Monaco's Prince Albert II married South African beauty Charlene Wittstock and made her his princess, throwing open the gates of his palace to celebrate with the entire Mediterranean nation.
All 7 810 adult Monegasque subjects were invited to a buffet reception at the Grimaldis' medieval palace, overlooking the tiny tax haven's main marina, and the crowd cheered when the nervous-looking couple made their vows.
"Once again in its seven-century history the Grimaldi dynasty is opening up to a new world," declared Philippe Narmino, the chairman of Monaco's state council, as he conducted the civil ceremony.
"In joining it, mademoiselle, you are bringing the freshness of your youth, the richness of another culture, and the modernity of your gaze," he said, as Charlene - clad in a powder-blue Chanel gown and jacket - smiled shyly.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.