Monaco palace releases guest list for royal wedding

Video: Prince to wed despite runaway bride reports

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   >>> festivities are getting under way in monaco this morning for the next big royal wedding . perennial bachelor prince albert is tying the knot at the age of 53. nbc's michelle kosinski is in monte carlo this morning with details. hey, michelle, good morning.

   >> reporter: hi, ann. a big sigh of relief that this is actually happening. but isn't it a shame that on this happy occasion, the first time in 30 years this tiny exclusive principality will have a reigning princess, some say the biggest thing to happen to monaco in a half century, the palace has had to do some damage control. in a few hours, monaco will have its princess. south african swimmer charlene wittstock . what has really been going on behind palace doors? the highly respected french news magazine is staunchly defending its multiple sources on an explosive story. soon to be serene highness charlene was far from serene last week, that she rushed to the airport to leave. the palace has just as adamantly denied it. but a highly placed source here says, yes, it did happen and there's been tension. the controversy reportedly involves another woman now claiming to have a child out of wedlock with the prince. he already has two. still, a friend of the couple, royalty expert stefan burn says he talked to charlene --

   >> she said, okay, give me a break.

   >> reporter: and says she denies wanting a one-way ticket home.

   >> everything is okay. she never thought about leaving the country. you don't wait so long before you get married, then the day before you quit. no.

   >> reporter: whatever the details, the wedding starts now. reports also claim it will cost around $70 million, which the palace also denies. but, hey, this is monaco , playground of james bond and other international men and women of mystery. expect glamour. charlene 's gown will be armani. the dinner by an ub he cher chef. and last night they met with the eagles.

   >> we've all been waiting for this moment, always teased him about it and he's finally doing it.

   >> reporter: a bit bittersweet for those who knew and loved albert's mother, princess grace . kate powers, the american owner of the famous stars and bars restaurant here in monaco , will attend the wedding. her mother gene kelly was a best friend of the princess. they called themselves "the kelly girls."

   >> i think she is so approving of charlene . i am sure. i feel her. i always felt like she's still here. and i just feel very close to her spiritually and i just feel like i know that she would be so happy.

   >> reporter: no, we didn't seat kind of wild excitement or hype that we did before britain's royal wedding . but in this less than one square mile land of billionaires an hedge funders, kind of a cooler personality. in fact, one royal watcher called it a tough crowd and said a lot of people here don't even clap because their jewelry's too heavy and it gets in the way. i assumed he was joking but he said, no, no, he's serious.

   >> michelle, we don't have that problem. well michelle kosinski , thanks so much. by the way, you look beautiful this morning.

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