Rainier III, Prince of Monaco

Prince Rainier III (Rainier Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand Grimaldi; May 31, 1923–April 6, 2005), styled HSH The Sovereign Prince of Monaco, ruled the Principality of Monaco for almost fifty-six years.

Related Topics:
May 31 - 1923 - April 6 - 2005 - Sovereign Prince of Monaco - Principality - Monaco

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Though he was best known outside of Europe for having married American actress Grace Kelly, he was also responsible for reforms to Monaco's constitution and for expanding the principality's economy beyond its traditional gambling base. Gambling accounts for approximately three percent of the nation's annual revenue today; when Rainier ascended the throne in 1949, it accounted for more than 95 percent.

Related Topics:
American - Grace Kelly - Monaco's constitution - Gambling - 1949

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After grave illness in March 2005, Rainier died on April 6; his only son, Albert, succeeded him as Prince Albert II.

Related Topics:
March 2005 - April 6 - Prince Albert II

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~