Great love stories: Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III. Grace Kelly and Rainier III Rainier III Prince of Monaco

Rainier Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand Grimaldi, Count of Polignac, was born on May 31, 1923 in Monaco. His family line included French, Mexican, Spanish, German, Scottish, English, Danish and Italian ancestry. The only son Charlotte of Monaco and Prince Pierre de Polignac first went to study at Summerfields School in England, and then to the prestigious English public school in Buckinghamshire. The noble scion went on to study at the Institut Le Rosey in Rolle and Gstaad in Switzerland, before moving on to the University of Montpellier in France, where he received a bachelor's degree, and finally graduated from the Paris Institute of Political Studies.

On May 9, 1949, Rainier became Prince of Monaco after the death of his grandfather, Prince Louis II, when the formal heir to the title, Charlotte of Monaco, abdicated the throne in favor of her son in 1944.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the prince lived openly with French film star Gisele Pascal. The couple reportedly split when a doctor told her she was infertile. In fact, the actress later got married and gave birth to a child. After a year of courting the Oscar winner, American actress Grace Kelly Rainier III married her in April 1956. The couple had three children - Princess Caroline Louise Margarita (born 1957), crown prince Albert (born 1958) and Princess Stephanie Marie Elisabeth (born 1965).

Kelly died tragically in a car accident in 1982, and her daughter Stephanie, who, according to one version, was driving and was responsible for her mother’s death, was seriously injured. The widower began an affair with Princess Ira von Furstenberg, who left the film industry and became a jewelry designer.

After ascending the throne, when Monaco's treasury was practically empty, Rainier worked to restore the principality's former financial splendor, and in 1966 bought a stake in the Sea Bathing Society from the Greek multimillionaire Aristotle Onassis. By becoming a majority shareholder, he strengthened his control over Monaco's gaming business.

Thanks to the efforts of Rainier, the principality for a long time which had a reputation as a “tax haven”, was removed from the “black lists” of countries that did not properly cooperate with International group FATF financial actions in the fight against money laundering.

In 1962 he became an author new constitution principality, which significantly reduced the power of the sovereign. Rainier received the nickname “prince-builder”, as he paid much attention to the development of transport networks and housing construction, including building a new train station and reconstructing the port.

Back in the 1990s, Rainier underwent coronary artery bypass surgery and also had part of his lung removed. The prince's health deteriorated from year to year. On March 7, 2005, he was hospitalized with a lung infection, and on March 23, it was announced that Rainier III was placed on a ventilator, suffering from kidney and heart failure.

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What girl doesn't dream of meeting her prince one day! The beautiful actress Grace Kelly managed to meet her love in the person of the 33-year-old Prince of Monaco and built a relationship with him strong family. The union was considered ideal, but Grace in marriage was like the most happy woman at the beginning, so unhappy, like a bird imprisoned in golden cage, at the end of life.

On the wedding anniversary, which took place on April 19, 1956, HELLO.RU recalls the love story of one of the most beautiful couples of the last century - Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier.

Click on the photo to view the gallery She is like a volcano under the snow. Behind her coldness lies an unimaginable heat of passion. Grace Kelly was born in 1929 into a wealthy American family. Her father was a construction worker, and her mother, from whom she inherited her beautiful appearance, was a fashion model. The future princess, living in a luxurious mansion in one of the most prestigious areas of Philadelphia, was eager to be free. She wanted creativity, fame and a little madness.

Little Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly first appeared on stage while studying at a religious college, where she received a strict education, even for those times. After graduation, Grace went to New York. It seemed to her that one day the whole world would lie at her feet. And so it happened, but not immediately. At first there were hundreds of trials, failures and falls. Grace did not lose heart, worked part-time as a fashion model and at the same time learned the basics of theater at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Grace had a truly amazing appearance: porcelain skin, high cheekbones, big eyes, chiseled nose, sensual lips and a slim body. She skillfully emphasized her appearance with the help of exquisite outfits. Later Tommy Hilfiger will say about her:

Grace Kelly is the only Hollywood actress who wore white gloves so naturally and gracefully. Even at home, alone with herself, she remained consistently glamorous and elegant. She dressed elegantly and femininely, loving pastel-colored clothes and wide-brimmed hats.

