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Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Sealed with a royal kiss! Princess Theodora of Greece FINALLY ties the knot with LA-based lawyer fiancé after two attempts and family tragedy


Princess Theodora of Greece and her LA-based lawyer husband Matthew Kumar, finally sealed their marriage vows with a kiss after two attempts and a four-year delay.

The 41-year-old actress, who was born in London and played secretary Alison Montgomery in The Bold and the Beautiful, looked every inch the perfect bride as she arrived at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens.

Wearing a bespoke off-the-shoulder wedding gown from Greek designer Celia Kritharioti, the bride put on a dazzling display in the Cartier-made Khedive of Egypt Tiara, which has long been worn by women in Theodora’s family on their big days.

Mr Kumar and his glowing bride shared a loving kiss as they stood at the steps of the Athens Cathedral, solidifying their matrimonial vows after their nuptials was postponed in 2020 and 2023. 

The loving couple where in wedding bliss, with the groom kissing Princess Theodora’s hand as well as her cheek as she mesmerised the crowd with a euphoric smile.

Sealed with a royal kiss! Princess Theodora of Greece FINALLY ties the knot with LA-based lawyer fiancé after two attempts and family tragedy

Princess Theodora and Mathew Kumar lovingly share a smooch as they leave the Cathedral

The newlyweds look lovingly into each others eyes as they begin their lives as husband and wife

The newlyweds look lovingly into each others eyes as they begin their lives as husband and wife

The happy groom planted a smooch on the cheek of his beautiful bride as they greeted crowds outside the Cathedral

The happy groom planted a smooch on the cheek of his beautiful bride as they greeted crowds outside the Cathedral

The blushing bride and her dashing groom wave to the hoards of supporters outside the cathedral

The blushing bride and her dashing groom wave to the hoards of supporters outside the cathedral

The glowing newlyweds waved with glee as the reams of supporters waiting outside the stunning cathedral as they finally became husband and wife.

Their lavish wedding ceremony comes shortly after their initial wedding was scheduled to be held on the Greek island of Spetses in 2020, but had to be put on hold because of the Covid pandemic. 

A second attempt was postponed after the death of Theodora’s father King Constantine II of Greece in 2023. 

As the daughter of the late Greek King and his wife Queen Anne-Marie, the bride – who was also the late Queen Elizabeth II‘s goddaughter – is related to a host of glam European royals – many of whom attended her big day, including Queen Sofia of Spain and model Princess Olympia of Greece.

Although Theodora did not have her father to walk her down the aisle as she showcased her stunning wedding dress for the first time, her oldest brother Crown Prince Pavlos performed the role of ‘giving away’ his younger sister. 

Both were seen walking from a car towards the Cathedral, with Pavlos supporting his younger sister while she made her way up the stairs, before her niece Olympia helped sort out her beautiful gown.

Sporting a traditional white frock, Theodora’s strapless dress featured a fold-over neckline, an A-line shaped skirt and a fabric covered in shimmering white beads.

The bride’s dress – which she picked out ahead of the original wedding date in 2020 – was created by Celia Kritharioti.

Celia is Greece’s foremost fashion designer, whose elegant creations are worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow and Taylor Swift. 

She is the owner of the oldest Greek fashion house, which was established in Athens in 1906, and features at Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture and at London’s Harrods.

Princess Theodora of Greece pictured arriving at her wedding to LA-based lawyer Matthew Kumar. She stands next to her older brother Crown Prince Pavlos

Princess Theodora of Greece pictured arriving at her wedding to LA-based lawyer Matthew Kumar. She stands next to her older brother Crown Prince Pavlos

Although Theodora did not have her father to walk her down the aisle as she showcased her stunning wedding dress for the first time, her oldest brother Crown Prince Pavlos performed the role of 'giving away' his younger sister

Although Theodora did not have her father to walk her down the aisle as she showcased her stunning wedding dress for the first time, her oldest brother Crown Prince Pavlos performed the role of ‘giving away’ his younger sister

Wearing a bespoke off-the-shoulder wedding gown from Greek designer Celia Kritharioti, the bride put on a dazzling display in the Cartier-made Khedive of Egypt Tiara, which has long been worn by women in Theodora's family on their big days

Wearing a bespoke off-the-shoulder wedding gown from Greek designer Celia Kritharioti, the bride put on a dazzling display in the Cartier-made Khedive of Egypt Tiara, which has long been worn by women in Theodora’s family on their big days

Meanwhile, the Khedive of Egypt Tiara has long been worn by women in Theodora’s family on their wedding days, including by her mother Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, and her aunts Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Princess Benedikte of Denmark.

