Rainier the third prince of monaco and grace kelly. BBC Russian Service - Information Services. How fairy tales end

April 6, 2005 ended another chapter in the history of Monaco. On this day, at the Cardiology Center of Monaco (Centre Cardio-Thoracique de Monaco), at the age of 81, he passed away prince Rainier III , the oldest monarch in Europe, nicknamed the "prince-builder" for the major reconstruction carried out in Monaco. But first things first.

On May 31, 1923, Princess Charlotte of Monaco and her husband, Count Pierre de Polignac, had a son. The boy is trained in the UK, Switzerland, and then moved to French Montpellier. As befits a future politician, Renier enters the Institute of Political Studies in Paris (formerly the Higher School of Political Sciences). On September 28, 1944, he enlisted in the French army and participated in the military campaign in Alsace. On November 19 of the same year, at the age of 26, Rainier becomes reigning prince Monaco. After the death of his grandfather Louis II, Charlotte abdicated in favor of her son. Thus began a new chapter in the history of Monaco.

Ruling his dwarf state, Renier proves himself to be an enterprising businessman. In 1966, he strengthened state control over SBM by purchasing the shares of the Greek multimillionaire Aristotle Onassis, thus becoming the main shareholder. As a result main source income of the principality came under his personal control.

During the reign of Rainier III, Monaco acquires a modern look. The economy and tourism business of the Principality are gaining momentum, the maritime territory of Monaco is expanding, a new station, underwent restoration work in the port. The grandiose construction of the new quarter of Fontvieille is unfolding in Monaco, and Rainier is beginning to be called the "prince-builder." To implement the project, which increased the territory of the Principality by 22 hectares, it took 7.5 million cubic meters bulk soil. The construction of the quarter was completed in 1973. 40 years later, the current ruler of Monaco, Albert II, continues his father's policy of expanding the territory of the Principality and plans an equally large-scale Portier project, next to the Grimaldi Forum. The new quarter will “stretch” Monaco by another 6 hectares and, according to preliminary information, will be completed by 2025.

April 19, 1956 can be considered a turning point in the history of the principality. It was on this day that the wedding took place. Prince Rainier III of Monaco Hollywood star Grace Kelly, which added a touch of glamor to the image of the principality. The first meeting of the legendary couple took place a year earlier at the Cannes Film Festival, where the young actress was led by her Oscar-winning role in George Seaton's The Country Girl.

A year later, all European nobility gathers at the grandiose wedding ceremony of 32-year-old Rainier and the future princess of Monaco, who is almost 10 years younger than her chosen one. On this day, they will be watched by millions of spectators, 750 invited celebrities, diplomats, representatives of the ruling families. The entire European press turned its attention to the young couple, whose wedding was almost the most major event since the coronation English queen Elizabeth II three years earlier.

From this marriage, the princely couple will have three children: Carolina (1957), Albert (1958) and Stephanie (1965). Former actress devoted herself entirely to the principality, abandoning her career in Hollywood. Rainier meanwhile continued to modernize Monaco.

It seemed that nothing could destroy this fabulous love story, which has already become legendary. However, 26 years later, Monaco was shocked by terrible news: on September 13, 1982, Princess Grace's Rover fell off a cliff on the road from the Roc Agel residence. Together with the princess in the car was her youngest daughter Stephanie, who did not receive any life-threatening injuries. The next day, Princess Grace died in a hospital in Monaco.

“With the death of the princess, emptiness entered my life,” the prince admitted. Rainier never married a second time, until his death he remained faithful to his princess and did not stop fighting for the prosperity of the principality.

Health problems arose in Rainier in the early 90s. He underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, then part of his lung was removed. Every year he appeared less and less in public, and leverage government controlled more and more passed to his son - Crown Prince Albert, who since March 2005 became Regent Rainier.

Rainier III(fr. Rainier III, full name - Rainier Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand Grimaldi; May 31, 1923 - April 6, 2005) - the twelfth Prince of Monaco, who ruled from 1949-2005.

