their relationship was first made public in 2006 after they had dated for a while.
There’s great curiosity among Durban’s social set about exactly who will be invited to attend the post-wedding mega-bash, plus of course speculation about who will be invited to assist with decorations, entertainment, catering etc.
It’s believed the couple will stay in The Oyster Box hotel’s R50 000 a night presidential suite.
In Monaco the wedding festivities will begin two days before the actual ceremony, when the couple hosts a special Eagles concert for 15 000 people at a stadium in western Monaco.
The two-hour concert will be open to residents of Monaco and free of charge.
A civil ceremony will take place the following day in the Throne Room of the palace.
Afterwards, a cocktail buffet will take place at the Palace Square, where the Mayor of Monaco will present a gift to the couple, followed by an evening reception at the Port Hercules and a “unique sound and light show”.
On July 2, Albert and Charlene will tie the knot for the second time during a religious ceremony at the palace’s main courtyard, followed by a procession, an evening reception catered by Chef Alain Ducasse, and a gala ball. It’s believed Charlene will be dressed by Giorgio Armani.
SABC3 will air the Royal Monaco Wedding on July 2 from 3.30pm until 8.30pm.
For more info on Monaco, see the official website. Click here.
**Monte-Carlo SBM and Alain Ducasse have been selected by Prince Albert and Charlene to prepare their wedding reception dinner on the terraces of the Salle Garnier.
**The Brasserie de Monaco (the Monaco Brewery) is brewing a beer in the colours of love as a tribute to the “Princely Wedding”.
**Special stamps are being created for the Princely Wedding . . . and so much more. – Ridge Correspondent