Ready for a right royal occasion

From French President Nicolas Sarkozy and supermodel Naomi Campbell to Hollywood couple Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher - the red carpet is being rolled out for the Wittstock-Grimaldi nuptials.

And as the finishing touches are being put to Monte Carlo's biggest wedding since Prince Rainier III married US actress Grace Kelly 55 years ago, princess-in-waiting Charlene Wittstock seems to have escaped any pre-wedding jitters.

The eyes of the world will be on the tiny principality next weekend when she marries Prince Albert II.

From giant screens around the palace to South African flags adorning the streets and a massive fireworks display in the harbour, it's all systems go for the big event.

But Wittstock appears to be taking everything in her stride, even finding time for a hen party in New York and an interview with US Vogue, which hit newsstands this week.

In it, she speaks candidly about her transition from swimming champion to fashion star, as well as the inevitable comparisons with Kelly.

"Finding my fashion feet has certainly been the biggest challenge ... I was literally a fish out of water," she said.

But, with the help of her friend, German designer Karl Lagerfeld, she found her style. "He trusts my sense of style and, as a result, my confidence has grown."

Wittstock and friends, including her maids of honour, Danish designer Isabell Kristensen and Prince Albert's cousin Donatella Knecht de Massy, partied up a storm at upmarket Cipriani Downtown in New York. Among the guests were Moore and Kutcher.

Details of her dress for the religious ceremony on Saturday have been kept under wraps, although it's no secret that it was designed by Armani.

Her mother, Lynette, is being dressed by Durban designer Terrence Bray, who is also designing Wittstock's dress for her South African reception in Durban a week later.

There will be no shortage of royals at the event, among them Prince Felipe of Spain, Princess Victoria of Sweden and Britain's Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie .

Also attending will beSarkozy with his wife, Carla Bruni, models Campbell and Karolina Kurkova, and a close friend of the Wittstock family, James Bond actor Sir Roger Moore .

Commemorative items such as stamps, postcards, fine tableware and other gifts are proving to be a hit.

The Manufacture de Monaco, founded with the support of Princess Grace in 1972, have released luxurious porcelain designs inspired by the rosettes and mosaics found in the prince's palace.

A distinct South African flavour has been added, with chefs Dean Uren of the Fairmont Zimbali and sous chef Peter Mtshali preparing typical local dishes.

Idols winner Jason Hartman will also be hoping for a big international breakthrough, as he will be the opening act for legendary band The Eagles.