It has been an exciting year for Monaco – in December, the principality marked the arrival of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene's baby twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, and just a few months later there were festivities when Pierre Casiraghi wed Italian heiress Beatrice Borromeo.Now there is further cause of celebration in the royal household following the news that Princess Charlene's brother Gareth Wittstock has married his long-term girlfriend Roisin Galvin in Monaco.
Princess Charlene and her brother Gareth Wittstock pictured in 2013
The couple – who are parents to a two-year-old daughter Kaia-Rose - tied the knot around noon on Thursday at the principality's city hall, with Monaco Mayor Georges Marsan presiding over the ceremony, according to the Monaco Matin newspaper.The publication has suggested that the ceremony was a prelude to a bigger wedding celebration at the Grand Hotel Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on Friday, which will be attended by the couple's family and friends.Charlene has two younger brothers – Gareth, born in 1980, and Sean, born 1983. Gareth, who like his siblings was raised in their native South Africa, now lives in Monaco with Roisin and works as a computer specialist.In May, he was announced as a godfather to his niece, Princess Gabriella. He was chosen alongside Nerine Pienaar, the wife of retired South African rugby player Francois Pienaar, while Prince Jacques' godparents were named as Christopher Le Vine Jr, one of Prince Albert's cousins, and Diane de Polignac Nigra.Gareth is very close to his sister and works closely with her charitable foundation. In July, he publicly praised her heartfelt speech during the celebrations for Prince Albert’s 10th anniversary on the throne. "I think it was very spectacular," he said. "What she did, speaking in French. It's a very difficult language and she did a great job at it. Fantastic. I think Monaco is very proud of her."