Sweden's Princess Madeleine weds New York banker
US citizen Christopher O'Neill (left) and Swedish Princess Madeleine wave from the balcony of Grand Hotel prior to a dinner for the couple in Stockholm June 7, 2013, the day before their wedding.[Photo/Agencies] |
STOCKHOLM - A daughter of the Swedish king marries her US-British banker fiance on Saturday at a wedding to be attended by European royals and socialites from across the Atlantic.
The 30-year-old Princess Madeleine, who earned a reputation for partying in her 20s, will marry Christopher O'Neill, 38, who was born and raised in Britain but also has US citizenship.
The princess, fourth in line to the throne, won sympathy among Swedes after her engagement with a long-term boyfriend ended in 2010 after reports he was found cheating on her.
But she attracted negative media coverage just days before the wedding with reports that she tried avoid a traffic ticket near the royal palace by declaring immunity.
The monarchy enjoys fairly wide support among the public in otherwise egalitarian Sweden. Madeleine will continue to live in New York where she works at a children's charity founded by her mother.
Some 600 guests will attend the wedding at the Royal Palace. After the ceremony and a 21-gun salute, a horse and carriage will take the couple to a banquet hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.