It was given to Princess Margaret of Connaught – who married the future King of Sweden, Gustaf VI Adolf – as a wedding present in 1905 by the Khedive, reported Royal Central.

The tiara was created by Cartier and features a laurel wreath-inspired design, which includes diamonds and platinum.

Princess Margaret often wore the tiara before her death in 1920. The tiara then left Sweden when her daughter Princess Ingrid, married Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark.

The bride and groom’s wedding date on Saturday was said to be picked due to it being close to the wedding anniversary of Theodora’s parents, King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie, who were married on September 18, 1964, in Athens. 

Initially, Princess Theodora and her fiancé, who announced their engagement in November 2018 after two years of dating, were scheduled to wed on the Greek island of Spetses in 2020.

But the couple were forced to put the May 26 event on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite not walking down the aisle on the day, Theodora still celebrated with her husband-to-be and she shared a snap of herself with Matthew on Instagram as they dined on Greek salad, olives, bread and cheese and shared a tipple.

The wedding was initially scheduled to be held on the Greek island of Spetses in 2020, but had to be put on hold because of the Covid pandemic. A second attempt was postponed after the death of Theodora's father King Constantine II of Greece in 2023

The wedding was initially scheduled to be held on the Greek island of Spetses in 2020, but had to be put on hold because of the Covid pandemic. A second attempt was postponed after the death of Theodora’s father King Constantine II of Greece in 2023

Princess Theodora of Greece stands at the foot of the cathedral as her dress is delicately repositioned

Princess Theodora of Greece stands at the foot of the cathedral as her dress is delicately repositioned

Sporting a traditional white frock, Theodora's strapless dress featured a fold-over neckline, an A-line shaped skirt and a fabric covered in shimmering white beads

Sporting a traditional white frock, Theodora’s strapless dress featured a fold-over neckline, an A-line shaped skirt and a fabric covered in shimmering white beads

Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Theodora prepare to head into the church as she stuns with a stunning floral wedding gown and an equally gorgeous smile

Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Theodora prepare to head into the church as she stuns with a stunning floral wedding gown and an equally gorgeous smile

The bride's dress - which she picked out ahead of the original wedding date in 2020 - was created by Celia Kritharioti

The bride’s dress – which she picked out ahead of the original wedding date in 2020 – was created by Celia Kritharioti

Love is in the air as Princess Theodora arrives to the cathedral in a land rover flooded with a gorgeous floral display

Love is in the air as Princess Theodora arrives to the cathedral in a land rover flooded with a gorgeous floral display

Pavlos supported his younger sister while she made her way up the stairs, before her niece Olympia (pictured right) helped sort out the bride's beautiful gown

Pavlos supported his younger sister while she made her way up the stairs, before her niece Olympia (pictured right) helped sort out the bride’s beautiful gown

Queen Anne-Marie of Greece (pictured right) was accompanied to her daughter's wedding by her son Prince Nikolaos (pictured left)

Queen Anne-Marie of Greece (pictured right) was accompanied to her daughter’s wedding by her son Prince Nikolaos (pictured left)

For her daughter's big day, Queen Anne-Marie sported a striking blue striped gown and matching accessories

For her daughter's big day, Queen Anne-Marie sported a striking blue striped gown and matching accessories

For her daughter’s big day, Queen Anne-Marie sported a striking blue striped gown and matching accessories 

Bridesmaids Arrietta Morales y de Grecia and Princess Olympia pose for a photo before the wedding begins

Bridesmaids Arrietta Morales y de Grecia and Princess Olympia pose for a photo before the wedding begins

The bridesmaids sported elegant blue silk numbers for the bride's big day in the Greek capital

The bridesmaids sported elegant blue silk numbers for the bride’s big day in the Greek capital

Arrietta Morales y de Grecia and Princess Maria-Olympia stun in their silk blue gowns as they prepare to enter the church

Arrietta Morales y de Grecia and Princess Maria-Olympia stun in their silk blue gowns as they prepare to enter the church

Queen Sofia of Spain attends the wedding of her niece in Athens, sporting a glamorous red frock for the glitzy occasion

Queen Sofia of Spain attends the wedding of her niece in Athens, sporting a glamorous red frock for the glitzy occasion

Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, is joined by her sons for the wedding, whilst their father walked the bride down the aisle

Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, is joined by her sons for the wedding, whilst their father walked the bride down the aisle

Anna-Maria Morales y de Grecia, Carlos Morales y de Grecia, Amelia Morales y de Grecia, Princess Alexia, Carlos Morales at the weeding of Princess Theodora of Greece

Anna-Maria Morales y de Grecia, Carlos Morales y de Grecia, Amelia Morales y de Grecia, Princess Alexia, Carlos Morales at the weeding of Princess Theodora of Greece

Thomas Flohr, Prince Philippos, Princess Nina, Wedding of Princess Theodora of Greece and Matthew Kumar at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Athens

Thomas Flohr, Prince Philippos, Princess Nina, Wedding of Princess Theodora of Greece and Matthew Kumar at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Athens

Anna-Maria Morales y de Grecia, Carlos Morales y de Grecia, Amelia Morales y de Grecia and Princess Alexia, Carlos Morale

Anna-Maria Morales y de Grecia, Carlos Morales y de Grecia, Amelia Morales y de Grecia and Princess Alexia, Carlos Morale

Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia and Princess Catherine of Serbia arrive at the wedding putting on a glamorous display donning different shades of blue

Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia and Princess Catherine of Serbia arrive at the wedding putting on a glamorous display donning different shades of blue

Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia waves to the crowd whilst donning a a dark navy suit

Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia waves to the crowd whilst donning a a dark navy suit 

As she posted the photo, the Princess wrote: ‘On what should have been our wedding weekend – the love and support from friends and family have been so appreciated.  We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you in Greece once it’s safe.’

When the pandemic finally came to an end, Theodora and Matthew set another wedding date – ‘early summer’ in 2023, in Porto Heli, Greece.

However, just a month after the Greek Royal Household announced the second wedding date, actress Theodora’s father, King Constantine of Greece, passed away.

King Constantine, the last King of Greece who was exiled in 1973 when the monarchy was abolished, had five children; Crown Prince Pavlos, Prince Philippos, Princess Alexia, Princess Theodora and Prince Nikolaos.

The exiled king died at the age of 82 in January 2023. As Theodora mourned her father, she postponed her wedding to Matthew for the second time. 

The bride and groom were spotted side-by-side at the memorial service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel in Windsor in February 2024, which saw royals from across Europe in attendance including Queen Camilla, King Felipe of Spain and Queen Letizia.

Two months after her father’s death, the princess posted a tribute to him on Instagram which read: ‘It’s been two months since you left us. Miss you everyday Papa. Love you.’ 

The beautiful bride enjoys close ties to both the British, Danish and Spanish royal families.

Princess Benedikte and Princess Alexandra at the wedding strike a pose as they prepare to attend the wedding

Princess Benedikte and Princess Alexandra at the wedding strike a pose as they prepare to attend the wedding

Count Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille, Princess Benedikte and Princess Alexandra at the wedding

Count Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille, Princess Benedikte and Princess Alexandra at the wedding

Irene Urdanagarin, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina arrive at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of St. Mary

Irene Urdanagarin, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina arrive at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of St. Mary  

Alexia of Greece arrives at the Annunciation Cathedral of St. Mary to attend the wedding of Theodora of Greece

Alexia of Greece arrives at the Annunciation Cathedral of St. Mary to attend the wedding of Theodora of Greece

Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, opted for a stylish cream frock, featuring cinched waist detailing and a statement neckline

Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, opted for a stylish cream frock, featuring cinched waist detailing and a statement neckline

The bride's maternal aunt Princess Benedikte of Denmark stunned in a red and pink gown

The bride’s maternal aunt Princess Benedikte of Denmark stunned in a red and pink gown

Thomas Flohr, Prince Philippos and Princess Nina posed for a photo before attending the wedding

Thomas Flohr, Prince Philippos and Princess Nina posed for a photo before attending the wedding 

The three were all smiles before they headed into the lavish royal wedding

The three were all smiles before they headed into the lavish royal wedding

Matthew Kumar and his wedding party at the wedding of Mathew Kumar and Theodora of Greece

Matthew Kumar and his wedding party at the wedding of Mathew Kumar and Theodora of Greece

A wider view of the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Athens, Greece

A wider view of the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Athens, Greece

Her father King Constantine – who retained his royal title after the abolition of the Greek monarchy in 1973 – was a second cousin of King Charles, and Prince William’s godfather.

Meanwhile, her mother, Queen Anne-Marie is the younger sister of Denmark’s Queen Margrethe, making King Frederik her first cousin.

