Love was in the air in Athens as Prince Nikolaos of Greece and shipping heiress Chrysí Vardinogianni exchanged vows in a private wedding ceremony.
The event took place just ten months after the end of Nikolaos’ 14-year marriage, marking a new chapter in his life.
With only about 50 close friends and family in attendance, the couple opted for a low-key yet elegant affair, a stark contrast to the prince’s previous grand wedding.
A New Beginning After Recent Divorces
Both Nikolaos and Chrysí were fresh out of their previous marriages before finding love with each other.
The 55-year-old prince, once dubbed the “Playboy Prince” for his high-profile social life, divorced Princess Tatiana in April last year.
Meanwhile, Chrysí, the daughter of Greek shipping tycoon Yiorgos Vardinogianni, finalized her divorce from Greek director Konstantinos Markoulakis in December 2023.
Despite their recent heartbreaks, the two seemed ready to embrace a future together.
A Stunning Bride in a Family Heirloom Tiara
For her big day, Chrysí wore an exquisite champagne-colored gown with lace embellishments, a high neckline, and delicate cap sleeves.
She complemented her elegant look with a lace-trimmed veil and the Antique Corsage Tiara—a treasured family piece gifted to Queen Anne-Marie on her 18th birthday.
This dazzling headpiece has graced the weddings of Nikolaos’ two sisters-in-law, making it a symbolic choice for the occasion.
Her blonde hair was styled in a soft updo with loose strands framing her face, while her makeup emphasized natural beauty.
The bride reportedly selected a dress by Greek designer Christos Costarellos, known for his intricate designs and high-profile clientele, including Meghan Markle and Carrie Johnson.
A Traditional Greek Orthodox Ceremony
The couple chose to wed in the historic St. Agios Nikolaos Ragavas Church, an 11th-century landmark nestled in the scenic Plaka neighborhood of Athens.
With its stunning surroundings, including views of the Acropolis, the venue provided an intimate and timeless setting for their nuptials.
This understated ceremony stood in stark contrast to Nikolaos’ first wedding in 2010, where he and Princess Tatiana celebrated with 370 guests on the picturesque Greek island of Spetses.
This time, the prince and his new bride preferred a more private affair, perhaps in light of the public attention surrounding their respective divorces.
Princess Tatiana’s Emotional Year
While Nikolaos was stepping into his new marriage, his ex-wife, Princess Tatiana, was navigating a difficult year.
After their split, she hinted at her struggles on social media, describing 2024 as a year of “uncertainty, pain, and transformation.”
Additionally, she has been open about her battles with anxiety and panic attacks, raising awareness about mental health challenges.
To add to her hardships, Tatiana faced a heartbreaking family crisis when her stepbrother, Attilio Brillembourg, went missing in Malibu just months after her divorce.
Despite these struggles, she has remained resilient, drawing strength from her faith and the overwhelming support from royal fans.
A Private Love Story
Nikolaos and Chrysí kept their relationship largely out of the public eye.
Their romance only became widely known last month, with their engagement and wedding announcement following shortly thereafter.
The couple was seen together at Princess Theodora’s wedding in October 2024, marking their first official appearance as a couple.
They also attended a memorial service for Nikolaos’ father, King Constantine, in January, further signaling their growing bond.
A Guest List Full of Royalty
Although the wedding was a small affair, it still attracted prominent guests from royal circles.
Nikolaos’ mother, Queen Anne-Marie, attended alongside Queen Sofia of Spain and Princess Benedikte of Denmark.
His siblings, Princess Theodora, Crown Prince Pavlos, and Princess Alexia, were also present with their respective spouses.
The bride’s mother, Agapis Politis, looked radiant in deep burgundy as she arrived to celebrate her daughter’s special day.
Other notable attendees included Greek dignitaries and figures from the country’s aristocracy, highlighting the couple’s deep-rooted connections in Greek high society.
A Low-Key Celebration for a Former “Playboy Prince”
Prince Nikolaos, known for his jet-setting lifestyle in his younger years, has certainly evolved.
Once a regular in elite social circles, rubbing shoulders with celebrities like model Elle Macpherson and socialite Jemima Khan, he now seems to prefer a quieter, more private life.
His marriage to Chrysí reflects this shift, with a focus on close-knit family bonds and tradition rather than extravagant public displays.
Looking Ahead
As Nikolaos and Chrysí embark on their new life together, royal watchers are eager to see how their marriage unfolds.
With strong family ties and a shared appreciation for Greek culture and heritage, their union is set to bring stability to both their lives.
While their wedding may have been understated, their love story is one that will undoubtedly continue to captivate royal enthusiasts worldwide.
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