Royal weddings: Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco

19 Apr 2018

One of the most famous royal love stories is that of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III. The former was a famous American actress while the latter was the Prince of Monaco. The two met on the set of a photo shoot during the Cannes film festival and the rest, as they say, was history.Here's a look at the couple's iconic 1956 wedding in Monaco.In Monaco, a civil ceremony must take place before the religious ceremony. Here, on April 18, 1956, the two depart from their civil vows in the baroque throne room in the Palace of Monaco.Photo: Getty Images

The little girl pictured presented the newlyweds with a dove as a gift from the people of Monaco.
Photo: Getty Images

Early next morning on April 19, the bride arrived for the religious ceremony on the arm of her father, Irish-American businessman and Olympic gold medallist John B. Kelly, Sr.Grace's wedding dress was a wedding gift from MGM Film Studios, designed by Helen Rose. The designer worked on it for six weeks with the help of three dozen seamstresses.
Photo: Getty Images

The royal couple had their religious ceremony in the Cathedral of Monaco. They had around 600 guests and over 30 million TV viewers watched from their homes. The event was dubbed the wedding of the century.
Notable guests at the ceremony included Cary Grant, Aristotle Onassis, Ava Gardner and David Niven.
Photo: Getty Images

Instead of a tiara, the actress wore a beaded cap decorated with orange blossoms and a veil said to be 90 yards long.
Photo: Getty Images

The newlyweds sit in front of their massive six-tier wedding cake, which they cut using the Prince's sword.This special luncheon was held in the Palace's Court of Honor, attended by an estimated 700 guests.
Photo: Getty Images

Some of the sophisticated guests, decked out in diamonds, pearls and furs.Photo: Getty Images

This is the dress that inspired Nicky Hilton on her own wedding day. With a high neckline and long sleeves, it was instantly a hit. It also featured a fitted bodice and voluminous skirt.
The wedding dress was made of silk taffeta, tulle and 125-year-old Brussels rose point lace.
Photo: Getty Images

The people of Monaco really loved the royal couple! As a present after the religious ceremony, the people gifted Prince Rainier III and his new wife an open-top Rolls-Royce. The couple drove the car all around Monaco, waving to their fans and well-wishers. Photo: Getty Images

As per tradition, the royal couple took a trip to pay their respects at the shrine of St Devota, patron saint of Monaco, after the wedding. Photo: Getty Images