Greece’s Princess Theodora celebrated her wedding to Matthew Kumar with a touch of history and a whole lot of heart, incorporating a truly special “something borrowed” into her bridal ensemble: a lace veil worn by four queens before her.
The daughter of the late ex-King Constantine, Theodora looked radiant as she arrived at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens alongside her brother, Prince Pavlos. For the ceremony with her American lawyer fiancé, she chose a stunning Celia Kritharioti gown, the ultra-sparkling Khedive of Egypt tiara, and a classic half-up, half-down hairstyle.
But it was the veil, cascading gracefully down her back, that held the most captivating story. Known as the Connaught veil, the exquisite piece, made of Carrickmacross lace and embroidered with lilies, meadowsweet, and shamrocks, carries a legacy woven through generations.
The veil’s journey began in 1905 with Princess Margaret of Connaught, who wore it for her wedding to Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden. After her untimely death in 1920, the veil was passed down to her daughter, Princess Ingrid of Sweden, solidifying its place as a cherished family heirloom.
In 1935, Princess Ingrid wore the veil for her own wedding, and the tradition continued with her daughters. Queen Anne-Marie of Greece donned the veil in 1964, followed by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark in 1967, and Princess Benedikte of Denmark in 1968.
Continuing the tradition, Queen Margrethe loaned the veil to her daughter-in-law, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, for her wedding to Crown Prince Frederik in 2004.
This September, the honor fell to Princess Theodora, adding another chapter to the veil’s remarkable history.
Theodora’s journey to the altar was not without its challenges. The couple, who became engaged in 2018, initially planned to marry in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a postponement. Further delays came after the passing of Theodora’s father, ex-King Constantine, in early 2023.
Finally, surrounded by loved ones and imbued with the legacy of the generations who came before her, Princess Theodora said “I do,” proving that some things, like love and a beautiful lace veil, truly do stand the test of time.
Photos by the royal watcher
