Princess Theodora of Greece proved to be the epitome of a beautiful bride-to-be as she stepped out for her pre-wedding dinner on Friday night.
The 41-year-old actress, who was born in London and played secretary Alison Montgomery in The Bold and the Beautiful, appeared radiant in a white midi dress from Greek designer Celia Kritharioti, who is also creating her wedding gown.
Theodora – daughter of the late King Constantine II of Greece and Queen Anne-Marie – will tie the knot with her LA-based lawyer fiancé, Matthew Kumar, on Saturday at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens, following a four-year delay.
But ahead of their lavish nuptials, the bride and groom hosted an array of royals from the Greek, Spanish and Danish households at their pre-wedding dinner in the capital – with glitzy guests including her glamorous model niece Princess Olympia, 28.
As every bride should, Theodora commanded attention in her chic backless dress, which featured a stylish square neckline with thick straps, a billowing skirt, cinched waist detailing and a statement bow.
Princess Theodora of Greece (pictured left, with her husband-to-be) proved to be the epitome of a beautiful bride-to-be as she stepped out for her pre-wedding dinner on Friday night
Looking effortlessly elegant, the bride teamed her dress with a pair of matching white heels and the $373 ‘Elos’ Box Clutch in Pearl from Los-Angeles based brand Cult Gaia.
She couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she stepped out at the glamorous occasion with her husband-to-be Matthew, who looked equally smart in a navy blazer teamed with black trousers and a white shirt.
Guests at the event, held at the Byzantine and Christian Museum, included Theodora’s paternal aunt is Queen Sofia, who was Spain’s Queen from 1975 to 2014 as the wife of King Juan Carlos I, as well as the bride’s maternal aunt Princess Benedikte of Denmark.
They were joined by members of the Greek Royal Family, including Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, who is wed to Theodora’s brother Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, Queen Anne-Marie and Olympia.
Olympia was dressed to impress in a strappy silver dress, featuring a pleated skirt and teamed with metallic accessories.
Her mother, Marie-Chantal, looked just as stunning in a navy frock, paired with golden heels and a matching clutch bag.
Earlier on Friday, the bride and groom visited the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens, with preparations in the works ahead of today’s nuptials.
Theodora paid a nod to her upcoming bridal weekend with a white linen dress from ALÉMAIS, retailing online for £405. The summery design featured quirky illustrations of fish, flowers and palm trees and was teamed with chic sliders.
The 41-year-old actress, who was born in London and played secretary Alison Montgomery in The Bold and the Beautiful, appeared radiant in a white midi dress from Greek designer Celia Kritharioti, who is also creating her wedding gown
The bride and groom hosted an array of royals from the Greek, Spanish and Danish households at their pre-wedding dinner in the capital – with glitzy guests including her glamorous model niece Princess Olympia (pictured left), 28, and Queen Sofia of Spain (pictured right)
Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, and Theodora’s brother Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, at the pre-wedding dinner
Theodora and Matthew speaking before their pre-wedding dinner in the Greek capital
Looking good! Marie-Chantal and Theodora’s brother Pavlos put on a stylish display at the pre-wedding dinner
Theodora and Matthew arrive for their pre-wedding reception accompanied by the bride’s mother
Guests at the event, held at the Byzantine and Christian Museum, included Theodora’s paternal aunt is Queen Sofia, who was Spain’s Queen from 1975 to 2014 as the wife of King Juan Carlos I, as well as the bride’s maternal aunt Princess Benedikte of Denmark (pictured)
She wore her platinum blonde tresses down in relaxed waves and sported a natural, dewy make-up look as she walked hand-in-hand with Matthew and held onto a bouquet of flowers.
The groom-to-be, meanwhile, looked dapper in a striped shirt which he wore with a smart black blazer and navy trousers.
Also present at the Cathedral was Theodora’s mother, Queen Anna Maria of Greece, 78, who grinned as she chatted with others in a green linen summer dress.
Her siblings, Nikolaos, 54, and Alexia, 59, of Greece, were also seen at the event. Alexia was effortlessly elegant in a white and navy frock, accessorised with a pair of sunglasses and a matching blue handbag.
She channelled glamour as she styled her brunette tresses in relaxed waves. Nikolaos appeared to be in good spirits as he donned a navy suit and chatted with his mother.
The bride and groom will be tying the knot on Saturday evening. Guests will arrive around 5.30pm to watch Theodora walk down the aisle.
The couple’s wedding date – which was postponed twice – was said to be picked due to it being close to the wedding anniversary of Theodora’s parents, King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie, who were married on September 18, 1964, in Athens.
Initially, Princess Theodora and her fiancé, who announced their engagement in November 2018, were scheduled to wed on the Greek island of Spetses in 2020.
