H.S.H. Rainier III,

Reigning Prince of Monaco 1949-2005







His Serene Highness

Rainier III Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand,

born in Monaco on 31 May 1923,

son of Princess Charlotte of Monaco,

Duchess of Valentinois

and Prince Pierre of Monaco, Count of Polignac

acceded to the throne on 9 May 1949

married on 18 April 1956 in Monaco

Grace Patrica Kelly (1929-1982)

died in Monaco on 6 April 2005





But notwithstanding these political successes, Rainier probably celebrated his greatest triumphs in his private life. A lonely and miserable childhood, mainly caused by the bitter resentment between his parents, made Rainier determined to cherish his own family. His marriage with ravishing Hollywood star Grace Kelly may not have been the spotless fairytale that her former employers wanted to present to the world in technicolor . But there can be no doubt that over the years a very close relationship between the two developed and that Rainier loved his wife dearly. When Princess Grace died after a car-accident in 1982, the Prince appeared to be devastated. And although he kept working tirelessly on behalf of Monaco, he never seemed to be his old self again after her death. His children caused some scandals, worries and grief, but were nevertheless a source of joy. To them he was a wise and loving father, willing to accept and forgive much. His grandchildren also doted on him.











It is therefore fitting that Monaco and its new Reigning Prince Albert II remember Prince Rainier III as an astute and dedicated patriarch.