The happy couple want to share the joy of their wedding weekend with all the people of the Principality and beyond. Photo: Eric Mathon - Palais Princier

A quick glimpse of the preliminary programme reveals two public holidays (July 1st & 2nd), two free concerts, street entertainment (still to be defined), a motor cortege from the Palace to Saint Devote Church, where Princess Charlene of Monaco will leave her wedding bouquet, free museums and galleries, free bus transport, free parking and beefed-up rail service to guarantee transport for visitors. The ceremonies may be watched on screens set up throughout the Principality or at home on Monaco Info or TMC.

Movement around Monaco’s 2.2sq kms will be without restriction – except for sensitive areas – promises Police Chief Andre Mulberger who will position 550 Monaco police on the ground and cover air security with the help of the Amée de l’Air Francaise. A closer preview shows the follwing:

Thursday, June 30th, 10pm: Free public concert by California pioneers of country rock, The Eagles, Stade Louis II.

Friday, July 1st, 5pm: The civil ceremony, celebrated by Philippe Narmino, President of the Council of State, in the Palace throne room. 6,000 Monegasque citizens are expected to watch the ceremony, outside, ‘live’ on a screen in the Place du Palais.

5:30pm: The Prince and Princess will appear on the Palace balcony.

6pm: A cocktail will be offered to Monegasque citizens in Place du Palais, followed by presentation of their gift by Mayor Georges Marsan. 8pm: Reception at the Port Hercule for Monaco residents.

10:30pm: Son, Lumiere & Video with Jean-Michel Jarre at Port Hercule. Normal retail opening hours.

Saturday, July 2nd. 5pm: Religious ceremony, celebrated by the Archbishop of Monaco, Bernard Barsi, in the Palace Cour d’Honneur. Live on-screen transmission.

6:30pm: Motor cortege to Saint Devote.

9pm: Official, invitation-only, dinner and ball, Salle Garnier.

Midnight: Fireworks and music.

Only retailers with less than 30 employees (with the exception of FNAC) will be open during the day. The government has budgeted a preliminary four million euro for the celebration. No one, however, is yet prepared to speculate on the boost to the economy the wedding will bring. “It’s not a business, it’s a festive moment,” emphasized Direct of Tourism Michel Bouquier, who stated that there would be no hike in hotel or restaurant prices, though he did expect that Monaco would capitalize on its "World Capital of Romance" image. Restaurants and hotels, for example, are developing “romance formulas” and commemorative stamps and souvenirs will be available..

The definitive programme is expected by the end of May.

Lois Bolton