Post by Salem6 on Apr 6, 2005 8:23:52 GMT
Monaco's Prince Rainier, Europe's longest-reigning monarch, has died at the age of 81, after spending several weeks in hospital.
Rainier's reign brought a new glamour to Monaco
The prince, who had ruled the tiny Mediterranean principality since 1949, died at 0635 (0435 GMT), the royal palace said.
He had been suffering from heart, kidney and lung problems.
He will be succeeded by his 47-year-old son, Prince Albert, who took over his father's royal duties last week.
Affluent haven
A palace statement said Rainier died from the "broncho-pulmonary, heart and kidney conditions that caused his hospitalisation".
RAINIER: KEY DATES
1923: Born in Monaco
1949: Succeeds his grandfather, Prince Louis II
1956: Marries US actress Grace Kelly
1982: Princess Grace dies in a car accident
1999-2005: Several breathing-related operations
7 March, 2005: Hospitalised with lung infection.
6 April, 2005: Dies at age 81
Prince Albert was at his father's side when he died, the Reuters news agency reported.
Doctors called him a little before 0600 to tell him that the end was near, the palace said.
Rainier suffered several bouts of bronchitis and had several operations in recent years.
He was taken to hospital on 7 March with a lung infection, and moved into intensive care on 22 March.
Rainier's reign made headlines in 1956, when he married the US Hollywood star Grace Kelly, who brought a new glamour to Monaco.
It helped the prince turn the principality into an affluent and stylish haven for the rich and famous.
Grace Kelly died car-crash in 1982. They had three children: Caroline, Albert and Stephanie.
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4415291.stm