Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, 1923-2005

Rainier was born on May 31, 1923 at the Prince's Palace of Monaco, as the only son of Hereditary Princess Charlotte and Prince Pierre. Rainier's early education was conducted in England and Switzerland, where he attended the Institut Le Rosey. Rainier then attended the University of Montpellier in France, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1943. In 1944, the day before his 21st birthday, Rainier's mother renounced her right to the throne and Rainier became the direct heir.

Rainier joined the Free French Army in September 1944, during World War II, receiving the French Croix de Guerre for fighting in Alsace. Rainier became the Sovereign Prince of Monaco upon the death of his grandfather, Prince Louis II, on May 9, 1949, at the age of 25. As regent, Rainier decided to promote Monaco as a tax haven, commercial center, real-estate development opportunity, and international tourist attraction. In 1962, Rainier ratified the Principality's new constitution, which significantly reduced the power of the sovereign.

On April 18, 1956, Rainier married American actress Grace Kelly. Together the couple had three children: Princess Caroline (January 23, 1957), heir Prince Albert (March 14, 1958), and Princess Stéphanie (February 1, 1965). Rainier died on April 6, 2005 from complications relating to a lung infection as a result of frequent smoking. Rainier was succeeded by his son, Albert II.