Prince Laurent of Belgium, the younger brother of King Philippe of the Belgians, became engaged to the British-born Claire Coombs on 19 December 2002. She had been living in Belgium since the age of three.
They were married on 12 April 2003 with a civil ceremony in the city hall of Brussels, followed by a religious service in the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula.
Claire wore a white lace and silk off-the-shoulder gown by Belgian designer Edouard Vermeulen. Her veil of Brussels lace was held in place by a diamond tiara, which had been a gift from her new parents-in-law, King Albert and Queen Paola.
The religious ceremony took place in front of 1,500 guests, including several foreign royals such as Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine of Sweden. After the ceremony, 500 guests were invited to a luncheon at the royal palace.
Claire was created a Princess of Belgium by her father-in-law ten before the marriage, though it was effective from the date of the wedding. The couple went on to have three children together.
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