Paris - Brazilian football star Ronaldo on Monday was to make Europe's most lavish Valentine's Day declaration of love with a star-studded bash at a chateau outside Paris, as couples celebrated across the continent.
Ronaldo had hoped to marry Brazilian model Daniela Cicarelli at the magnificent 17th century Chantilly chateau, but administrative red tape made that impossible, as the Real Madrid striker's divorce is not yet final.
Moreover, municipal officials in Chantilly, 50km north of Paris, said that the wedding bans must be published three months prior to the event.
Nevertheless, the Real Madrid striker insists February 14 will be his "wedding day", as the couple views the day as the most important of their lives and one which "represents the love we feel for one another".
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Paparazzi and football fans will be out in force to catch a glimpse of Ronaldo's teammates, British star David Beckham and France's Zinedine Zidane, who are both expected to attend the dinner party.
German Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is also on the exclusive guest list. Partygoers will be expected to remain on their best behavior, as the chateau's website says "smoking and dance evenings" are prohibited.
While Ronaldo prepared to roll out the red carpet for a very public display of his love, Britain's royal couple-to-be, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles, opted for a more low-key celebration.
Clarence House, the office of the heir to the throne, said the pair - due to wed on April 8 - would celebrate "in private" at an undisclosed location after the Prince of Wales makes several public appearances.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair recently admitted that he had never sent flowers to his wife Cherie, but women dating men in their 30s from Surrey, south-east England should get their vases ready.
A study conducted by Barclays bank showed Surrey men were the most likely to present their ladies with a romantic bouquet on February 14.
In Spain, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero took to the airwaves to profess his love for wife Sonsoles Espinosa, telling Punto Radio: "I'll have to find a quiet moment today to give her a little gift."
"I've been enormously lucky to find a partner who wanted and who still wants to share this fascinating adventure with me - being head of government," he added.
Workers for Berlin's transport authority (BVG) were rewarding law-abiding commuters with an old-fashioned Valentine's Day treat, distributing chocolate hearts to every passenger presenting a valid ticket during routine checks.
"Our agents want to thank users for their patience, understanding and kindness during the checks," said a spokesperson for the German capital's transport authority.
Prague residents were due to celebrate the holiday's religious roots with a special mass at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul at Vysehrad, one of the Czech capital's top tourist attractions.
The church is home to a relic that is believed to be one of Saint Valentine's shoulder blade.
A Swedish couple tried to break the world record for the longest kiss, set at 30 hours, 59 minutes and 27 seconds in 2001, but their love could not stand the test of time - they separated after just one hour and 34 minutes.
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