HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Miss Charlene Wittstock Photo Amedeo M.Turello / Palais Princier - Monaco

First seen together in 2006, the pair’s engagement confirmed months of speculation that they would tie the knot. Charlene will be the first new crown princess of Monaco since a change in constitution came into force in 2002, allowing the Grimaldi dynasty to pass through the female line in the case of the ruler dying without a legitimate heir. Neither of Prince Albert’s two children - Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, 18, and Alexandre Coste, 6 - are eligible to the throne as they were both born out of wedlock. Therefore if Prince Albert marries and fathers an heir with Charlene, this will prevent the crown from passing to one of his sisters upon his death.

Although no further details of next year’s event have been released, it is likely that the people of Monaco and indeed the world will be wondering how the ceremony will compare to that of Prince Albert’s parents, Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly, over fifty years ago. Their legendary wedding was extended over three days and broadcast live on television to thirty million viewers. Maybe it will be another lavish ceremony, maybe something more intimate; what is sure, though, is that Prince Albert and his bride will make history in their own way.