Described as the first imperial wedding in Russia in more than a century, the marriage of Grand Duke George Mikhailovich Romanov and Rebecca Bettarini, the daughter of Italian diplomats, took place at Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in the former imperial capital of Saint Petersburg.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Davit of Georgia and Prince Boris of Bulgaria served as sponsors of the religious ceremony. The witnesses included His Royal Highness Prince Irakli Bagration-Mukhrani; Crown Prince Leka II of Albania; Prince Joachim Murat; and Muhammad Ali, Prince of the Sa’id.
The couple’s union was blessed by Metropolitan Barsanuphius of Saint Petersburg and Ladoga. Grand Duke George’s mother, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, was also present. The Moscow Patriarchate has publicly referred to Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna as Head of the Russian Imperial House.
Before the wedding, the bride converted to Russian Orthodoxy and adopted the name Victoria Romanovna.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Davit of Georgia and Grand Duke George of Russia are close relatives. Prince Irakli Bagration-Mukhrani, the grandfather of Crown Prince Davit, and Princess Leonida Bagration-Mukhrani, the grandmother of Grand Duke George, were brother and sister.
Approximately 1,500 guests attended the religious ceremony, with representatives of 20 royal houses among those present.