But the couple – who began dating in 2016 – were forced to put the May 26 event on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Queen Sofia of Spain and Princess Irene of Greece with other Spanish guests at the event on Friday night
Queen Anne-Marie of Greece accompanied by her son Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Princess Theodora of Greece and Matthew Kumar
The Greek Royal Family were all smiles as they attended the glitzy event
Princess Alexia of Greece, Carlos Morales Quintana, Arrietta Morales y de Grecia, Ana Maria Morales y de Grecia, Amelia Morales y de Grecia and Carlos Morales y de Grecia, attend the pre-wedding dinner party of Princess Theodora of Greece to Matthew Kumar
Despite not walking down the aisle on the day, Theodora still celebrated with her husband-to-be and she shared a snap of herself with Matthew on Instagram as they dined on Greek salad, olives, bread and cheese and shared a tipple.
As she posted the photo, the Princess wrote: ‘On what should have been our wedding weekend – the love and support from friends and family have been so appreciated. We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you in Greece once it’s safe.’
When the pandemic finally came to an end, Theodora and Matthew set another wedding date – ‘early summer’ in 2023, in Porto Heli, Greece.
However, just a month after the Greek Royal Household announced the second wedding date, actress Theodora’s father, King Constantine of Greece, passed away.
King Constantine, the last King of Greece who was exiled in 1973 when the monarchy was abolished, had five children; Crown Prince Pavlos, Prince Philippos, Princess Alexia, Princess Theodora and Prince Nikolaos.
The exiled king died at the age of 82 in January 2023. As Theodora mourned her father, she postponed her wedding to Matthew for the second time.
The bride and groom were spotted side-by-side at the memorial service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel in Windsor in February 2024, which saw royals from across Europe in attendance including Queen Camilla, King Felipe of Spain and Queen Letizia.
Two months after her father’s death, the princess posted a tribute to him on Instagram which read: ‘It’s been two months since you left us. Miss you everyday Papa. Love you.’
Hello! Greece previously reported the bride had planned to wear a gown designed by Celia Kritharioti – a dress she picked out ahead of the original wedding date in 2020.
Celia is Greece’s foremost fashion designer, whose elegant creations are worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow and Taylor Swift.
She is the owner of the oldest Greek fashion house, which was established in Athens in 1906, and features at Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture and at London’s Harrods.
Although Theodora will not have her father to walk her down the aisle as she showcases her stunning wedding dress for the first time, it is thought her oldest brother Crown Prince Pavlos will perform the role of ‘giving away’ his younger sister.
While Theodora’s choice of tiara hasn’t been confirmed ahead of the wedding day, the bride could follow in a long family tradition.
The Khedive of Egypt Tiara has long been worn by women in Theodora’s family on their wedding days, including by her mother Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, and her aunts Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Princess Benedikte of Denmark.
It was given to Princess Margaret of Connaught – who married the future King of Sweden, Gustaf VI Adolf – as a wedding present in 1905 by the Khedive, reported Royal Central.
The tiara was created by Cartier and features a laurel wreath-inspired design, which includes diamonds and platinum.
Princess Margaret often wore the tiara before her death in 1920. The tiara then left Sweden when her daughter Princess Ingrid, married Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark.
Theodora’s guest list is tipped to be very star-studded thanks to her showbiz and royal connections, with the bride being the goddaughter of the late Queen, as well as having close ties to both the Danish and Spanish royal families.
Her father King Constantine – who retained his royal title after the abolition of the Greek monarchy in 1973 – was a second cousin of King Charles, and Prince William’s godfather.
Meanwhile, her mother, Queen Anne-Marie is the younger sister of Denmark’s Queen Margrethe, making King Frederik her first cousin.
Elsewhere, Theodora’s paternal aunt is Queen Sofia, who was Queen of Spain from 1975 to 2014 as the wife of King Juan Carlos I.
In October 2021, when Theodora’s brother Prince Philippos of Greece married Nina Flohr, the daughter of a billionaire, both Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were in attendance.
King Constantine’s son Crown Prince Pavlos and the Greek Royal Family have no official remit, but are still active participants in royal life around Europe.
At the time of her engagement, Theodora announced the happy news on Instagram, saying: ‘Words can’t express our happiness and excitement. I can’t wait to marry this wonderful man. I love you, Matt.’
Her parents separately released a statement saying: ‘Their Majesties King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie are delighted to announce the engagement of their youngest daughter Theodora to Mr Matthew Kumar.
‘Further details about the forthcoming wedding will be provided in due course. Mr Matthew Kumar, 34, was born and raised in Southern California to Sam and Lonnie Kumar. He is a practising attorney in Los Angeles.’
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