Rainier III

Rainier III (rĕnyā`), 1923–2005, prince of Monaco (1949–2005), a member of the Grimaldi family, which has ruled the tiny principality since 1297. Fiercely anti-Nazi, Ranier served with distinction as an officer in the French Army during World War II. On the death of his grandfather, Louis II, in 1949 he succeeded as ruler of Monaco. Rainier devoted himself to insuring Monaco's independence and financial stability, transforming a state that had been economically devastated by the war into an international business center, a successful resort for the wealthy, and a modern tourist destination. In 1956 he married the American actress Grace Kelly (see Grace, princess consort of Monaco). His son, Albert II, succeeded him.

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Rainier III

 orig. Rainier-Louis-Henri-Maxence-Bertrand de Grimaldi

(born May 31, 1923, Monaco—died April 6, 2005, Monaco) Prince of Monaco (1949–2005), 31st in a line of hereditary rulers. He intensified, expanded, and diversified Monaco's enterprises, including its industry. Through land reclamation from the sea, he expanded the principality's territory by one-fifth. His most significant political reform was the promulgation of a new constitution, based on modern principles without repudiating tradition. His wedding to Grace Kelly in 1956 attracted worldwide attention.