The story of former Hollywood star Grace Kelly’s crisis of marriage and identity, during a political dispute between Monaco’s Prince Rainier III and France’s Charles De Gaulle, and a looming French invasion of Monaco in the early 1960s.
“Fairytales tell imaginary stories. Me, I’m a living person. I exist. If the story of my life as a real women were to be told one day, people would at last discover the real being that I am.”
If Grace Kelly (Princess Grace of Monaco) was alive today she would rejoice in what her first (and only) son has evolved into, both as a person and as the ruling Prince of Monaco. From early on, Prince Albert honored the duties he was born to.
While birthdays may always be a special and meaningful occasion, a 60th birthday is a unique milestone, when retrospectives meets legacy. The 60th birthday in some cultures represents a Grand Celebration were a person completes a full cycle of life and begins a ‘new life’. Born March 14, 1958, here is a look back at Prince Albert’s first 60 years.
Prince Albert of Monaco sitting on the lap of his mother, Princess Grace, during his first birthday – celebrated in the presence of his godmother Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain
Travel back in time to Prince Albert’s third birthday celebration
With appreciation, this excerpt is shared from the book “My Days with Princess Grace of Monaco“, which includes a letter from the author, Princess Grace’s friend Joan Dale (wife of the American Privy Counselor Martin Dale, Prince Rainier’s closest advisor in the early 60’s):
…Grace was very fond of both Charles and Greg, treating them like her own and including them in most of their family activities whenever possible. Albert often celebrated his birthday in Switzerland with a party; Grace personally planned all the parties and themes for her children, with ice cream and birthday cake. She loved to do things like that.
Monaco – March 23, 1961 Dearest Mum and Dad, Here we are again after a delightful holiday and change of air. We returned via the Simplon Tunnel, where one puts the car on a flatcar, stays in the car and travels through a tunnel for 30 minutes – an incredible accomplishment for the builders! We made it in one day, arriving at 10 p.m., after having left at 8:30 a.m. The weather was perfect, and so were the children.
Charlesie is no longer afraid to do things and loves to swing, box, ride real ponies all alone, etc. I attribute this change to Albie and the Prince, who fortunately play rather rough, and Charles has just had to learn to defend himself. Grace and Rainier returned yesterday, and we were very pleased to be invited to a very small dinner with them and Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain
(Albert’s godmother). She is the granddaughter of Queen Victoria, is very regal but is easy to talk to. After dinner (nine people only) Marty played Bridge with the Queen, and I played Canasta with Grace and Rainier. Charles attended Albie’s birthday party at Schönried, and we took movies of it. Hope they come out.
By the way there will be an article about Marty and his work in next week’s “Newsweek”! Talk about notoriety! The “New York Times” had a long article three weeks ago about Marty and Monaco, and so did “Businessweek.” I am so proud of him. Everyone, incidentally, comments on the moonstone – even the Prince, who loves jewelry. All for now. All our love, Joan, Marty, Charlesie, Greggie
In honour of Prince Albert’s 60th birthday, a new book titled ‘Albert II of Monaco, The Man and The Prince’ is being released on 14 March – the day of his birthday. The book is as a collection of conversations with Prince Albert which at present is only available in French – read an extract.
The Many Faces of Prince Albert
Monaco Twins Birthday
With admiration, see how Prince Albert’s son (and twin daughter) spend their birthday in royal style
Happy 60th Birthday Prince Albert
With best wishes we celebrate you and all your accomplishments as an exemplary human being and a dedicated leader of the world.
Prince Albert of Monaco in Action
With delight we present “Privacy And Power” a documentary revealing a year in the life of Prince Albert of Monaco (including rare footage)
