But when the couple made their formal entrance as husband and wife at their reception that evening, Princess Charlene had swapped her wedding dress for a slinkier gown (also Armani) and added a glittering diamond tiara which features a “spray” of diamonds like a “wave breaking over her head”—in a nod to the Princess’s preroyal career as an Olympic swimmer.
The piece, featuring pear-shaped diamonds, was commissioned as a gift by Prince Albert II and dubbed the “Diamond Foam Tiara” by its maker. On the evening of her nuptials, Princess Charlene wore the tiara towards the back of her head, as an elegant addition to her swirling chignon. Last night, it was worn in a more 1920s style at the front of her head—a signal, perhaps, that she didn’t want this major tiara moment to be missed.
Any references made by Princess Charlene to her wedding day are always significant as she and Albert have faced near constant public scrutiny of their relationship. Reports swirled in the days leading up to the wedding that Charlene had gotten cold feet, but the rumors were denied and their big day went ahead as planned. The three-day proceedings began on June 30 with a concert by The Eagles. This was followed by a civil ceremony on July 1 in the Throne Room of the Prince’s Palace, for which Charlene wore a custom-made aquamarine Chanel suit. Then finally there was a religious ceremony on July 2, when Charlene wore an off-the-shoulder Armani Privé gown with 40,000 Swarovski crystals, and which was attended by supermodels, sports personalities, and world leaders. As photos from the wedding began to circulate, there was commentary on how visibly upset Charlene appeared (the newly titled princess was photographed with tears in her eyes)—but she brushed these rumors off, insisting all brides are emotional on their wedding day.
