Joel weds longtime girlfriend
Billy Joel married girlfriend Alexis Roderick in a surprise ceremony at the couple’s annual Fourth of July party.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo presided over Saturday’s nuptials at Joel’s Long Island estate, the singer’s spokeswoman said. The small group of family and friends at the party didn’t know the couple planned to exchange vows. Among those in attendance were Alexa Ray Joel, his daughter with his second wife, model Christie Brinkley, and actor Kevin James.
Joel, 66, a nd Roderick, 3 4, have been dating since 2009 and are expecting their first child. This is his fourth marriage.
Joel is currently on tour. On Wednesday, he set a record for most performances by a single artist at Madison Square Garden with his 65th show, besting Elton John.
Charlotte christened
Prince William and his wife, Kate, marked a milestone for their newborn baby Princess Charlotte on Sunday — a christening ceremony on Queen Elizabeth II’s country estate that was steeped in royal tradition.
Fans outside St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, a royal estate nea r Engla nd’s eastern coast, cheered as Willia m a nd Kate arrived with toddler Prince George and 9-week-old Charlotte, who was in a vintage pram.
It was only the second time Britain’s newborn princess, who is fourth in line to the throne, has been seen in public since she was born on May 2.
Following royal tradition, holy water from the River Jordan, where it is said Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, was used for the baptism.
The 16th-century church is where the royal family traditionally gath- ers for Christmas service.
It is also where Charlotte’s late grand mot her, Pri ncess Dia na , was christened in 1961.
Williams weds
Entertainer Vanessa Williams tied the knot with her fiance, Jim Skrip, on the Fourth of July.
A representative for the singer-actress said Sunday that Williams and Skrip wed a day earlier in New York City. No details of the ceremony were provided.
This is the third marriage for Williams, who was previously married to public relations consultant Ramon Hervey and former Los Angeles Laker Rick Fox. She has three children with Hervey and a daughter with Fox. Williams earlier said she met Skrip, a former accountant, while traveling in Egypt.