Royals Pavlos and Marie-Chantal commemorate their wedding anniversary on a cherished island of the monarchy
In a heartwarming celebration, Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece marked their 30th wedding anniversary on the picturesque Greek island of Spetses. The island, known for its fragrant pine-clad hills and clear waters, holds a special place in the royal family's heart, serving as a symbol of their Greek heritage and a cherished family retreat.
The couple, who met in 1993 at a party in New Orleans, exchanged vows on 1 July 1995, outside Saint Sophia's Cathedral in London. Their grand wedding was attended by many European royals, reflecting their significant social stature and connections with royal families across Europe.
Marie-Chantal's wedding dress, designed by Valentino Garavani, took over four months to make, while the royal wedding reportedly cost $1.5 million dollars. For their recent anniversary celebration on Spetses, the personal florist of the Danish royal family decorated the cathedral with 30,000 pink flowers, creating a breathtaking ambiance.
Spetses played host to another royal wedding in 2010, when Princess Tatiana of Greece married Prince Nikolaos. The waterfront church of Agios Nikolaos was the venue for their nuptials, and the royal couple stayed at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel during their visit to the island.
Princess Tatiana, who described Spetses as an "old friend" and a place where she never feels alone, spoke out following her divorce from the 'playboy prince'. Meanwhile, Spetsopoula, a private island of Nikolas Niarchos, was the location for his wedding to Italian artist Malù dalla Piccola.
Princess Beatrice was seen wearing a gown from The Vampire's Wife for a friend's birthday, while Isolde Walters, a likely photographer, shared photographs of the royal couple's anniversary celebration on Spetses.
Pavlos, the eldest son of the last King of Greece, Constantine II, and Queen Anne-Marie, was born on May 20, 1967, and grew up during a turbulent period in Greek history marked by a military coup and the eventual abolition of the monarchy in 1973–74. Despite this, the royal family, including Princess Tatiana, has maintained a fondness for the Greek island of Spetses.
Marie-Chantal, who hails from a wealthy, international family, represents a modern royal partnership. Her wedding saw her lent the Antique Corsage Tiara tiara by her new mother-in-law for the ceremony.
The interplay of heritage, exile, and continuing royal traditions defines their significance in Greek and European royal circles, making their anniversary celebration on Spetses a fitting tribute to their enduring love and commitment.
- The style of Marie-Chantal's wedding dress, designed by Valentino Garavani, required four months to complete, showcasing the fashion-and-beauty standards at royal events.
- Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal's nuptials were attended by various European royals, a testament to their relationships within royal circles and their lifestyle.
- For their recent wedding anniversary, the personal florist of the Danish royal family decoratively featured 30,000 pink flowers in the cathedral, symbolizing the travel destination's significance to the royals.
- Spetses, often observed as a travel destination, has hosted multiple royal weddings, including those of Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal in 1995 and Princess Tatiana in 2010, making it an iconic landmark in the royals' hearts and their travel itineraries.
