Sweden’s ‘party princess’ turned fairytale bride today as she married her banker beau watched by European royals and the cream of New York society.
Princess Madeleine, 30, the youngest of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia’s three children, married British-born financier Chris O’Neill, 38, in Stockholm’s Royal Palace today wearing a breathtaking Valentino wedding gown.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex and Princess Charlene of Monaco were among those looking on as the groom placed a tender kiss on Princess Madeleine’s hand during today’s ceremony.
Fairytale ceremony: American financier Christopher O’Neill kisses the hand of his bride Princess Madeleine of Sweden in Stockholm’s Royal Chapel today
Romance: British-born financier Mr O’Neill smiles as he places the wedding ring on Princess Madeleine’s finger in the Royal Palace today
The couple met after Princess Madeleine fled to the U.S. in 2010 with a broken heart.
She crossed the Atlantic following the breakdown of her first engagement to Swedish attorney Jonas Bergstrom amid speculation that he had cheated on her.
But the radiant princess – and fourth in line to the Swedish throne – got her happy ending in the Royal Palace today, watched by a glittering congregation.
Radiant: The royal bride turned to legendary couturier Valentino for her wedding gown, which featured silk organdies, ivory Chantilly lace and a four-metre train
Newlyweds: Princess Madeleine and her new husband Chris O’Neill looked the picture of happiness as they appeared on the balcony at the Royal Palace following today’s ceremony
Joy: The happy couple waved to the crowds gathered in the Swedish capital to wish Princess Madeleine and her groom well
The wedding season is now in full swing and with a number of other high society nuptials this weekend it is likely to pose a dilemma for those such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who have more than one set of friends saying ‘I do’.
Among them is Kate’s former boyfriend, Rupert Finch, who she dated at university before William. He is set to marry Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
Elite guest list: The British Royal Family were represented by the Earl and Countess of Wessex, left, today, while Princess Charlene of Monaco was also in the pews
Meanwhile William’s friend, Peregrine Hood is expected to wed Vogue fashion editor Serena Nikkah at his family home, Charlton Park, near Malmesbury in Wiltshire and Nigerian oil heiress Emma McQuiston will become Britain’s first black marchioness when she marries Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth, at Longleat in Wiltshire.
Society wedding: Women in floor-length gowns and men dressed in white tie arrived at the Royal Chapel in Stockholm, Sweden, ahead of Princess Madeleine’s wedding to New York banker Chris O’Neill
Greek royals: Princess Theodora and Prince Philippos, left, and Princess Tatiana and Prince Nikolaos, all of Greece, were among the royals milling in the sunshine ahead of today’s ceremony in the Swedish capital
Anticipation: Karl-Johan Persson, CEO of the H&M chain of stores, and his wife Leonie were representing the fashion world at the society wedding today
It is also expected to be a special day for the daughter of the late billionaire Sir James Goldsmith, who is due to marry designer Philip Colbert in east London at an event expected to be attended by celebrities including Sienna Miller, Lily Cole and Peaches Geldof.
It is not clear whether the Duke and Duchess will attend any of the ceremonies, with Kate due to give birth next month. The couple are regularly photographed at friends’ weddings, where they do their best not to outshine those getting married.
Princess Madeleine’s wedding celebrations began last night with a private dinner at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm hosted by the king and queen.
The princess, who is also known as the Duchess of Halsingland and Gastrikland, is the fourth in line to the Swedish throne.
She lives in New York where she works for the World Childhood Foundation, a non-profit group founded by her mother.
Mr O’Neill will not hold a title after the wedding as he has elected to remain a private citizen and not be granted royal rank.
Read more: Daily Mail
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