Princess Madeleine of Sweden turned fairytale bride today as she married her British-American banker beau Christopher O’Neill watched by European royals and the cream of New York society.
“Party princess”, 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.
Blue-blooded Europe mingled with Manhattan’s elite and a sprinkling of pop aristocracy as the couple exchanged vows in the lavish ceremony.
Chris O’Neill, 38, appeared to be fighting back tears as the princess walked down the aisle with her father at the Royal Palace in the capital.
Among the high-profile guests in the chapel were Duran Duran’s John Taylor, Prince Nikolaos of Greece, Karl-Johan Persson – CEO of fashion company Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), and Roxette stars Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson.
Princess Madeleine and Chris O’Neill met after she 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.
Princess Madeleine’s showstopping wedding gown – made from silk organdies with applications of ivory Chantilly lace – was created by master couturier Valentino.
Small vertical pleats at the waist opened into a full skirt with a flowing, four-metre train.
Her six-metre long cathedral veil was also made from silk organdies, edged with tulle and embellished with Chantilly lace flowers.
Princess Madeleine wore her hair swept back from her face in a simple yet elegant style.
The low bun was held in place by her royal tiara, which was decorated with a delicate garland of fresh orange blossoms.
Guests enjoyed hymns in Swedish and English during the wedding, along with performances from Roxette singer Marie Fredriksson and Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera star Peter Joback.
Smiling Princess Madeleine read her wedding vows in Swedish, while Chris O’Neil delivered his in English.
The financier is a partner and head of research at Noster Capital, a hedge fund with offices in London and New York.
The couple announced their engagement in October 2012.
Their wedding celebrations began last night with a private dinner at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm hosted by the king and queen.
Following today’s ceremony a reception will be held at Stockholm’s Drottningholm Palace, the royal family’s private residence.
Princess Madeleine, who is also known as the Duchess of Halsingland and Gastrikland, lives in New York where she works for the World Childhood Foundation, a non-profit group founded by her mother.
Chris 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.
Princess Madeleine became known as Sweden’s party princess during her early 20s, when she was frequently spotted at Stockholm’s high-end nightclubs.
Countless column inches were also devoted to Princess Madeleine’s stylish wardrobe and glamorous lifestyle.
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