RAINIER III, Louis Henri (1923-2005)
Price: $225.00
Description:Prince of Monaco from 9 May 1949 to his death in 2005. Rainier ruled the Principality of Monaco for almost 56 years, making him one of the longest ruling monarchs in European history.
SIG – Vintage signature with title of office on a small card; accompanied by a 1949 TLS transmittal from his personal secretary, original mailing envelope and a 1956 photo-postcard commemorating their marriage. Comes with PSA/DNA certification.
Rainier was born at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the only son of Prince Pierre and Princess Charlotte of Monaco. He was crucially responsible for the transformation of Monaco economy, shifting from its traditional casino gambling base to its current status as a tax haven and cultural destination. The Prince also coordinated the substantial reforms of Monaco’s constitution, which limited the powers of sovereign rule.
Rainier married American film star Grace Kelly in 1956, which generated global media attention. They had three children: Caroline, Albert, and Stéphanie. He died from complications relating to a lung infection as a result of frequent smoking, and was succeeded by his son, Albert, after his death in April 2005.