Background
III, Prince Rainier, was born on May 31, 1923 in Principality of Monaco.
III, Prince Rainier, was born on May 31, 1923 in Principality of Monaco.
Student, Summerfields, Hastings, England. Student, Le Rosey, Faculte de Montpellier, Ecole des Sciences Politiques de Paris.
Became hereditary Prince of Monaco, June 2, 1944. Delegated by reigning prince to administer affairs of the Principality, April 1949. Succeeded his grandfather, Prince Louis, II, May 9, 1949.
Founder Red Cross of Monaco, 1948. Founder American Friends of Monaco, 1952, Prix Prince Rainier, III, de Monaco (annual literature prize for foreign writers). Served as lieutenant and colonel French Army, 1944-1945.
Son of Comte Pierre de Polignac and Princesse Charlotte de Monaco. Married Grace Kelly, April 19, 1956 (deceased 1982). Children: Caroline (Royal Highness Princess of Hanover), Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre, Stephanie Marie Elizabeth.