Biography

Before accession to the throne

Born May 31, 1923 and at baptism was named Louis-Henri-Maxens-Bertrand Grimaldi. Parents Charlotte of Monaco, Duchess Valentinois and Prince Pierre de Polignac.

The future ruler of the principality was educated in Great Britain, Switzerland (private school Institut Le Rosey) and France, where he graduated, in particular, from the prestigious Sianz Po, the Higher School of Political Sciences in Paris.

In September 1944, Prince Rainier entered the service of the French army as an officer and took part in the military campaign against Nazi Germany in Alsace.

Reign and family

He ascended the princely throne after his grandfather, Prince Louis II, died on May 9, 1949. Formally, Rainier's mother, Princess Charlotte, was the heir to the title, but she renounced the throne in favor of her son.

In 1956, Prince Rainier married Hollywood actress Grace Kelly. In 1982, the prince's wife died in a car accident.

The couple had three children: Princess Caroline, born in 1957, crown prince Albert (1958) and Princess Stephanie (1965).

In 1982, as a result of a car accident, Princess Stephanie, who was in a car with her dead mother, was seriously injured. As the tabloid press then wrote, it was Stefania who was driving and became the culprit of the disaster, but officially this version was never confirmed.

At present, Karolina and Stefania, whose turbulent personal lives have been the subject of constant attention from the side of paparazzi photographers, married, and Stefania - for the fourth time. The daughters gave the prince seven grandchildren and granddaughters.

Crown Prince Albert II was previously considered one of the most enviable suitors in Europe. On March 31, 2005, due to his father's illness, he was entrusted with the functions of regent, and on April 6, after the death of Rainier III, he became the ruling prince. On July 1, 2011, Albert married Charlene Lynette Wittstock.

Contribution to philately

Prince Rainier III was a world famous philatelist. During the years of his reign, he was personally involved in various aspects related to the preparation of drawings and the release of the final philatelic products of Monaco. Since 1948, when he assumed the Monegasque throne, the importance of the philatelic issues of this microstate has increased significantly. The prince is considered the author of the statement that postage stamps are " best ambassador countries". The philatelic collection of Rainier III formed the basis of the Museum of Postage Stamps and Coins of Monaco ( Musee des Timbres et des Monnaies de Monaco). The portrait of Rainier III has repeatedly appeared on the postage stamps of Monaco.

In 1996, the Prince was awarded the "Grand Prix 1996" by the World Association of Publishers of Philatelic Catalogues, Albums and Magazines (ASCAT). Since November 1997 he has been an honorary member of the European Academy of Philately; he received this title during the International Philatelic Exhibition held in Monaco.

In February 1999, under the auspices of the prince, the Monte Carlo Club was formed ( Club de Monte-Carlo; full title - Club de Monte-Carlo de l'Elite de la Philatelie) is a worldwide philatelic elite club with more than a hundred members.

Monaco is a tiny state in the south of the European continent, which is famous mainly for its world-famous casinos and as a venue for Formula 1 competitions. Since the end of the thirteenth century, it has been ruled by the Grimaldi dynasty, represented by Prince Albert II, who took the throne after his father Rainier III. This monarch, who passed away in 2005, became the subject of one of the most high-profile royal romances of the last two centuries during his youth.

Parents

The future monarch, whose full name sounded like Louis-Henri-Bertrand Grimaldi, was born in 1923 in a family illegitimate daughter Louis II Charlotte, who four years earlier was officially recognized as heir to the throne. The fact is that otherwise the throne could go to his second cousin - Wilhelm von Urach, who fought in the First world war on the side of Germany. The prospect of seeing a German as Prince of Monaco did not suit France, which threatened to occupy the principality in this case. Therefore, Prince Louis II went to the violation of all laws, giving the girl the title of Duchess of Valentinois, and also marrying her to a Frenchman, Count Pierre de Polignac. The marriage of Rainier's parents did not last long and was terminated when the boy was ten years old, due to his father's homosexual affairs, information about which became public.

