Cinderella stories are often the stuff of fairy tales, and yet, on this day fourteen years ago, we witnessed a real-life enchanting tale unfold in Oslo, Norway. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit became united in marriage, promising a future adorned with royal elegance and rich traditions. Let’s delve into the stunning jewels that graced their momentous occasion, shall we? (P.S. If you missed the retrospective of their pre-wedding gala, be sure to check it out!)
The bride, showcasing her natural beauty, selected a refined and minimalist wedding gown that was beautifully complemented by exquisite jewels. The centerpiece was undoubtedly the exquisite diamond daisy bandeau gifted by her royal in-laws, King Harald and Queen Sonja. Additionally, she adorned herself with a delicate necklace and modest earrings that enhanced her timeless look.
Here is a closer look at the magnificent gown paired with a dramatic bouquet, with the added charm of youth captured in the moment without the groom’s signature beard.
Queen Sonja, Haakon’s mother, made a regal statement in a magnificent green gown, accessorized with the family’s treasured suite of emeralds. Her elegance was further accentuated by the Order of St. Olav and King Harald’s family order, which she proudly wore around her neck.
Princess Märtha Louise, the groom’s sister, was resplendent in a tiara that once belonged to her grandfather, King Olav. Her jewelry, an intriguing combination that included a necklace, bracelet, and earrings, appeared to feature topazes or aquamarines. Moreover, she donned a small diamond brooch, the Order of St. Olav, and her father’s family order — though the engagement ring on her finger was not the one from Ari since it wasn’t part of their official engagement until later that December.
Princess Astrid, sister to King Harald and godmother to Crown Prince Haakon, adorned herself with a breathtaking suite of turquoise and diamonds that formerly belonged to Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, her great-grandmother. In addition, she wore the Order of St. Olav and family orders representing her distinguished lineage: those of King Haakon VII, King Olav V, and King Harald V.
Among the attendees, the most delightful sight was undoubtedly Mette-Marit’s son, Marius, who captured hearts in his charming little suit. It’s not every day a four-year-old can attend a royal wedding in white tie and tails.
Queen Silvia of Sweden shone brightly on this special day, bedecked in diamonds, which included Queen Sofia’s Tiara, Carl Johan Earrings, a diamond collet necklace with pendant, and an impressive diamond brooch. She too wore the Order of St. Olav and badge of her husband’s family order, King Carl XVI Gustaf, who is also the godfather to Crown Prince Haakon.
Making an early appearance, Crown Princess Victoria showcased her signature Baden Fringe tiara. She also wore diamond earrings crafted from Queen Josefina’s diamond stomacher, layered with a diamond and pearl brooch, the Order of St. Olav, and her father’s family order.
Princess Madeleine wore the Modern Fringe Tiara at the wedding. An elegant choice that she had previously donned at her own wedding — a feat of foresight, given she could not have anticipated such connections at the time. Simple diamond stud earrings, the Bernadotte diamond bow brooch, and a diamond necklace completed her look, along with the Order of the Seraphim, which was her only order at the time.
Prince Carl Philip was also present, representing Sweden as he escorted his sisters. Like Madeleine, he showcased the Order of the Seraphim in honor of the family lineage.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, another proud godparent to Crown Prince Haakon, dazzled in the heart-shaped Baden Palmette Tiara, elegantly paired with a diamond riviere and extravagant diamond floral earrings. She too exhibited the Order of St. Olav and recognized her father’s family order.
There was no sign of Mary at this wedding, but Crown Prince Frederik stepped in as the best man, proudly wearing the Order of St. Olav.
Princess Benedikte, Margrethe’s younger sister, dazzled with a tiara recently bequeathed to her from her late mother, Queen Sofia’s Star and Pearl Tiara. She paired it with a diamond necklace obtained from a sautoir belonging to Queen Alexandrine, complemented by Queen Ingrid’s diamond fan earrings and star brooches that paid homage to Queen Victoria of Sweden. The Order of St. Olav elegantly adorned her neckline.
