Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Princess Charlene's rogue wedding accessory that nobody noticed

Prince Albert's wife was pictured in her third wedding dress at the couple's wedding dinner


Princess Charlene of Monaco in her second wedding dress holding a bag© Getty
Nichola Murphy
Deputy Lifestyle Editor
August 1, 2023
Share this:

Over the course of three days, Princess Charlene of Monaco changed into a handful of beautiful bridal outfits, one of which included a very unexpected accessory.

After exchanging vows in their religious ceremony on 2 July 2011, the Olympic swimmer and Grace Kelly's son headed to a dinner and firework celebration at the Opera Terraces. Changing for the occasion, Charlene wore her third wedding dress with a stunning tiered skirt and sheer sleeveless neckline, finished with a smattering of reflective crystals.

WATCH: Princess Charlene and Prince Albert share touching video ahead of wedding anniversary

She was one of the only royals to be pictured holding a glitzy clutch for her evening reception, with the small white accessory largely concealed in her hand. With such a minuscule size, we wonder what items fitted inside the bag! Perhaps her lipstick, a camera to capture her own personal memories, or a pack of tissues following her emotional ceremony?

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco attend a dinner at Opera terraces after their religious wedding ceremony © Getty
Princess Charlene was spotted holding a bag at their Opera terraces dinner

Earlier in the day, Charlene had been pictured looking tearful as she emerged hand in hand with her new husband following their religious ceremony. Dressed in her Armani Privé silk gown, which featured an off-the-shoulder neckline and 40,000 Swarovski crystals, Charlene dabbed a tissue to her eyes as she prepared to greet waiting crowds.

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco cut their wedding cake© Palais Princier
The royal bride's accessory was nowhere to be seen when they cut their wedding cake

She has since confessed that she experienced "tension" in the lead-up to her big day. "Everything was just so overwhelming and there were all the mixed emotions because of the rumours, and obviously the tension built up and I burst into tears [immediately after the ceremony]," she told The Times.

"And then I burst into tears some more because I was thinking "Oh no, now the whole world has seen me cry"'.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene's wedding celebrations took place over three days© VALERY HACHE
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene got married in July 2011

She went on to add: "It was such a wonderful three days. Even months afterwards I would get flashbacks and think, 'Oh, my goodness, did I really have the Eagles playing at my wedding?' I think back and wonder how we managed to pull it off."

Princess Charlene with her hand through Prince Albert's arm as they're showered with petals following their wedding© Getty
The Olympic swimmer wore an Armani Prive wedding dress

The celebrations began on Friday 30 June with a concert by classic rockers the Eagles, where Charlene wore a chic cornflower blue jumpsuit and matching jacket designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Despite her rebellious outfit, Charlene still did not add a bag to her first bridal look.

The couple – who share twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques – were recently forced to publicly deny that they were separating after 12 years of marriage.

Princess Charlene of Monaco in a blue outfit leaning into Prince Albert II of Monaco appear onstage during the Jean Michel Jarre wedding concert © Getty
Princess Charlene wore pale blue for her pre-wedding concert

A spokesperson from the Palace delivered a statement from Albert which read: "I would like to formally deny the malicious rumors peddled by the French magazine Royauté. Please disregard this article which is totally unfounded."

DISCOVER: Princess Beatrice's posh in-laws have the most royal connections

Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Weddings

See more