Monaco royals party in Durban

Durban – Newlyweds Prince Albert II of Monaco and his South African bride held a glamorous party at Durban’s The Oyster Box hotel for friends and family who were unable to attend the wedding in Monaco on July 2.

Security was beefed up for the list of rich, famous and influencial guests at the exclusive event.

A large group of local as well as foreign media tried to get a shot of the many celebrities at the party.

Guests were greeted at the door by Sam Ramsamy, member of the International Olympic Committee and former president of the South African National Olympic Committee.

The guestlist included more than 400 VIPs including German chancellor dr Angela Merkel, the president of Fifa, Sepp Blatter, as well as Britain’s Princess Anne. Also in attendance were French prime minister Francois Fillon and the grand duke Henri of Luxembourg, Prince Frederik of Denmark and Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte.

President Jacob Zuma, one of his wives Thobeka Madiba Zuma, the minister of finances Pravin Gordhan and the minister of sport Fikile Mbalula were also invited along with other politicians.

A kiss for the cameras

Former Namibian Olympic silver medallist Frankie Fredericks also attended.

Prince Albert was one of the first to arrive. Princess Charlene arrived a few minutes later in a floor length, black lacy dress adorned with African patterns.

In order to amuse the media Prince Albert asked Charlene for a kiss, and she obliged with a smile.

Guests at the reception were treated to performances of Zulu war dances and African choir music.

Princess Charlene will briefly head to Cape Town on Friday in order to meet with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and to support various charities.