A movie star becoming a princess – Grace Kelly and the Grimaldi family

The Grimaldi family is the ruling princely dynasty of Monaco, which has ruled the mini-state since 1297. The family's history began with François Grimaldi , who took possession of the fortress of Monaco in disguise, thereby establishing the Grimaldi's centuries-long rule. Over the centuries, Monaco has become one of the most luxurious principalities in the Mediterranean, known worldwide not only for its historical heritage and economic role, but also for the personal fortunes of the Grimaldi family. One of the most famous and iconic chapters in this history is the marriage of Grace Kelly , the American film star, and Prince Rainier III.

Grace Kelly rose to fame as a Hollywood actress in the 1950s. She won an Oscar, appeared in Alfred Hitchcock's films, and was considered one of the biggest stars of her time. The fateful meeting took place in 1955, when Grace visited Monaco during the Cannes Film Festival and was given the opportunity to visit the prince's palace by a French magazine. The meeting began as a polite protocol event, but an immediate attraction developed between them. Over the following months, they began to keep in touch, their relationship deepened, and Rainier III eventually engaged Grace in January 1956.

The wedding took place in April 1956 and consisted of two parts: a civil ceremony and a grand church wedding, watched by the whole world. The ceremony took place in Monaco, at the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas , where Grace Kelly was later buried. The marriage was not only a relationship between an actress and a monarch, but also the beginning of a new era in the life of the principality, which was suddenly thrust into the international spotlight.

Princess Grace Kelly retired from acting after her marriage and devoted her life entirely to representing the principality, charity work and raising their three children – Caroline, Albert and Stéphanie. She was both a classic princess and a modern woman, whose elegance and human directness contributed to Monaco’s international appeal.

In 1982, at the age of 52, Grace Kelly was tragically killed in a car accident on a mountain road while traveling with her younger daughter, Stéphanie. Her death shocked people around the world, especially in Monaco, where her memory is deeply revered to this day. Her final resting place is in the crypt of the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Monaco, where flowers are regularly placed at her grave. Princess Grace has since defined the face of Monaco: her name is used to label charities, arts awards and cultural events, reminding us of how a Hollywood legend became one of the world's most iconic princesses.