Monaco is preparing to celebrate the wedding of Prince Albert II to South African ex-swimmer Charlene Wittstock later today.

The civil ceremony, which will see 33-year-old Miss Wittstock transformed from commoner to royalty, is to take place in the throne room where Hollywood beauty Grace Kelly married Albert's father, Prince Rainier III, 55 years ago.

Ms Wittstock is to wear a Chanel ensemble when she weds 53-year-old Albert.

The civil wedding will be followed a day later by a religious ceremony that is expected to draw hundreds of VIP guests including heads of state, European royalty and the creme de la creme of the fashion and sporting worlds.

Reports in the French press that the bride-to-be was having second thoughts about the wedding have been denied by the palace.

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