At the age of 20, Grace received her first role on Broadway. And two years later - a coveted role on television. Two more years passed, and she had already become an Oscar nominee for her work in the film Mogambo. She did not receive the award then. But still, in her small but bright acting career, one Oscar appeared - for the film “The Country Girl” in 1954.

Even the actress’s father, Jack Kelly, couldn’t believe such a quick and unexpected success:

I just can't believe Grace won an Oscar. Of all my four children, she is the one from whom I least expected help in my old age.

Grace Kelly, 1952

The most striking, and subsequently used in many films, was the image of a girl adventurer. First " gold mine"And Grace's talent for working in a similar genre was discovered by Alfred Hitchcock.

Grace Kelly and Alfred Hitchcock with wife Alma Reville, 1954 Grace's career, which was gaining momentum, could have brought her many golden statuettes and prestigious awards, but it could have ended along with the fading of youth and beauty, so important in the acting world.

Grace herself was afraid of age, repeating:
Forty years is torture and the end for a woman. Be that as it may, she met Rainier in the prime of her life and at the peak of her career - at 27 years old. Brilliantly educated, intelligent and gallant - his manners revealed him as the aristocrat that he was. Already at the age of 26 he ascended the throne of Monaco. After the death of Louis II, Rainier's mother, who was technically the heir, abdicated the throne in favor of her young son.

Grace Kelly and Rainier III

Rainier and Grace met at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955 during the visit of a delegation of actors to the Prince of Monaco.

As the spouses themselves later recalled, that day both had Bad mood. Grace seemed to get off on the wrong foot, and on the way to the meeting she even got into a small car accident. Rainier also had minor problems since the morning. But meeting Grace “lit up his day,” as Rainier himself put it.

Grace Kelly, 1955

Their romance did not begin immediately; it was preceded by a long and interesting correspondence. Grace was very pleased with the courtship and romantic letters, she noted that Rainier writes letters to the living and in easy language. He told her about the life of the monarch, talked about his castle and garden, describing everything, right down to the aroma of flowers.

But it was probably not only the romanticism of the young prince. Of course, he was fascinated by Grace, but being the sole ruler, he understood the importance and necessity of marriage. And the beautiful and fragile Grace seemed to him the best candidate.

A few months later, Rainier got ready and came to Philadelphia, where Grace’s parents lived, to make an official proposal to his beloved.

I found my princess
- said Rainier that day.

Grace and Rainier's engagement party at the Kelly family home in Philadelphia

Grace agreed without hesitation, and soon stepped aboard an inter-Atlantic liner, which took her, along with her beloved poodle, close friends and personal hairdresser, straight to the dwarf state.

The actress's parents did not immediately accept her decision, believing that marriage to the prince of such a small state was a step back in her career. And her potential suitors were richer, for example, several years before that he asked for her hand in marriage Arab sheikh with a huge fortune.

Be that as it may, a week after Grace arrived in Monaco - on April 19, 1956 - a magnificent wedding took place, after which the new life, in which there was no longer a place for Hollywood. Grace Kelly became Princess of Monaco.

Wedding of Grace and Rainier, 1956

Rainier and Grace managed to fulfill the often unattainable dream of other monarchs - to become truly loving married couple. Although there were those who doubted the sincerity of their feelings, saying that Grace does not love Rainier, but is only trying and learning to love him. There were also those who believed that the beauty’s heart belonged to ex-lover- fashion designer Oleg Cassini.

Be that as it may, Grace did everything to make their family look impeccable. The subjects of Monaco immediately accepted the new princess, who was so good at smoothing out rough edges in her husband’s negotiations, and also had the ability to win over anyone.

