On April 11th in celebrity history, one significant event took place in 1961. On this day, former actress and fashion icon Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in a lavish ceremony that captured the world's attention.
Grace Kelly, an American actress known for her roles in films such as "Rear Window" and "To Catch a Thief," met Prince Rainier III at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955. After a year-long courtship, the couple announced their engagement in January 1956.
The wedding ceremony took place at the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Monaco, with over 600 guests in attendance, including Hollywood stars like Cary Grant, Ava Gardner, and Aristotle Onassis. The ceremony was also broadcast live on television, allowing millions of viewers around the world to witness the event.
Grace Kelly's wedding dress, designed by MGM costume designer Helen Rose, was a gift from the studio and is considered one of the most iconic wedding gowns in history. The dress featured a high neckline, fitted bodice, and a flared skirt made of 25 yards of taffeta, 100 yards of silk net, and 125-year-old Brussels lace.
Upon marrying Prince Rainier III, Grace Kelly became Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco, thus retiring from her acting career at the age of 26. The couple had three children together: Princess Caroline, Prince Albert II, and Princess Stéphanie.
The wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III remains a significant event in celebrity history, as it represented the fairy-tale union of a Hollywood star and a real-life prince, captivating the public's imagination and setting a new standard for royal weddings.
