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Monaco celebrates royal wedding with concert, fireworks

From left, Jean Michel Jarre, Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco appear onstage during a concert celebrating the royal couple's wedding at the Port of Monaco on July 1, 2011. Getty

(CBS/AP) A concert, a laser light show and a fireworks display dazzled Monaco following the wedding of Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock.

After the civil ceremony that transformed the South African Olympic swimmer into Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene, the couple joined their subjects on the palace square for a cocktail. Monaco's mayor presented the newlyweds with two gifts from the people of Monaco, a painting by Russia's Wassily Kandinsky and a bronze by French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle. Then, the Monegasque people were treated to a sound and light show by French electro-pop star Jean Michel Jarre and a stunning fireworks show.

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The newlyweds came on stage during the evening and both addressed the crowd.

Hello magazine reports that Albert spoke to the audience in French and English, saying, "We're really happy to share this moment with you, from me and Charlene, thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

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Charlene, wearing a strapless blue gown and a statement necklance, reportedly thanked everyone in four languages - Afrikaans, Zulu, French and English.

"Siyabonga, baie dankie, merci, thank you for all your love and support. I will cherish this moment forever," she said, according to the magazine.

She then added, to huge cheers, "Viva Monaco."

Albert and Charlene will marry again in a larger, religious ceremony on Saturday.

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