The birth of her children, daughter Caroline in 1957, and son Albert in 1958, increased the number of her fans. The citizens of Monaco idolized their princess: she was young, beautiful, and during her appearances with the people, any person from the crowd could shake her hand.

Grace Kelly and Rainier with Albert and Caroline, 1958 After the birth of her youngest daughter, Stephanie, Grace was again offered to act in films, and her favorite director, Alfred Hitchcock, did it. But the princess could not decide to take such a serious step without consulting her new family- residents of Monaco. The public did not support the idea, calling the plan terribly frivolous. Of course, Grace had to refuse the role, because her image, so carefully built over the years, could suddenly collapse.

Kelly justified all the hopes placed on her by her subjects, becoming for Rainier ideal wife. Grace was actively involved in charity work, patronized the arts and gave birth to heirs, and her world fame and American spontaneity led to the increased popularity of Monaco. Grace Kelly was very loved, she was considered the standard of style and feminine charm.

Grace Kelly, Rainier III, Albert and CarolineGrace Kelly with Caroline and Albert

Life went on as usual, but over time it was no longer possible to call the relationship between Grace and Rainier impeccable. Over the years, the prince became withdrawn, practically abandoned social appearances and spent most of his time in the castle with his beloved pets.

Grace, being a sociable person, really wanted to share her thoughts and ideas with people, she constantly held meetings and communicated with others. And Rainier was jealous, believing that the people of Monaco loved his wife more than himself.

At the age of 40, Grace suffered from depression - as she once expected, the crisis associated with the fading of beauty did not escape her. By this time, the children had already grown up, and the couple began to have public scandals more and more often, which greatly upset Grace, who loved the ideal in everything.

Grace Kelly with her husband and daughters Stefania and Caroline Caroline had a loud and scandalous marriage behind him, Albert, who was the future heir, was not interested in anything except sports and girls, and the youngest daughter Stefania grew up as a “tomboy” - she rode a motorcycle and despised feminine clothes. The image of an impeccable family that Grace had so diligently built was crumbling. She no longer considered her life fabulous and her family ideal, although she tried not to show her disappointment to the public.

Grace Kelly, Rainier III and Stefania

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 had been hidden for so long behind the façade of the impregnable “snow queen,” was rushing out.

On a clear autumn day on September 13, 1980, Grace and her daughter Stephanie were in an accident. The princess, who had used the services of a driver all her life, decided to drive the car herself that day - under the pretext of a serious conversation with her daughter. On the way, Grace had a stroke and lost control.

Prince Rainier III with his daughter Caroline Celebrities and monarchs from America and Europe came to the princess’s funeral, local residents cried in the streets, and Rainier walked arm in arm with his daughter and did not hide his tears.
Lord, I don't ask you why you took her from me, but I thank you for giving her to us. - these words were spoken at Grace’s grave by her husband, Prince of Monaco Rainier III.

Rainier outlived his wife by a quarter of a century, dying in April 2005.

Grace would have turned 85 this year and Rainier would have turned 91. And their fabulous, but not ideal marriage would have been 58 years old.

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 a strong family with him. Their union was considered ideal. Grace, who was the happiest woman at the beginning of her marriage, turned out to be a bird imprisoned in a golden cage at the end of her life.

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly was born in 1929 in Philadelphia into the family of millionaire Jack Kelly, who made his first big money as the owner of the Kelly company. Brick works." The family had four children. All children grew up under strict rules and were not spoiled by their parents. Main role The girl’s uncle, actor George Kelly, played a role in shaping Grace’s future personality; 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 before our eyes the girl was turning from an ugly duckling into a real beauty. She had many admirers, but Jack Kelly tried to protect 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. IN big city Grace made many new acquaintances. In the company of friends she felt relaxed. Grace Kelly studied at the Academy of Dramatic Arts. There she met student Herbie Miller, and the attractive guy became her friend. The girl worked part-time as a fashion model, and sent all the money she earned to her family.

