Prince Albert of Monaco and his new bride, Princess Charlene, will arrive in Durban next week for the second stage in their wedding celebrations, in what is expected to be a glamorous event in true South African style.
And on Saturday as the world watches their religious ceremony as the playboy prince marries Charlene Wittstock, in the second high-profile royal wedding of the year, the staff at the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga will be getting down to preparations for the nuptial party.
The royal couple are due to hold their South African wedding party on Thursday evening, when more than 300 guests, including royalty from around the world, as well as the new princess’s close family and friends, will be wined and dined in the finest style.
Security will be tight, with hotel management confirming security for the event has been stepped up by assistance from the South Africa Police Service and security companies.
General manager of the hotel Wayne Coetzer said yesterday: “We are naturally thrilled that His Highness Prince Albert of Monaco and his new bride have chosen to celebrate the second part of their nuptials at the Oyster Box.”
He added that every detail had been taken into account in order to ensure the smooth-running of the day, with more than 300 guests expected.
“The magnificent all-white Pearl Room, resplendent with Venetian chandeliers and views over the Indian Ocean, is pretty hard to beat as venues go and we hope it will provide memories for the couple and all who share their special South African celebration.”
While details of the function remain a tightly-guarded secret, the Oyster Box’s executive chef, Kevin Joseph, has hinted that the menu will be “seasonal, with a South African touch”.
The couple’s trip to South Africa will not be all romance and candlelight, as Prince Albert will also be attending the 123rd International Olympic Committee Session to be held in Durban. Other high-profile delegates are Britian’s Princess Anne, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, German President Christian Wulff, French Prime Minister Francois Fullon, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, The Netherlands Prince of Orange, and the Crown Prince of Denmark. - Independent on Saturday