Play all audios:
Louis Ducruet is 15th in line to the Monaco throne and first met his bride-to-be Marie Chevallier in Cannes. The young couple have been together for seven years and Louis popped the question
in February 2018. While Marie hails from Nice and Louis from Monaco, they share this unexpected American connection. Louis, 26, is the grandson of American actress Grace Kelly and late
Monaco prince, Rainier III. He and Marie, 25, chose to have their wedding in the cathedral where Louis’s royal grandfather is buried as a touching nod to the late monarch. The bride and
groom to be first met in Cannes but have this fascinating American connection. READ MORE: Royal wedding 2019: Groom shares this special connection with Queen Louis and Marie first met in
2011 when they were both students at French business school Skema. While they both maintain it was “love at first sight” it took bashful Louis a full six months to pluck up the courage to
speak to Marie. In an interview Hello Monaco ahead of the wedding., Louis said: “It was a process. I saw her in a club in Cannes, before she arrived in the same university. “During my
studies, I was a president of a student association, and I was asked to welcome the new students. “So, I saw her and I was surprised because I remembered her from the club. “But as I’m a shy
guy I didn’t go to her directly, it took six months before we first talked. So, it was a long process.” When Louis did finally speak to Marie he quickly realised they were “soulmates” and
the rest is history. He said: “You don’t choose your soulmate. I met Marie at university, and ever since we have been together.” While the couple both began degrees in France they decided to
head to America to finish their studies. They attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina where Marie graduated with a Masters in Marketing and Louis gained a
Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. Marie says they were drawn to the college because they wanted to experience “deep America.” Marie told People Magazine: “We wanted to experience the
real, deep America.” She added: “the beauty of the place within the mountains, the serenity, and the strong school spirit.” Louis said their time together in America was an important period
for them both before decided to move back to Monaco and settle. Louis said: “We went to the same university in the USA when Marie studied her major and graduated together. “Then we decided
to stay in Monaco. It was the best solution for both of us. And here we are.”