Benedikte’s elder daughter, Princess Alexandra of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, embraced her maternal heritage at the wedding, donning her mother’s Floral Birthday Tiara and a spectacular choker of seed pearls. According to Bjarne Steen Jensen, an expert on Danish jewelry, this piece served as one of Queen Ingrid’s christening gifts from her Swedish grandparents, King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria.
Queen Margrethe’s youngest sister, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, also showcased a piece from Ingrid’s collection: the Khedive of Egypt Tiara, originally belonging to Crown Princess Margareta of Sweden. In addition, she wore a stunning aquamarine pendant that once belonged to Margareta and a square brooch set with aquamarines and diamonds, gifted by a Greek shipping magnate. Her diamond bracelets were part of a convertible necklace originating from Queen Alexandrine’s sautoir, and she wore the Order of the Redeemer to signify her Greek heritage.
Anne-Marie’s eldest daughter, Princess Alexia, was also a sight to behold, adorned with her diamond tiara at the wedding. Her look included the same dainty diamond earrings worn on her own wedding day, a brooch with a small pendant drop, and the Order of the Redeemer, showcasing the family’s remarkable lineage.
Anne-Marie’s second son, Prince Nikolaos, brought family connection to the wedding, similarly exhibiting the Order of the Redeemer.
The British contingent was present, comprising three representatives, although the absence of Princess Anne, Haakon’s British godmother, sparked curiosity. Prince Charles attended solo, a return visit of sorts since Haakon and Mette-Marit attended his wedding to Camilla four years later. Charles displayed the Order of St. Olav.
The other British royals included the Earl and Countess of Wessex, with Sophie wearing her wedding tiara, complemented by diamond earrings and a pearl necklace gifted by Edward on their first anniversary.
Queen Paola of Belgium adopted a regal splendor, flaunting Queen Elisabeth’s Art Deco Bandeau, diamond half-moon earrings, a convertible diamond necklace, a crescent brooch, and the Order of St. Olav, displaying her royal heritage.
The Duke of Brabant, now King Philippe of the Belgians, attended without his pregnant wife, Mathilde, who was set to give birth to Princess Elisabeth (now the Duchess of Brabant). Philippe wore the Order of Leopold, highlighting his Belgian nobility.
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg was stunning in the Chaumet Pearl Choker Tiara and an extravagant double-stranded diamond necklace along with sparkling diamond bracelets and earrings, completing her ensemble with the prestigious Order of St. Olav.
To find a modest yet fitting tiara for a soon-to-be princess, Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti (now Queen Máxima of the Netherlands) chose the base of the Antique Pearl Tiara, eschewing the upright pearls for a more understated elegance. She also adorned her look with earrings and a brooch embellished with diamonds and gray pearls.
Completing the ensemble, diamond bracelets and her engagement ring sparkled with royal elegance.
Willem-Alexander’s brother, Prince Constantijn (wearing the Order of the Netherlands Lion), attended the wedding with his wife, Princess Laurentien, who showcased the family’s Ears of Wheat Tiara, a collection of exquisite brooches dating back to the early 19th century.
Unfortunately, no Monegasque princesses were present at the wedding, but Prince Albert II was in attendance, proudly wearing the Order of Saint-Charles.
Queen Sofia of Spain shimmered in her floral tiara, complemented by diamond earrings, a radiant necklace, and a diamond bow brooch, accented with the Order of St. Olav. Her son, the Prince of Asturias (now King Felipe VI of Spain), escorted her, a nostalgic moment before Letizia entered the picture.
This memorable wedding had its share of intrigue, as Felipe’s romantic past with the statuesque Norwegian model Eva Sannum ended shortly after this event, leading him to meet Letizia the following year.
Quali gioielli di questo matrimonio reale sono i tuoi preferiti?