Luck smiled on 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,” in which she starred, received three Oscars.

Meeting Grace Kelly with Rainier III

In 1955, when Grace Kelly became truly famous and led a delegation of US filmmakers during the Cannes Film Festival, she received an offer to visit the Principality of Monaco. At that time, many celebrities dreamed about this, but Grace reacted to this proposal quite restrainedly.

Everything didn't go according to plan from the very beginning. Due to the fact that the electricity was turned off in her hotel, the actress managed to dry her hair completely, and she came to meet 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 the 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 in the park and a nice conversation. It turned out that they had more than enough common themes. Despite her carefree nature, 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 Rainier a letter thanking him for the reception. The Prince of Monaco was over thirty, he was looking for a future wife and the mother of his children. Whatever you say, Grace was in the right place at the right time.

Wedding and married life of Grace Kelly and Rainier III

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

It was truly royal wedding. The dowry of the future princess amounted to 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 films. Less than a year later, Grace gave birth to her husband's daughter, who was named Caroline Louise Margarita; a few years later, Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre was born - the heir to the throne.

Grace Kelly's stay in Monaco had a positive impact on economic growth in the principality. Even before her wedding to Rainier, Grace Kelly was a fairly recognizable personality; it was her name that added to the number of tourists who began to visit Monaco. Grace Kelly devoted everything free time charity, in addition to this, she was involved in raising her own children.

In 1965, the couple had a third child, it was a girl, she was named Stefania Maria Elisaveta. Unfortunately, Grace Kelly could not have any more children - the fourth boy died without being born. It was rumored that after this Prince Rainier lost interest in his wife: he became a real tyrant, was jealous and humiliated her, believing that the people of Monaco loved his wife more than himself. Grace forgave her husband everything. In 1981 they celebrated their silver wedding.

Last years

Time passed, the children grew up. Caroline had a loud and scandalous marriage behind her, Albert, who was the future heir, was not interested in anything other than sports and girls, and the youngest daughter Stefania grew up a “tomboy” - she rode a motorcycle and despised feminine clothes. The image of an impeccable family that Grace had so diligently built was crumbling. She no longer considered her life fabulous and 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. At the very end of her life's journey, she dreamed of only one thing - to resume her acting career. Her violent and restless nature, which had been hidden for so long behind the façade of the impregnable “snow queen,” was rushing out.

One day she decided to talk to her daughter face to face, and to do this she decided to refuse the services of a driver and got behind the wheel of the car herself. It was a 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 from high altitude.

Journalists said that there was an argument inside the car, and Grace Kelly suffered a stroke. Having never recovered from the accident, the princess died on September 14, 1982. At that time she was only 52 years old. The youngest daughter Stefania, who was in the car with her mother, survived. There was practically no scratch 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 princess’s funeral, local residents cried in the streets, and Rainier walked arm in arm with his daughter and did not hide his tears. By his decree, he banned the showing of films in Monaco in which his wife starred. He remained alone more and more often, and appeared less and less at social events.
oriental tale against the background of world politics, it conquered the whole world and, unfortunately, ended in tragedy.

6 chosen

She consciously made a choice in favor of her family, sacrificing her career.

He was ready to correspond with her in order to eventually understand that he loved her.

They were considered one of the most the most beautiful couples XX century...

She…

She grew up in the family of a prominent industrialist and former Olympic champion in rowing. Her first role was as the Virgin Mary in a Christmas pageant at Rainshill Religious College. Grace was only 6 years old at the time.

She dreamed of becoming an actress, but instead of roles on Broadway, she was bombarded with contracts to star in commercials (from cigarettes to vacuum cleaners). But 1949 turned the situation around...

Despite the small number of films with her participation, Grace has one Oscar and two Golden Globes to her credit.

