The Princess bride: Monaco comes to a standstill as stunning Charlene and Prince Albert exchange vows in religious ceremony
- VIP guests include Karl Lagerfeld, Naomi Campbell, Roger Moore and Giorgio Armani
- Princess Charlene wears Giorgio Armani silk gown, covered in 40,000 Swarovski crystals
- French chef Alain Ducasse is preparing a multi-course dinner for 450 guests
- The couple were legally married in an intimate civil service on Friday
A day after the civil wedding that transformed one-time Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock into the Princess of Monaco, the South African and her prince, Albert II exchanged vows in the religious ceremony yesterday.
The happy both couple both answered 'oui' (yes) to the Archbishop of Monaco, Bernard Barsi, who conducted the service in front of 850 guests.
Wearing an off-the-shoulder Armani dress, the new Princess Charlene on Monaco looked serene and beautiful as she wed Prince Albert in the courtyard of the Prince's Palace.
Just married: Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco leave the Prince's Palace in Monaco after their religious wedding ceremony
A tender kiss: The new Princess Charlene shares a kiss with her Prince after they are pronounced husband and wife
With this ring, I thee wed: Charlene places a 18-carat white gold platinum rings by Cartier on the Prince's finger
The palace said the stunning gown took Armani's team 2,500 hours to prepare, of which 700 hours was spent on the embroidery alone, using 'kilometres' of platinum-coated thread sewn into 130 metres of off-white silk.
The gown would have been heavy for the new Princess, as she would have had to carry the weight of 40,000 Swarovski crystals, 20,000 mother of pearl tear drops and 30,000 'stones in gold shades'.
The dress's crowning glory was the five-metre long train made from 20 metres of silk tulle, which took 100 hours to make.
Let us pray: The couple kneel at the altar during their service
Intimate: The couple share a private word with each other during the ceremony
Striking: Charlene's bridesmaid carries her long train as the couple leave the wedding mass
Craftmanship: Danish designer Isabell Kristensen and maid-of-honour Donatella Knecht de Massy hold the Princess' train, made from 20 metres of silk tulle
The groom looked smart in a cream summer uniform of Monaco’s palace guards, with his sleeves embroidered with oak and olive leave.
Accompanying the bride was her maid-of-honour Donatella Knecht de Massy and seven young bridesmaids from around Monaco and neighbouring French districts wearing traditional taffeta red and white outfits and straw hats.
During the service, the couple exchanged 18-carat white gold platinum rings by Cartier, with Princess Charlene laughing as she placed the ring on her husband's finger.
Religious ceremony: The Roman-Catholic ceremony follows the civil wedding which was held in the Throne Room of the Prince's Palace of Monaco yesterday
Spectacular, spectacular: The VIPs, royals and dignitaries crowed into the main courtyard for the lavish wedding mass
Jubilation: Monaco locals looked thrilled to be able to share the day with the newlyweds
Wedding mania: Thousands of Monaco residents were invited to join in the ceremony
During the service, Prince Albert's nieces Alexander - daughter of his sister Princess Caroline of Handover - and Pauline - eldest daughter of his other sister Princess Stephanie - both performed readings.
After the mass, the couple went to the nearby Sainte Devote Church to lay down her bridal bouquet in the tradition in honour of the Patroness of Monaco.
As the couple left the church, Princess Charlene was seen wiping away a tear as a choir sang.
Emotional: Princess Charlene wipes away a tear as she leaves the Sainte Devote Church after placing her bouquet inside
Moved: Princess Charlene sheds a tear as she listens to a song as she leaves the Saint Devote Church
All eyes on you: Monegasque citizens watch the couple kiss inside the Sainte Devote church
We did it! The couple laugh as well-wishers throw confetti and rose petals at them
The bride was given away by her father, Michael Wittstock, who wore a black and grey suit.
Also in attendance was her mother Lynette and her brothers Gareth and Sean. By Daily Mail Reporter
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