GALLERY: 60 years since Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier's spectacular wedding of the century

Grace Kelly met her Prince Charming, Rainier, at the Cannes Film Festival and after a whirlwind eight-month romance, the couple were engaged. The Hollywood actress and the royal tied the knot on 18 April 1956 in a civil ceremony, followed by a larger religious wedding the next day, as is customary in Monaco.

Their nuptials were dubbed the "wedding of the century", attended by around 700 guests and watched by an estimated 30 million on television.

In honour of Grace and Rainier's 60th wedding anniversary, click through our gallery of breathtaking images.

Copyright: Courtesy Palace of Monaco

The actress travelled from New York to Monaco via boat, accompanied by 50 friends and family members.

After a week-long voyage, the bride and her guests arrived and Grace was treated to a Princess' welcome. Eight days of parties and dinners followed, leading up to the "wedding of the century".

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The first ceremony took place on 18 April 1956. Grace and Rainier were legally wed in the baroque throne room in the Palace of Monaco, in a civil ceremony attended by their close friends and family.

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The bride gave new meaning to the word "icon" when she stepped out on 19 April 1956 in her stunning wedding gown.

The show-stopping dress was made by MGM's head costume designer Helen Rose and gifted to the actress by the film giants. It was the epitome of romance and instantly transformed the Hollywood star into real-life European royalty.

The dress, which took six weeks to make, was created from 125-year-old vintage Brussels lace, tulle and silk taffeta.

It was more complex than it looked. Underneath the sheer lace bodice was another strapless one made of silk crepe, while three layers of integrated petticoats gave the skirt its distinctive volume and bell shape.

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The religious ceremony took place at the St. Nicholas Cathedral and was conducted by the Bishop of Monaco.

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Rainier and Grace exchanged rings during their spectacular ceremony.

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The couple left the cathedral arm-in-arm, flanked by military guards. The American beauty was thereafter known as Princess Grace of Monaco.

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The bride and groom were driven around Monte Carlo in an open-top Rolls Royce convertible car following their wedding, so they could greet the thousands of well-wishers who had lined the streets.

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Spectators, including young girls with American flags, flocked to the streets of Monte Carlo to wish the royal couple a happy marriage.

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Celebrities and high-profile guests of the couple attended the wedding, including American actress Ava Gardner.

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The newlyweds waved to the hundreds of well-wishers from their palace balcony.

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Rainier and Grace enjoyed their wedding luncheon at the Palace's Court of Honour attended by 700 guests, and later cut their six-tier wedding cake using the prince's sword.

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The lovebirds welcomed their first child Princess Caroline the year after their wedding, followed by Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie.

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The new Princess was made to feel right at home by her husband and Monegasque relatives.

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