Rare Photos From Grace Kelly's Iconic Royal Wedding
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Years before Meghan Markle stole Prince Harry's heart, Grace Kelly was the world's biggest actress-turned-royal. Her lavish April 1956 wedding to the Prince of Monaco was filled with the allure and public speculation you'd expect—but there were also quieter, intimate moments under all the glitz and glam. From the first sketch of her handcrafted, lace-embroidered gown to sweet shots of the couple on their honeymoon, get a rare glimpse into what the wedding festivities were really like.
Meeting the Parents
Grace Kelly and her fiancé give her parents an up-close look at her engagement ring in January 1956. Her first Cartier ring (shown here) was an eternity band with rubies and diamonds, meant to symbolize the colors of the flag of Monaco.
You're Cordially Invited
Lucky guests show the camera a peek at what Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III's wedding invitations look like a few weeks before the big day.
Designing the Dress
The royal-to-be selected MGM designer Helen Rose to create her custom wedding dress. They worked together on the wardrobe for one of Kelly's biggest (and last) films, 1956's High Society.
A Sketch of the Dress
As for what Helen Rose came up with, the masterpiece speaks for itself. Every detail of Kelly's dress was well thought out from the ivory color to the rose point lace.
Bridal Party Looks
Neiman Marcus designer, Joe Hong, created the dresses for Kelly's bridesmaids and flower girls. He went with a yellow organdy and silk gown with puffed sleeves and a matching hat.
Royal Stamps
The Monaco Stamp Office released a stamp in honor of the wedding.
Setting Sail
The actress and her family traveled by sea from New York to Monaco for the wedding. She was snapped taking in the view aboard the SS Constitution en route.
Arriving in Monaco
The starlet is greeted by Prince Rainier III after arriving in Monaco days before the big ceremony.
Puppy Love
That same day, the couple chats aboard the princely yacht Deo Juvante II. Kelly's adorable French Poodle, Oliver, was a wedding present from her close friend, Cary Grant.
The First Dress
The wedding that people remember most was actually Kelly's second wedding to Prince Rainier III—they had to follow Monaco law and hold a smaller civil ceremony the day before their lavish religious one. This is the sketch for her civil ceremony look, also designed by Helen Rose. The lace was hand-embroidered on taffeta with silk thread to create a three-dimensional effect.
The Civil Ceremony
Here's the sketch come to life. Kelly looked gorgeous in the lace suit and matching headpiece.
The Venue
While the civil ceremony might have been smaller, it was just as glamorous. It took place inside the Throne Room of the palace in Monaco.
Last-Minute Prep
The actress, papers in hand, clutches her belted suit at her wedding rehearsal at the Monaco Cathedral. She opted for a low-key look, including sunglasses, white gloves, and a matching cloche hat.
Press Frenzy
The wedding was the event of the era, which is why an entire building in the principality was converted into a press center. Here, a team of translators pose as they prepare to welcome groups of international reporters to Monaco from around the world.
The Day Before
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III greet their guests as they arrive at The Princely Palace in Monaco for the wedding the following day.
A Great Gift
Looking stunning in an outfit covered in bows, Kelly and her soon-to-be husband are gifted a car by the people of Monaco the day before their nuptials.
A Memorable Present
A white dove, which was another gift from the people of Monaco, is presented to the couple.
More Well Wishes
They also received a giant bag of greetings and letters of congratulations from citizens of Monaco.
Flowers to Match
Finally, the couple is treated to several gorgeous bouquets of flowers from the public.
A Pre-Wedding Show
The night before their big day, the Prince and future-Princess arrive for a performance at the Royal Opera House.
Guests Begin Arriving
Guests dressed to the nines enter the cathedral for the ceremony, as members of the public watch on in awe.
A Special Friendship
One of the most famous names at the wedding was Ava Gardner, pictured here upon her arrival. Kelly and Gardner became close while filming 1953's Mogambo and stayed friends even after Kelly became a royal.
Windy Weather
The bridesmaids fight a gust of wind as they arrive at the ceremony. Their sophisticated headpieces were designed by Joe Hong.
Here Comes the Bride
Grace Kelly arrives at Saint Nicholas Cathedral arm-in-arm with her father. Her veil was specifically designed to not hide her face. It was embroidered with thousands of pearls, along with an image of two tiny lovebirds on the back.
The Ceremony Begins
Kelly kneels in front of the altar outside Saint Nicholas Cathedral before marrying the Prince.
Before the Vows
A photographer catches Kelly in thought just moments before she walks down the aisle. Instead of a tiara, the fashion icon opted for a headpiece adorned with pearls and lace to hold her veil in place.
A Ceremony Prayer
In one of the few colorized photos from the day, Kelly and the Prince take part in a prayer during their wedding ceremony.
A Vision in Lace
In another intimate snap from the prayer moment, you can see the intricate details of the actress' timeless dress and veil.
Exchanging Rings
The couple swap rings during their ceremony. Kelly's second ring was a platinum Cartier 10.47 carat emerald-cut diamond with two baguette diamonds on each side—and one of the most famous pieces of jewelry in history.
Famous Guests
The cathedral was packed during the ceremony. Around 700 guests were in attendance, including some of Kelly's famous friends, such as Cary Grant, Gloria Swanson, and Aristotle Onassis.
The TV Broadcast
The wedding was broadcast to 30 million viewers around the world.
After the Ceremony
The Prince and Princess leave their ceremony as a married couple.
Taking a Drive
Once the wedding concluded, the newlyweds drove through the streets of Monaco to greet the public in the Rolls Royce that was gifted to them.
Celebrating With the Public
The streets of Monaco went wild the day of the wedding, cheering on Prince Rainier and Princess Grace in front of the royal palace.
Dinner Is Served
The newlyweds sit down for a meal at their reception, with their seven-tiered, 200-pound cake behind them.
Afterparty Views
In a moment that seems straight out of a movie, the royals take in the celebration from a romantic palace balcony.
Her Royal Crest
After the wedding, Princess Grace was given this personal monogram by the palace of Monaco. It would be featured on all her letters and communications going forward. Before the nuptials, an intertwining "R" and "G" was used for the crest, but as reigning Princess, she was given her own.
A Honeymoon Cruise
Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace wave to the public as they board the Deo Juvante II. They sailed around the Mediterranean on their yacht for seven weeks.
Honeymoon Shopping
While honeymooning in Palma de Mallorca, Kelly and her husband were spotted shopping. Here, the Princess browses housewares in an elegant skirt suit, glasses, and white gloves.
A Memorable Dance
The couple look lovingly at one another as they dance to a live band in Palma de Mallorca, Spain on their honeymoon.
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