Grace Kelly
The Princess of Hollywood
Grace Kelly was an iconic figure in two worlds. In one, she caught the eye of the man who would change her life; in the other, she became something much more after meeting him.
The world of Hollywood
Grace Patricia Kelly was born in 1929 in Philadelphia to an Irish-American family. While studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, she worked as a model. Her Broadway debut was in Strindberg’s play The Father, after which she continued acting in soap operas.
High Noon
Her first screen appearance was in the film Fourteen Hours, but real fame came with the release of “High Noon” alongside Gary Cooper. Grace’s career quickly took off: in 1953, she starred in “Mogambo,” earning her first Oscar nomination, and by 1954, she won the coveted award for her role in “The Country Girl.”
Mogambo
Grace became the epitome of refined elegance, with her porcelain-doll beauty captivating audiences and earning her a devoted fan base. However, after just 11 films, Kelly left Hollywood for the most significant role of her life as the Princess of Monaco.
The world of the royalty
After accepting the proposal of Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Grace became the most famous figure both in Hollywood and beyond. Their wedding was the first royal ceremony broadcast on television, drawing 30 million viewers worldwide.
Her entry into the royal family left an indelible mark on Monaco’s history. She embraced the Principality as her new home, dedicating herself to enriching its cultural life and raising its profile on the international stage.
Colouring: Pierre Tourigny from Gatineau
Grace established a charitable foundation that continues to support young talents in film, theater, and dance. She also revived the Monte-Carlo Ballet. The Princess contributed to the beauty of her state by founding the Monaco Garden Club, which hosts annual bouquet competitions and organizes the Rose Balls. In 1981, the “Princess of Monaco” rose, a white bloom edged in red like the colors of Monaco’s flag, was introduced at one of these events.
She led the Red Cross located in Monaco’s sole state hospital, which was later renamed Princess Grace Hospital. The children’s rights organization she founded, AMADE, achieved official status with both UNICEF and UNESCO.
Grace Kelly left an unforgettable legacy in the history and hearts of the people of Monaco. More than 40 years after her passing, she remains an icon of virtue, beauty, and elegance.
