When Andrea Casiraghi's mother was recently congratulated about her son's forthcoming wedding to Tatiana Santo Domingo, she responded warmly. Princess Caroline waved and smiled at onlookers on a last minute holiday in Saint Tropez ahead of the nuptials.It was a rare acknowledgement of the happy event taking place in Monaco on August 31. The date was only recently revealed and the Palace has said it will be a private affair.
Caroline's future daughter-in-law has never courted the spotlight. Talking about her disliking of being photographed at glitzy dos, she once quipped: "I think goodness there can't be any celebrities left.".Yet the wedding will be a high society, if bohemian affair, in accordance with the bride's tastes. This isn't just because of the guests invited by the Monegasque royals. Tatiana herself is the granddaughter of Colombian mogul Julio Santo Domingo, who passed on a $6bn fortune from his beer company when he died in 2011.
The striking brunette has been educated at the best schools in Paris, Geneva and New York. So legions of glamorous names are expected from the Big Apple, Milan, Switzerland, France and Latin America.
Mother of the bride: Vera Rechulski is a Brazilian socialite who has an apartment in Rio and another in Paris. Sadly Tatiana's father Julio passed away in 2009.
The New York jet set: In the absence of their father Tatiana's brother Julio may have the honour of walking the bride down the aisle. A DJ, he owns Sheik n Beik records.Vera's children also have two uncles from their billionaire grandfather's second marriage. Alejandro Santo Domingo, a Harvard educated financier, was entrusted with the reins of the family business.
Don't be fooled by the fact he's Tatiana's uncle. He's 36, possessed of devastating Latin looks and is one of the most sought after bachelors on New York's social scene.
Alejandro Santo Domingo has been linked to a number of ladies, but who will his date be?
His brother Andres Santo Domingo, also an Indie record owner, is married to Lauren Santo Domingo, a fashion editor and protégé of Anna Wintour, who is seen at all the best parties in the city.
Tatiana's fashion posse
The bride has a closeknit group, based around the friends she met while studying at the Lycee Jeanne D'Arc in Fountainbleau, near Paris.
At its heart are Andrea's sister Charlotte Casiraghi, Margherita Missoni of the renowned Italian fashion family and Greek shipping heiress Eugenia Niarchos.
Together with Tatiana, the girls are like The Four Musketeers only more well heeled and well connected. Until recently their presence instantly upgraded any party from drab to fab.
In the last year, the beauties have begun to settle down and have babies. Indeed if Margherita doesn't make the celebration, it will be because she's in labour. Charlotte is also expecting.
Mother of the Groom
Princess Caroline of Hanover is unlikely to be accompanied by her husband Prince Ernst of Hanover. The couple have not been seen in public together for three years. Instead she will go with their 14-year-old daughter Princess Alexandra, who may have been invited to be a bridesmaid.
Amongst her guests may also be relatives of her late second husband Stefano Casiraghi, Andrea's father. He is widely thought to have been the love of her life and she has remained close to his nearest and dearest.
Her dear friend Karl Lagerfeld will in all probability have received an invitation too. The Chanel designer has dressed her and Charlotte for years and often pops up at Monte Carlo soirees.
Monaco royal family
The Grimaldis will be out in force for the joyous occasion, headed by Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, who this summer celebrated three years of marriage.
Caroline's pregnant daughter Charlotte will, no doubt, be escorted by partner Gad Elmale. Her sister Princess Stephanie will be accompanied by her three children, Pauline, Louis and Camille.