Rainier III, Prince of Monaco: biography before accession to the throne

The future monarch completed a course of study at the best private schools in Switzerland and Great Britain, and then received a certificate of completion of a general liberal education in Montpellier and graduated from the Paris high school political sciences. Having reached the age of majority, Louis-Henri Grimaldi volunteered to serve in the French army as an officer and took part in the fighting against Nazi Germany in Alsace.

As Crown Prince

In the same 1944, his mother, with the consent of Prince Louis II, transferred her rights of succession to her son. However, the young man did not leave military career, for military merits Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, was awarded the Bronze Star and the Military Cross. After the end of World War II, he was sent on a French military mission to Berlin, where he took part in solving economic issues. In this field, the young man also achieved success, and in early 1947, the French president awarded the heir to the crown of Monaco with the Order of the Legion of Honor and the Knight's Cross.

Reign

Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, came to the throne in 1949, after the death of his grandfather. Since that time, a real golden era has begun in the history of this tiny state. Suffice it to say that it was under him that the country acquired its modern look, major economic and political transformations were carried out. In particular, in 1962, Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, initiated the adoption of a new, progressive constitution for the country, and in 1993 this state became a member of the UN with all the ensuing rights. In addition, thanks to his wise policy aimed at increasing the tourist attractiveness of the Principality, the coast of Monte Carlo has become one of the most prestigious luxury resort areas in Europe.

Grace Kelly before marriage

This style icon and one of the most charming Hollywood divas was born in the USA in 1928 in the family of a wealthy entrepreneur and in the past Olympic champion Jack Kelly. He always dreamed that his children would enter high society, and therefore Grace and her three sisters were raised as little princesses, which helped them a lot in the future. At the age of six, the girl was sent to a strict Catholic college, where she distinguished herself by exemplary behavior and exceptional diligence. Later in the road private school she became interested in theater and performed at student performances, and at the age of nineteen she went to New York with the firm intention of becoming an actress. The extraordinary beauty of a young girl from Philadelphia helped her to become first a fashion model, and then a sought-after movie star. Moreover, long before Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and Grace Kelly met, she had many fans and lovers, including famous Hollywood actors, directors, fashion designers and even the Iranian Shah himself, who, according to rumors, offered her to become his next wife. At the same time, Grace's parents jealously followed their daughter's personal life and really hoped for a profitable marriage. Fate smiled at the Kelly family when, during one of the film festivals, their daughter, already famous at that time, met Rainier III. The Prince of Monaco, whose photo at that time showed him as a respectable young well-groomed man, immediately wrote the girl down as a potential bride, as he had been planning to marry for a long time.

At the time of the acquaintance, which took place in the spring of 1955, Grace was at the zenith of fame. She recently received an Oscar, but, oddly enough, she was all alone. Young people liked each other almost at first sight, and soon their engagement was announced.

Marriage

Grace arrived in Monaco in April 1956 on an ocean liner, accompanied by five friends. She was greeted like a queen and showered with flowers from a helicopter ordered by the groom's friend, Onassis. Most of the inhabitants of Monte Carlo sought to see the bride Rainier III at all costs. The Prince of Monaco, sister, whose mother and father were present at the welcoming ceremony, simply beamed with happiness, which could not be said about his relatives. The “wedding of the century,” as journalists dubbed the ceremony, took place on April 19, after which the couple went to honeymoon trip. The rest was quite prosperous, at least the reporters were never able to convict the prince of treason. Grace gave birth to her husband three children, and last child was born when she was thirty-six.

Wife's death

Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco, whose children have long since become parents themselves, lived together for only 26 years. In 1982, the princess, along with Princess Stephanie, got into a terrible car accident and died as a result of her injuries. The couple's daughter was also seriously injured, but she still managed to save her life. According to investigators, the princess, who on that day refused the services of a driver and drove the car herself, lost control due to a stroke. As a result, the car fell off a cliff. Although the accident happened early in the morning, the essentials were delivered to the hospital, where Grace Kelly was brought, only in the evening. Precious time was wasted and next doctors told the family that even if the princess remained alive, she would be paralyzed forever and could never return to normal life. Then Prince Rainier, after conferring with the older children, decided to turn off the artificial life support devices.

