The Telegraph has a lovely story about this weekend's upcoming wedding in Monaco. According to the article, more than 200,000 tourists have descended on the Rivieria principality for the nuptials between Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock, a South African former Olympic swimmer.
The price tag for the fete is estimated to be in the vicinity of $72 million, and the story suggests that the couple is looking to match the fairytale majesty of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding in April.
The spotlight couldn't come at a better time: The ultra-luxe principality is reportedly still struggling to recover from the 2008 financial crisis, which saw tourism fall by 9 percent and takings at casinos drop by 14 percent.
Numerous celebrities and heads of state are expected to attend, including President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, King Carl Gustaf of Sweden and fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, as well as supermodel Naomi Campbell as well as other A-list names.
And, of course, what's a royal wedding without a meal fit for a king...or a prince? Super chef Alain Ducasse, whose restaurants command a combined 19 Michelin stars, will serve dinner for about 500 guests, with everything but the champagne and South African wines sourced within six miles of Monaco.
Read more...