Prince Rainier III

Prince Rainier III (1923-2005) was the long-serving ruler of Monaco, a small city-state on the French Riviera, from 1949 until his death. He is known for modernizing Monaco, transforming it from a sleepy seaside enclave into a glamorous destination for tourists and the wealthy. Rainier married American actress Grace Kelly in 1956, which brought significant media attention and cultural prominence to Monaco. His reign saw economic growth and the development of various industries, including tourism and finance, making Monaco a vibrant and internationally recognized principality. Rainier's legacy includes cultural institutions and a commitment to environmental preservation.