Elsewhere, Theodora’s paternal aunt is Queen Sofia, who was Queen of Spain from 1975 to 2014 as the wife of King Juan Carlos I.

King Constantine’s son Crown Prince Pavlos and the Greek Royal Family have no official remit, but are still active participants in royal life around Europe.

At the time of her engagement, Theodora announced the happy news on Instagram, saying: ‘Words can’t express our happiness and excitement. I can’t wait to marry this wonderful man. I love you, Matt.’

On Friday night, Theodora proved to be the epitome of a beautiful bride-to-be as she stepped out for her pre-wedding dinner on Friday night.

The 41-year-old appeared radiant in a white midi dress from Celia Kritharioti as she hosted an array of royals from the Greek, Spanish and Danish households in Athens – with glitzy guests including her glamorous model niece Princess Olympia, 28.

As every bride should, Theodora commanded attention in her chic backless dress, which featured a stylish square neckline with thick straps, a billowing skirt, cinched waist detailing and a statement bow.

Looking effortlessly elegant, the bride teamed her dress with a pair of matching white heels and the $373 ‘Elos’ Box Clutch in Pearl from Los-Angeles based brand Cult Gaia.

She couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she stepped out at the glamorous occasion with her husband-to-be Matthew, who looked equally smart in a navy blazer teamed with black trousers and a white shirt.

Princess Theodora of Greece (pictured left, with her husband-to-be) proved to be the epitome of a beautiful bride-to-be as she stepped out for her pre-wedding dinner on Friday night

Princess Theodora of Greece (pictured left, with her husband-to-be) proved to be the epitome of a beautiful bride-to-be as she stepped out for her pre-wedding dinner on Friday night

The 41-year-old actress, who was born in London and played secretary Alison Montgomery in The Bold and the Beautiful, appeared radiant in a white midi dress from Greek designer Celia Kritharioti, who is also creating her wedding gown

The 41-year-old actress, who was born in London and played secretary Alison Montgomery in The Bold and the Beautiful, appeared radiant in a white midi dress from Greek designer Celia Kritharioti, who is also creating her wedding gown

The bride and groom hosted an array of royals from the Greek, Spanish and Danish households at their pre-wedding dinner in the capital - with glitzy guests including her glamorous model niece Princess Olympia (pictured)

Queen Sofia of Spain pictured attending the pre-wedding dinenr

The bride and groom hosted an array of royals from the Greek, Spanish and Danish households at their pre-wedding dinner in the capital – with glitzy guests including her glamorous model niece Princess Olympia (pictured left), 28, and Queen Sofia of Spain (pictured right)

Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, and Theodora's brother Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, at the pre-wedding dinner

Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, and Theodora’s brother Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, at the pre-wedding dinner

Guests at the event, held at the Byzantine and Christian Museum, included Theodora’s paternal aunt is Queen Sofia, as well as the bride’s maternal aunt Princess Benedikte of Denmark.

They were joined by members of the Greek Royal Family, including Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, who is wed to Theodora’s brother Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, Queen Anne-Marie and Olympia.

Olympia was dressed to impress in a strappy silver dress, featuring a pleated skirt and teamed with metallic accessories.

Her mother, Marie-Chantal, looked just as stunning in a navy frock, paired with golden heels and a matching clutch bag.

Earlier on Friday, the bride and groom visited the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens, with preparations in the works ahead of today’s nuptials. 

Theodora paid a nod to her upcoming bridal weekend with a white linen dress from ALÉMAIS, retailing online for £405. The summery design featured quirky illustrations of fish, flowers and palm trees and was teamed with chic sliders.

She wore her platinum blonde tresses down in relaxed waves and sported a natural, dewy make-up look as she walked hand-in-hand with Matthew and held onto a bouquet of flowers.

The groom-to-be, meanwhile, looked dapper in a striped shirt which he wore with a smart black blazer and navy trousers.

Also present at the Cathedral was Theodora’s mother, Queen Anna Maria of Greece, 78, who grinned as she chatted with others in a green linen summer dress.

Her siblings, Nikolaos, 54, and Alexia, 59, of Greece, were also seen at the event.  Alexia was effortlessly elegant in a white and navy frock, accessorised with a pair of sunglasses and a matching blue handbag.

She channelled glamour as she styled her brunette tresses in relaxed waves. Nikolaos appeared to be in good spirits as he donned a navy suit and chatted with his mother.

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