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Europe is getting its second head-of-state-major royal wedding of the year—this time joining Charlene Wittstock, a former Olympic swimmer for South Africa, and Monaco's Prince Albert II. But, unlike the brouhaha surrounding this spring's British royal festivities, there hasn't been much fanfare stateside. Still, for royal-watchers, this event, slated for July 2nd, will surely be worth watching for. The New York Times reports that after years of will-they won't-they:
The payoff comes July 2 with this summer’s “other” royal wedding. This time, Ms. Wittstock will be the princess stepping down the aisle (in a dress designed by Giorgio Armani). Though the event won’t come close to inspiring the global fascination of William and Kate’s nuptials almost two months ago (or even that of Albert’s own parents, Prince Ranier III and the American movie star Grace Kelly, in 1956), the three-day celebration will nonetheless be quite a party. The event will include an open-air Mass on the Place du Palais; oceans of Perrier-Jouët Champagne; a multicourse dinner by the three-star French chef Alain Ducasse; a concert by the Eagles; a sound-and-light show and fireworks. When it is over, Ms. Wittstock, the daughter of a salesman father and a swim coach mother, will become Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene of Monaco.Seriously, dude, you had us at "oceans of Perrier-Jouët Champagne" and "the Eagles." Count us in.
· The quiet royal wedding [NY Times]