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Why Grace Kelly's "Wedding of the Century" Still Blows Our Minds 61 Years Later
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  • Grace turned her trip to Monaco into a symbolic gesture. Instead of flying to the principality, Grace and an entourage of 70 (including her six bridesmaids and 80 suitcases) set sail on April 4, 1956, on the S.S. Constitution out of New York harbor. By physically crossing the ocean, her trip served as a symbol of linking the US and Europe. "The whole Constitution trip was something Mom referred to at times," her son, Prince Albert III, told People. "She'd say it was fun for the wedding party. It really bonded the whole Philadelphia side, her family and friends who came over together on the crossing . . . she would talk about her dog, Oliver, being on board with her."
  • The Cannes Film Festival rearranged its schedule to accommodate the wedding. When Grace got off the S.S. Constitution in Monaco on April 12, she was greeted by the mayor of Cannes, who ensured the legendary film festival (where she met her husband-to-be) would not conflict with the affair.
  • Grace's arrival brought out the whole city. As she made her way into Monaco on Prince Rainier's yacht from the larger boat (which wouldn't fit in Monaco's small harbor), a band played "The Star Spangled Banner" and press helicopters eager for a shot swirled above. A crowd of over 20,000 people watched as she carried her black French poodle in her arms and wore "an immense white hat," which many photographers later complained ruined their shots of her first stepping foot onto Monacan soil.
  • The first night she was there turned into a full-fledged celebration. To commemorate Grace's arrival, a dance company performed a gorgeous ballet for her and Prince Rainier and an elaborate fireworks display was set off in the couple's honor.
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