![]() ![]() On June 2, it was announced by the Belgian government that the wedding – both civil and religious – would take place in Brussels on July 2, 1959: The Pope – wanting to avoid any sort of diplomatic or political issue – decided that the wedding should take place at home. Due to the Vatican’s position within the city of Rome, it would require some almost clandestine efforts for them to be able to attend.īy the end of May, reports began to emerge that the plans were changing. There was also the issue of the groom’s aunt and uncle, the former King Umberto and Queen Marie-José of Italy who were banned from entering Italy. The Vatican only recognizes religious marriage, while Belgium only recognizes civil marriage (and requires a civil marriage before a religious service can take place). ![]() And there were also some legalities involved. First was the fact that many people felt that a royal wedding should take place in Belgium, to be a celebration for all the people. ![]() However, this was quickly met with resistance in Belgium, from both the government and the Belgian people. Several days after the engagement, it was announced that the couple planned to marry at the Vatican on July 1, 1959, with the ceremony being officiated by Pope John XXIII. Over the next several weeks, the couple visited several of the provinces of Belgium, where Albert introduced his future bride to the Belgian people.īritish Pathé: Prince Albert Engagement (no sound) Plans for a Vatican Wedding “The King, and King Leopold have the joy to share with the nation the engagement of HRH Prince Albert, Prince of Belgium, Prince of Liège, with Dona Paola Ruffo di Calabria, daughter of the late Prince Fulco Ruffo di Calabria, Duke of Guardia Lombarda and Princess Luisa Gazelli.” Following the announcement, the couple met with the press at the Palace of Laeken. Two months later, he introduced Paola to his family, and finally, the engagement was announced on April 13, 1959. Just a month later, On December 6, 1958, Albert proposed and Paola accepted. They first met at a reception held at the Belgian Embassy and were instantly smitten. In November 1958, both Albert and Paola were in Rome to attend the coronation of Pope John XXIII.
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