The Swedish Royal family is getting together with friends and honored guests on Saturday for the wedding of Princess Madeleine, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland. The youngest of three offsprings of Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, is now 30 years old and is marrying Christopher O’Neill, 38-year old British-American banker whom she met in New York City. Princess Madeleine is the fourth in line to the throne of Sweden.
Another royal Swedish wedding
Though Princess Madeleine’s wedding will not be as lavish at that of her sister, Crown Princess Victoria in 2010, it is still an event to remember. Royalty from all over Europe will be in Sweden to witness this milestone in the life of the princess. New York elite are expected to grace the event as well.
The wedding ceremony will be held at the Royal Chapel. The newlyweds will go around Stockholm in a horse and carriage after the rite to greet the public. The private reception will take place at Drottningholm Palace on the island of Lovön in Lake Mälaren, the Royal family’s private residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The couple will sail to the palace that is located 10 kilometers from the city center. The reception is expected to cater to around 500 guests.
Glitz and glamour
Some of the wedding guests expected on Saturday are Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado of Japan as well as Prince Edward, youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II and his wife Sophie. Royalty from European countries such as Denmark, Greece, Luxembourg, Monaco, and Norway are expected to join the ceremony as well.
According to the Royal Court, Princess Margaret’s wedding gown was made by top Italian designer Valentino Garavani, better known in fashion by his first name, Valentino.
Other famous invitees to the wedding of Princess Madeleine and Christopher O’Neill are Karl-Johan Persson, CEO of fashion retailer H&M and billionaire Alejandro Santo Domingo from Colombia. Two renowned performers, Broadway star Peter Joback (Phantom of the Opera) and Marie Fredriksson of the Swedish pop-rock band “Roxette” are also invited.
Finding love in America
When she was in her early twenties, Princess Madeleine was referred to by the press as the “party princess.” She lived a glamorous life, wore stylish clothes, and frequented top night clubs in Stockholm.
Princess Madeleine was engaged once before to a Swede, Atty. Jonas Bergstrom. The two were together for eight years and in August 2009, they made a public announcement of their intent to marry. But it was not meant to be because the princess called it off in 2010. The engagement was broken off after rumors circulated in the media that Bergstrom was unfaithful to her. Her heart broken, Princess Madeleine decided to go to New York.
Working for charity
Princess Madeleine lived in New York City from 2010 up to the present and worked for a non-profit organization that was founded by her mother, Queen Silvia. Two years ago, while working for the World Childhood Foundation, she met a partner at Noster Capital, banker Christopher O’Neill who has a dual American and British citizenship. Born into a wealthy family, O’Neill attended Swiss boarding school St. Gallen and holds degrees from Boston University and Columbia Business School.
For her second engagement, the Princess and her fiancé made the announcement through a video posted on the website of the Royal Court.
Photo Credit: Princess Madeleine
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