Initially, she wanted to throw in her lot with fashion designer Oleg Cassini, but the latter’s age and numerous divorces forced her parents to convince their daughter otherwise. In addition, Grace was always picky about suitors and once even refused the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

But she had long dreamed of becoming a wife and mother...

He…

His full name, given at baptism, Louis-Henri-Maxence-Bertrand Grimaldi.

He ascended the throne thanks to his mother, who, after the death of Prince Louis II, at the first opportunity, renounced the title in favor of her son.

He graduated High school political sciences in Paris, simultaneously receiving an excellent education at universities in the UK and Switzerland.

Before taking office, the future prince was in the service French army and took part in the military campaign against Nazi Germany in Alsace.

They…

They met on the set of Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief, which took place on the French Riviera.

Their meeting cannot be called a long affair. More like a correspondence romance: after a photo shoot between the actress and the European monarch organized by Paris Match magazine, their relationship continued in a long correspondence... Which lasted six months. After which Rainier went to Philadelphia to ask for Grace's hand in marriage.

She said “Yes!”, despite the fact that it meant the end of her film career.

Their wedding, the civil ceremony of which took place on April 18, 1956, and the official wedding on April 19, is still considered one of the most luxurious social events of the 20th century. They say that on this day almost 20 thousand fans of Grace’s talent gathered on the streets of Monaco.

Among the 600 guests of honor, of course, were Hollywood stars of the time: Ava Gardner, Gloria Swenson, Conrad Hilton... Interesting fact: British Queen Elizabeth II, embarrassed "too big amount movie stars" was forced to politely refuse to participate in the celebration...

“Gentlemen prefer ladies” - these words accompanied the portrait of a dazzling beauty on the cover of Time magazine for May 1954 - Hollywood star Grace Kelly. The signature turned out to be prophetic, although it required a little clarification: not just gentlemen, but royalty prefer ladies to all other beauties.

At the Cannes Film Festival in May 1955, Grace accepted an offer from the famous journalist Pierre Galante to take a series of photographs with Prince Rainier III of Monaco. True, at first this idea did not seem so attractive to her - she had to circle for a long time and tediously along the winding serpentines of the tiny kingdom. But the photo session promised to be a winner - the monarch was hosting a Hollywood star.

The sun was setting when a dazzling beauty in a dress with large bright colors first stepped on the reddish soil. Prince Rainier handed her strong hand and led them to introduce them to his charges, who were freely located in the enclosures of the luxurious zoo. With the same strong hand he fearlessly stroked the huge saber tooth tiger. Flashes of cameras illuminated the heroes' walk until late in the evening.

They said goodbye. And Grace, to all questions about the impression made on her by the prince, modestly and cautiously answered: “He is very charming”...

The next day, she thanked Rainier III in a letter, he responded to her immediately. The secret correspondence continued for about six months; no one suspected that the cold beauty had started such an adventure - to make one of the most prominent European suitors fall in love with her. But she didn’t start anything, she really liked this heir to the Grimaldi family, not too much prosperous family, also known for its scandalous reputation.

The prince was already over thirty, and the court needed an heir. Rainier did not avoid women, but he had not yet found a worthy one; Grace seemed to him sweet and, moreover, extremely reliable and decent. And he, like every admirer of her talent, had a sensible thought: “You can live with this woman until old age.” He made up his mind, he crossed the ocean to visit the Kelly family and ask for Grace's hand in marriage.

Christmas was approaching. Just at this time, the actress was filming the film “The Swan,” where she played a girl marrying a prince. Significant story. Grace, like a true Catholic, was sensitive to the signs of fate and prepared to follow them.

On January 5, 1956, the engagement took place. A marriage contract was signed. Rainier's mother, Princess Charlotte, expressed her desire to become a second mother to Grace.

The last film in which the bride starred was called symbolically - “High Society”. Grace's partner was our old friend - the inimitable Frank Sinatra. After the end of filming, the MGM studio presented the future Princess of Monaco with all the outfits in which she was filmed.