Thus died one of the most desirable and charming women on the planet, whose memory is still alive today, more than 35 years after her death.

Son

In 1958, Grace Kelly gave birth to a son, Albert. Most of all rejoiced Rainier III, Prince of Monaco. He was much less interested in the height, weight and appearance of the baby than gender, since he had long dreamed of a son. The boy was fond of sports since childhood and participated in five times Olympic Games like a bobsledder. In 2006, he visited the North Pole and even took part in the event. In 2005, Prince Albert II inherited the throne, but remained childless until recently. Only in December 2014, his wife Charlene Wittstock gave birth to twins to the monarch: a boy and a girl. According to the laws of the principality, after Albert II the throne will pass to his son Jean.

daughters

The firstborn of Rainier III (Prince of Monaco) and Grace Kelly was Princess Caroline, who was born in 1957. On the this moment she has been married four times and has four children. As for the second daughter of the princely couple, Princess Stephanie was born in 1965. In her youth, she was known for her eccentric disposition and even had some success as a pop singer for some time, her discs diverged in millions of copies. In particular, the single "Hurricane" in France is considered one of the most famous hits 80s of the twentieth century. She has two daughters and a son from two marriages.

Grandchildren and great-grandchildren

The Grimaldi family tree after the marriage of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly gave many branches. Indeed, in total, at the moment this couple, who have long departed to another world, has nine grandchildren. Great-grandchildren also appeared relatively recently. In particular, a couple of years ago, the eldest grandson of Prince Rainier, Andrea Casiraghi, the son of Princess Caroline, married. In this marriage, he had a son, Alexander, and a daughter, India. In 2013, Rafael Elmacher was born, son

Rainier III, Prince of Monaco. Sister Antoinette

In the marriage of Charlotte, Duchess of Valentinois, and Pierre de Polignac, in addition to the son Louis-Henri, a daughter was also born. The girl was born in 1920 and was named Antoinette. Since, until the age of 33, Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, was not married and had no children, the princess, who was born first, hoped to someday take her brother’s place on the throne, or at least put her young son on him, born from a marriage with tennis player Alexander But eh. It is said that she tried in every possible way to prevent the young monarch from marrying. In particular, Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and his sister had a serious quarrel when a woman put an end to her brother's affair with a rumor that this young woman was barren. However, all attempts to do the same in relation to the American Grace Kelly were unsuccessful. Most likely, that is why, after the movie star married Rainier III and gave birth to his heir, the monarch's sister, along with her lover, retired from the court. She settled in seclusion on the coast, along with a huge number of cats and dogs, and rarely appeared in the world. However, until her death in 2011, Antoinette of Monaco remained an ardent defender of animal rights.

Death

Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, whose children are often the focus of the yellow press, died in 2005. He is buried in the family vault in Monte Carlo next to his beloved Grace. The main thing that Rainier III, the Prince of Monaco, did for his country was the growth of the well-being of its inhabitants and the transformation of the state into one of the most prestigious resorts in Europe. And in the memory of people around the world, he remained thanks to a beautiful romance with the charming Grace Kelly.

Every girl dreams of meeting a prince. The beautiful actress Grace Kelly not only met and fell in love with the 33-year-old Prince of Monaco, but also built with him strong family. Their union was considered ideal. Grace, who was the most happy woman at the beginning of marriage, turned out to be a bird imprisoned in golden cage, at the end of life.

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly was born in 1929 in Philadelphia in the family of millionaire Jack Kelly, who earned his first big money as the owner of the Kelly firm. Brick work. There were four children in the family. All children grew up in strict rules and were not spoiled by their parents. main role in the formation future personality Grace was played by the girl's uncle, actor George Kelly, it was he who noticed her talent at a young age.

By the age of fourteen, Grace Kelly was already playing in the theater, and in front of her eyes the girl turned from an ugly duckling into a real beauty. She had many admirers, but Jack Kelly tried to shield his daughter from early love interests.

