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European Royals

A fairy tale wedding makes this princess her country’s star but she’s still barred from the throne because she’s female

Princess Marie Caroline of Liechtenstein and Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer exchange wedding rings

Princess Marie Caroline of Liechtenstein has got married in a picture perfect ceremony which put all eyes on her little country.

The 28 year old, the only daughter of the heir to the throne of Liechtenstein said ‘I do’ to her partner, Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer, at a celebration held at St. Florin’s Cathedral in Vaduz.

Princess Marie Caroline of Liechtenstein and Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer listen during their wedding ceremony
Furstenhaus

The bride walked into the ceremony on the arm of her father, Hereditary Prince Alois, and with her family watching. Among the congregation were her four brothers who are all in the line of succession. However, Liechtenstein doesn’t allow women to rule and so Marie Caroline has never been in line for the throne.

That didn’t stop the princess bringing all the attention to her home country with crowds turning out to see the wedding.

Princess Marie Caroline of Liechtenstein and Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer walk through an arch of blue and white flowers after their wedding in Vaduz
Fürstenhaus/Iconoclash Photography – Teresa Mareni & Daniel Bachler

Marie Caroline has studied design and couture and there was huge expectation around her wedding dress. In the end she chose a striking design featuring sheer sleeves and a voluminous skirt made of tulle. The gown was covered in intricate embroidery.

Although the princess might not be in the line of succession, this was still a very royal wedding and that meant a tiara. Marie Caroline chose the Hapsburg Fringe Tiara which was originally made around 1890 for Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria-Teschen.

Princess Marie Caroline of Luxembourg and Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer walk from the church after their wedding in Vaduz
Fürstenhaus/Roland Korner

The striking all diamond tiara, created in a kokoshnik shape as was fashionable in the last years of the 19th century, held a long veil in place. The princess carried a large bouquet made of white flowers which her father had carried out of the car for her so she could adjust her bridal outfit.

The bridal party, three bridesmaids and a page boy, were dressed in white and green while several friends helped Marie Caroline make the final touches to her gown before she walked down the aisle.

Princess Marie Caroline of Liechtenstein and her husband, Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer, pose for a family portrait after their wedding in Vaduz
Fürstenhaus/Iconoclash Photography – Teresa Mareni & Daniel Bachler

She exchanged vows with Leopoldo before a congregation packed with royals and nobles. Pride of place went to her proud grandfather, Prince Hans-Adam II. Although he is technically ruler of Liechtenstein, day to day power rests with Marie Caroline’s father, Alois.

The bride’s mother, Princess Sophie, chose a stunning pink dress with floral embellishments in green and white and a striking bright fuchsia hat by Philip Treacy.

After the ceremony, the happy couple welcomed guests to a wedding reception at Vaduz Castle.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra.Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024.June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station.June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.