Prince Rainier III: Monaco's Ruler and Husband of Grace Kelly Dies at 81

Prince Rainier III was the ruler of Monaco from 1949 until his death. Born on May 31, 1923, in Monaco, he served in the French army during World War II and was awarded the Croix de Guerre.

Rainier modernized the principality, expanding its economy beyond gambling into tourism, banking and real estate. He added land by reclamation and in 1993 brought Monaco into the United Nations. In 1956 he married American film star Grace Kelly in a wedding watched worldwide.

The couple had three children: Caroline, Albert and Stephanie. Princess Grace died in a car crash in 1982. Rainier died on April 6, 2005, in Monaco at age 81, of bronchopneumonia and heart and kidney failure. His son Albert succeeded him.

Achievements: Prince of Monaco (1949-2005), led Monaco into the United Nations (1993).

Birth: May 31, 1923 - Monaco.

Profession: Monarch.

Interesting Facts: He reigned for 56 years, among the longest of any European ruler of his time.