Moving to New York

The girl managed to get rid of her father's guardianship only after moving to New York. AT big city Grace made many new acquaintances. In the company of friends, she felt liberated. Grace Kelly studied at the Academy of Dramatic Arts. There she met student Herbie Miller, and an attractive guy became her friend. The girl worked as a fashion model, and sent all the money she earned to her family.

Luck smiled at the girl during the casting for the film High Noon, which was going to be filmed in Hollywood. In April 1952, Grace woke up famous, the film "High Noon" where she starred, received three Oscars at once.

Acquaintance of Grace Kelly with Rainier III

In 1955, when Grace Kelly became truly famous and led the delegation of US filmmakers during the Cannes Film Festival, she received an offer to visit the Principality of Monaco. Then many celebrities dreamed about it, but Grace reacted to this proposal rather reservedly.

Everything did not go according to plan from the very beginning. Due to the fact that the electricity was cut off in her hotel, the actress managed to dry her hair completely, she came to the meeting with the prince in a rumpled dress and with a bun on her head. Rainier was also not delighted with the upcoming meeting, but as soon as the prince saw an attractive blonde who was rehearsing a bow of greeting at the mirror, he fell in love with her at first sight. Then there was a fascinating walk through the park and a nice conversation. It turned out that common themes they have more than enough. Despite her carelessness, Grace Kelly was quite educated and was able to conquer the prince not only with her appearance, but also with her knowledge of many topics.

The meeting ended, and the girl flew home, she sent a letter to Renier, in which she thanked him for the reception. The Prince of Monaco was over thirty, he was looking for future wife and the mother of his children. Whatever you say, Grace was at the right time and in the right place.

The wedding and married life of Grace Kelly and Rainier III

By this time, actress Grace Kelly's career had reached its peak. She was tired of the admiring glances of men, she had to make a decision how to live on. On December 25, Prince Rainier visited the Kelly family, he proposed marriage to Grace, and she said yes to him. The wedding ceremony took place in Monaco on April 18, 1956. The bride was in a dress that took a hundred meters of ancient lace, which was searched for in all the museums of France, and her veil was decorated with one thousand pearls.

It was truly royal wedding. The dowry of the future princess was two million dollars. At that moment, Grace decided what she wanted from life. The girl completely abandoned her career as an actress, her family worried her much more than working in a movie. Less than a year later, Grace gave birth to her husband's daughter, who was named Carolina Louise Margarita, a few years later, Albert Alexander Louis Pierre, heir to the throne, was born.

Grace Kelly's stay in Monaco had a positive effect on the growth of the economy in the Principality. Even before the wedding with Renier, Grace Kelly was a fairly recognizable person, it was her name that added the number of tourists who began to visit Monaco. Grace Kelly has devoted all her free time charity, in addition, she was engaged in raising her own children.

In 1965, the couple had a third child, it was a girl, she was named Stefania Maria Elizaveta. Unfortunately, Grace Kelly could no longer have children - the fourth boy died without being born. It was rumored that after that, Prince Rainier cooled off towards his wife: he became a real tyrant, jealous and humiliated her, believing that the inhabitants of Monaco love his wife more than himself. Grace forgave her husband everything. In 1981 they celebrated a silver wedding.

Last years

Time passed, the children grew up. Carolina had a high-profile and scandalous marriage behind her, Albert, who was the future heir, was not interested in anything but sports and girls, and the youngest daughter Stephanie grew up as a "boy" - she drove a motorcycle and despised feminine clothes. The image of an impeccable family that Grace had built so diligently was crumbling. She no longer considered her life fabulous, but her family ideal, although she tried not to show her disappointment to the public.

Shortly before the disaster that claimed her life, Grace, according to contemporaries, took a lover in Paris and practically moved to live with him. In the end life path she dreamed of only one thing - to resume acting career. Her violent and restless nature, which for so long hid behind the facade of an impregnable " snow queen' burst out.

