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Monaco banking on a moment's grace

The early signs are not auspicious for the tiny Riviera principality described by Somerset Maugham as "a sunny place for shady people" and more recently reported to be a haven for fast Russian money and tax cheats.

The lavish celebrations, spread over Friday and Saturday, are expected to cost $68 million and critics are asking how much of the cost will come from the public purse. Guests are expected to include the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, King Carl Gustaf of Sweden and fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

But many residents compare Ms Wittstock, 33, unfavourably - and unfairly - with the screen goddess Kelly. One told the French magazine VSD that Wittstock was "a future Princess Barbie, as cold as an ice-cube".

Ms Wittstock has hinted at her own lack of affection for the cramped principality. "Although I have met some wonderful people since I've been living in Monaco, I regard them all as acquaintances," she said. "I only have two people I consider friends here."

She has grown tired of constant comparisons with Kelly, who died in a car crash in 1982. Asked about the blonde hair and natural elegance the two women had in common, she burst out: "You can't compare two individuals because they're unique!"

Albert has not escaped the sneers with his attempt to give the wedding a "green" tinge. The prince - shown in an advertisement last year being towed in a dog sled at the North Pole to draw attention to climate change -- and his bride are due to cross their realm in an open-topped Lexus hybrid after the ceremony.

But sceptics have contrasted the drive with Albert's order for 200 specially made BMW 7-series models to ferry guests around. Observers also point to the sizeable carbon imprint that will be left when the newlyweds and their entourage fly to Ms Wittstock's homeland for a party in Durban. The couple will stay in a $6800-a-night suite.

This week's events will include an open-air mass in Albert's palace, a gala dinner for 500 guests cooked by celebrity chef Alain Ducasse, a free concert by The Eagles, a ball and fireworks.

The principality has been hard hit by the recession and locals hope the celebrations will boost tourism, which has fallen by 9 per cent in two years. Takings at the casinos are down by 14 per cent.

Bernard Lambert, head of the Societe des Bains de Mer, which runs four hotels and five casinos, is optimistic the wedding will stimulate the economy. "The number of cruise ships docking has gone up and our hotels are full," he said.

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