Prince Laurent and Princess Claire of Belgium’s 2003 Wedding: A Look Back

Wedding bells chimed at Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral on April 12, 2003 for Prince Laurent of Belgium and his bride, Claire Coombs, whose declaration of devotion transformed her into a princess. Take a look back at the pageantry of the royal nuptials:

Prior to the blessing of their union, Claire Coombs and Prince Laurent were officially proclaimed husband and wife in a civil ceremony. A photographer captured the bride’s arrival at Brussels Town Hall:

The lace-edged veil which trailed behind the bride was a legacy of love, having been worn on the wedding days of three generations, beginning with the nuptials of Queen Paola’s grandmother in 1877, Hello magazine reported:

Following the exchange of vows, well wishers gathered outside Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral were awarded with a view of the bride’s gown– a creation of Belgian designer Edouard Vermeulen, who had previously fashioned royal wedding wear for Princess Laurentien and Princess Mathilde.

After the bride and groom made their exit from the cathedral, 1,500 guests followed suit. Among the attendees were Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine of Sweden, both of whom are now looking forward to their own walks down the aisle.

Photos courtesy Picapp