"Wedding of the Century"

The carefully written script of this wedding deserves a special prize from the most picky jury. April 12, 1956. Grace Kelly, accompanied by sixty friends and all members of her family, sets off on an ocean liner

"Constitution" towards your happiness. Happiness meets the long-awaited bride on his own yacht. Rainier carries Grace onto his deck, hundreds of guns salute them, the plane showers the young and crowds of enthusiastic spectators with thousands of red and white carnations.

Thirty photographers and cameramen, without being distracted for a minute, record the brilliant ceremony for history.

Exactly a week later, the wedding of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Hollywood star Grace Kelly took place in St. Nicholas Cathedral. The bride clutched a bouquet of immaculate white lilies of the valley in her hands. The MGM studio made a wonderful film, as promised, and the ceremony itself was broadcast on live in nine European countries.

“When I married Prince Rainier, I married a person, not what he was or who he was. I fell in love with him without thinking about all this,” Grace wrote many years later in her diary.

The honeymoon took place without annoying cameras. Rainier even grew a skipper's beard, and Grace again felt like a simple, almost village girl.

Exactly nine months later, the newlyweds had a daughter, Caroline. She looked strikingly like her father. And he is a fearless tamer saber tooth tigers, almost burst into tears when I first held the tiny envelope with my dark-skinned daughter in my arms.

And a year and two months later, an heir, Albert, was born.

A national holiday was declared in Monaco.

“The hardest thing for me was to become a normal person again after so many years of acting,” admitted Grace.

How normal person she wanted to be a faithful wife and caring mother, especially since another daughter, Stefania, was born in 1965. The same Stefania who will be next to her mother in her last moments.

In the meantime, Grace, picking up a movie camera, carefully and meticulously records the moments of their family life. Not festive ones - the most everyday ones: winter skiing and summer yachting and swimming. Domestic - with kittens and puppies, and plein air - on the grass and in the shade of trees.

"I don't like looking back."

She really preferred happy memories rather than regrets about the past. And so they lived: Rainier ruled the country, and Grace built their little world without losing touch with the world. They ruled together for 26 years. This is a lot for constant cloudless happiness. A new life has begun in Monaco, raising the tiny principality to the world level. And the Rainier family settled high in a mountainous estate, hidden from the annoying paparazzi. Here too, the husband took care of his favorite animals and taught them little son master modern technical “tricks.” And he affectionately called his wife “household coordinator.”

The sea attracted the Grimaldi family. They spent all family vacations on yachts named after their children. They behaved on the yachts like ordinary sailors, all on equal terms. “In the morning, everyone makes their bed. The first one to get up prepares breakfast for everyone” - these were the laws of the family yacht routine. There were quiet joys in this house. The children and their mother loved to create collages from flowers. Grace even received the nickname “Queen of Flowers.” This queen spoke confidentially with her dumb “subjects”, could not part with them for a long time and dried flowers between the pages of telephone directories. Flowers and poetry were two passions of Rainier's childhood. She guessed them; she herself devoted herself to these two passions all her life.

Grace created comfort around herself and was not at all interested in politics. And the economy managed even better without it. Only charity occasionally required close attention and control.

The Monegasques were in love with their princess. She also organized palace tea parties with elderly subjects and visited orphanages. And she didn’t need to visit the prison - the last prisoner was mercifully released on the eve of their wedding.

Grace's personality attracted more and more fans of her talent to the small principality, as well as simply curious people from all over the world. Luxurious, loud balls reigned in Monaco. Ella Fitzgerald, Maurice Chevalier, Harry Belafonte, Charles Aznavour - the names of these guests were increasingly heard in the princely halls.