Once she decided to talk to her daughter face to face, and for this she decided to refuse the services of a driver and herself got behind the wheel of a car. It was fatal mistake. Immersed either in her thoughts, or in a conversation, the wife of Prince Rainier made a mistake, the car drove off the road and fell off high altitude.

Journalists said that there was a quarrel in the car, and Grace Kelly had a stroke. Never having recovered from the accident, the princess died, it happened on September 14, 1982. At that time, she was only 52 years old. Youngest daughter Stefania, who was with her mother in the car, survived. There were hardly any scratches on it. great love ended tragically, and it was a huge loss for Monaco and the whole world.

Rainier's life after Grace's death

Celebrities and monarchs from America and Europe came to the funeral of the princess, locals they sobbed right on the streets, and Renier walked arm in arm with his daughter and did not hide his tears. By his decree, he banned the screening of films in which his wife starred in Monaco. He increasingly remained alone with himself, and less and less appeared at secular receptions.
oriental tale against the backdrop of world politics conquered the whole world and ended, unfortunately, in tragedy.

Death of Rainier III

On April 6, 2005, the European aristocracy, the inhabitants of Monaco and the whole world learned that the oldest monarch of Europe, a representative of one of the oldest monarchical dynasties, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Duke of Valentinois, Marquis Beau Rainier Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand died. Flags were lowered in the country, concerts and film premieres were canceled, the streets were empty - Monaco plunged into mourning.

By the death of its ruler, the principality was ready - in last years of his life, Rainier III could not boast of good health. In March 2005, Rainier Grimaldi's condition became so severe that the prince, diagnosed with an acute bronchopulmonary infection, was placed in a cardiopulmonary center. Two weeks before his death, the situation became critical - the prince was transferred to intensive care. The Council of the Crown of Monaco stated "the impossibility of the performance of Rainier III of his high duties" and appointed his son, 47-year-old Prince Albert, as regent.

On April 6, despite the efforts of doctors and the prayers of Pope John Paul II, who shortly before his own death conveyed his blessing to the prince, Rainier III passed away. His children - Prince Albert, 47, Princess Caroline, 48, and Princess Stephanie, 40 - set a date for the funeral and began to prepare for the funeral ceremony.

Representatives of almost all European monarchies arrived to say goodbye to Rainier III: Spanish King Juan Carlos, King Albert II of Belgium, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Queen Sonya of Norway, British prince Andrew, Danish Prince Joachim, Dutch Crown Prince Willem Alexander. Irish President Mary McAleese and French President Jacques Chirac also came to honor the memory of Rainier III. In addition to officials, many rich people gathered in Monaco, frequenters of the casino in Monte Carlo. The army of the principality was not enough to protect so many VIPs - Monaco, apparently, is the only state in the world where the size of the regular army is less than the size of the military band (85 people). To ensure the safety of distinguished guests, the Grimaldi family turned to J. Chirac, who kindly provided the ruling house with two thousand policemen, 560 special forces, 100 motorcyclists, three groups of dog handlers with dogs, as well as several military helicopters and fighter jets. Under the cover of police and special forces, ten Monegasque guards carried the coffin with the body of Rainier III to cathedral. More than three thousand Monegasques gathered on the square in front of the cathedral, who came to say goodbye to their beloved ruler. Prince Rainier III, who participated in the liberation of Alsace as part of the troops of the anti-fascist coalition, was given military honors - an artillery salute of 36 volleys thundered. After that, the coffin with the body of Rainier III was placed in the Grimaldi family vault, in which the body of the prince's wife rests, Hollywood actress Grace Kelly. Only relatives and closest friends of Rainier III were invited to the burial ceremony.

With the departure of Rainier III Grimaldi, more than half a century of his reign has gone into the past. The death of Europe's oldest monarch, following the death of John Paul II, was another reminder: the world has said goodbye to an entire era forever. Now the son of the late monarch has become the only sovereign monarch in Europe - until recently the prince, and today Prince Albert II (full name Albert Alexander Louis Pierre).