Grace Kelly, the iconic American actress turned Princess of Monaco, married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in a fairy tale wedding in 1956. The union between the glamorous Hollywood star and the European prince captured the imagination of people around the world and cemented Grace Kelly’s status as a real-life princess.
The love story between Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III began in 1955 when the two met at the Cannes Film Festival. At the time, Grace was one of the most famous and beloved actresses in Hollywood, having starred in acclaimed films such as “Dial M for Murder,” “Rear Window,” and “To Catch a Thief.” Prince Rainier, on the other hand, was the ruler of the tiny principality of Monaco, known for its luxury and glamour.
Despite their different backgrounds, Grace and Rainier fell in love and announced their engagement in January 1956. The news of their impending marriage caused a sensation in the media, with newspapers and magazines around the world covering every detail of the royal wedding.
On April 18, 1956, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III were married in a lavish ceremony at the Palais Princier in Monaco. The bride wore a stunning gown designed by MGM costume designer Helen Rose, which featured a high neckline, long sleeves, and a full skirt made of antique lace and silk taffeta. The ceremony was attended by royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries from around the world, making it one of the most high-profile weddings of the 20th century.
Following their wedding, Grace Kelly retired from acting to focus on her duties as Princess of Monaco. She and Prince Rainier went on to have three children together – Princess Caroline, Prince Albert, and Princess Stéphanie – and were married until Grace’s tragic death in a car accident in 1982.
The marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III was a true fairy tale come to life, with a Hollywood starlet marrying a real-life prince and becoming a beloved member of Monaco’s royal family. Their love story continues to captivate people to this day, with Grace Kelly remembered as one of the most iconic and elegant figures of the 20th century.