In honor of Grace's fortieth birthday in 1969, one of the most luxurious balls was given - the Scorpio Ball. The guests of honor were family friends Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The magnificent outfits of the guests, and above all the elegant hostess, were exquisite works of art. It is no coincidence that, even many years later, these outfits are exhibited at exhibitions and invariably arouse admiration.

When just regular balls no longer aroused interest, Grace came up with themed masquerades. Guests had to arrive in pre-announced costumes and perform impromptu performances. She still remained an actress - this little princess, as another old friend of ours lovingly called her - “ The Snow Queen» Greta Garbo. Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev often shone in these “home” performances. One day, dressed as simple fishermen, they were not recognized by either the guests or even the guards. As a result, they were simply not allowed into the palace, so Grace herself, who happened to be nearby, had to intervene.

The guests felt very at ease here in the palace. No strangers, no paparazzi. All the photographs that we can see only now were taken by the spouses themselves - Grace and Rainier. And they were kept in family albums behind seven small elegant locks.
Special albums were saved for posterity and congratulations from friends. Unprotocol, humorous and intimate. Bright drawings, cheerful dedications - like in every home, like in every family, if not for the signatures worldwide famous celebrities: Marc Chagall, Mstislav Rostropovich, Frank Sinatra.

Grace had a particularly touching friendship with Maria Callas. During her passionate romance with Aristotle Onassis, they often vacationed with their spouses on the famous yacht “Christina”. The photographs preserved the singer’s serenely happy face. Several years passed, and already in the ruins of this novel, only Grace continued to be friends with Maria, and only she, of all high-ranking persons, saw her off on her last journey.
Grace was repeatedly asked to return to cinema and take part in new films. She refused, but nevertheless voiced a commentary on the film about the ballet “Children from Theater Street,” which was nominated for an Oscar. She enthusiastically records records for children, takes part in the Edinburgh Festival. And finally, in the Vatican, Princess Grace reads a text about Christmas - this was her last appearance in public.

“I don’t like quarrels...”

“I don’t like quarrels, I don’t know how to argue, it’s easier for me to avoid discord,” she liked to repeat, and it was true.

As you might guess, Prince Rainier did not have angelic character. In addition, over the years, he became jealous of his wife for worldwide and national fame, but especially for popularity. And even more - to love. Over the years, something strange happened in this family - he grew old, she did not. She still remained young and beautiful, despite the approaching years. Grace didn’t want to look too far ahead. “It’s better not to talk about the future - that’s the most the right way ruin it,” she often said, laughing.

The children grew up and began to look less and less like angels. Although the eldest Caroline and Albert inherited the best and most non-conflict traits of both parents. But the youngest, Stefania, grew up willful and unbridled. She often fell in love, and with the most notorious womanizers. Her mother tried to reason with her, but more and more often they collided with each other - two beautiful women in completely ugly quarrels and insults.

WITH on a sunny September day in 1982, Grace and youngest daughter left the gates of the Roque-Agel castle. Why the princess got behind the wheel herself, dismissing the driver, one can only guess. She must have wanted to talk to Stefania alone. The car was rushing along the mountain road at breakneck speed and fatally missed a sharp turn. A second - and the car fell into the abyss.

Stefania remained alive; she got out of the car on her own and tried unsuccessfully to rescue her mother. But, alas, the fatal inevitability - no one could help Grace. She was taken to the hospital, but despite efforts the best doctors, she did not regain consciousness.

A few days later, Rainier ordered not to prolong her torment, and all medical equipment artificially supporting her smoldering life was turned off.

Principality, princess favorite, friends loved by the princess, family loved by the princess - suddenly became orphans.
Prince Rainier III died in April 2005 at the age of 81. He ruled the principality for 56 years. And without his princess, he lived alone for 23 long years.

Their life together surrounded by numerous rumors, fictions and conjectures. No one ever learned the whole truth about the princess and the stern prince.

“Fairy tales are fictional stories. I am a living person. I exist. If anyone tells the story of my life as a story real woman, people will finally understand who I really am,” Grace really hoped.