Prince Rainier Current Events 1 : Nov.2002 - Apr.2005

[Julia]

Yes, quite a thought-provoking post, Alexandria. Nicely written.

 

[michelle]

This is all so hurting for me. Hervé told me now that he shortly saw Stephanie today as she went to fetch Louis at school. She was in tears. I'm trying to reach her.....dunno what to say anymore....this reminds me so much of losing my grandpa.

 

[Julia]

I'm sorry you are so sad, Michelle.

Eventhough this is a terribly difficult time for all of the Grimaldi children and grandchildren this time that they are able to spend with Rainier (though painful) is in someway comforting. It would be far more difficult if they could not do their greiving with him. Later, there is that feeling that at least you were there with them at the end and it does, oddly enough, make things a little bit easier.

 

[Danielle]

Thank you Alexandria. I entirely agree with what you are saying.

 

[michelle]

I'm sorry you are so sad, Michelle.

Eventhough this is a terribly difficult time for all of the Grimaldi children and grandchildren this time that they are able to spend with Rainier (though painful) is in someway comforting. It would be far more difficult if they could not do their greiving with him. Later, there is that feeling that at least you were there with them at the end and it does, oddly enough, make things a little bit easier.

Thank you Julia....and I totally agree with you. When my grandpa died 4 years ago I lived in Paris so I couldn't be at his side when he closed his eyes. I returned home for the funeral but for a long time I felt like I didn't really have the chance to tell him goodbye as I wanted to.

As for Stephanie and her siblings...I want to point out that I'm very sad for all of them in the same way and I don't want to make the impression that I'm only concerned about Stephanie. Stephanie is just the one that I know best from over the last years...so that's what I wanted to clear.
I feel for them all.

 

[Danielle]

I'm sorry you are so sad, Michelle.

Eventhough this is a terribly difficult time for all of the Grimaldi children and grandchildren this time that they are able to spend with Rainier (though painful) is in someway comforting. It would be far more difficult if they could not do their greiving with him. Later, there is that feeling that at least you were there with them at the end and it does, oddly enough, make things a little bit easier.

I can agree. I don't want to use myself as an example, but in this case, I will. When my grandmother was dying in hospital, I was able to visit her every day for the 10 days she was there. She deteriorated more and more as the week went on, but I am glad I was there with her; despite the pain it caused me to watch her. Even though I miss her every day, I realise that I was far luckier than other people, in that I was able to say goodbye. There was a sense of closure. I hope that is what Albert, Caroline and Stephanie feel; that even though this is very sad, they have an opportunity to say things before it's too late. A second chance, if you like.

 

[michelle]

Here's another possibility to express your wishes.

The golden Guestbook of the monegasque Principality webpage:

http://www.monaco-montecarlo.com/monaco/livredor_monaco/new_livredor/index.php

 

[maryshawn]

These are all lovely posts--very kind, supportive and thought-provoking. It was enormously touching to read them. When I started hearing the news about Prince Ranier, I was reminded of my father who died just over 2 years ago. He had been declining but gradually for years since his stroke at age 42. He was in great shape over dinner at Christmas, then a few days later was hospitalized for an infection and 2 weeks later he was dead. His kidneys began shutting down, his heart started having problems and then other major organ failure began. The doctors were excellent but the delicate balance between starting up one system without impacting another could not be found. I thought then, and think today, of what one person once wrote about parents being the last great barrier between yourself and the realities of being truly on your own. Confronting the loss of your parent, at any age and under any circumstance, is hard. There is not a day that goes by that I do not miss my dad. Even though Ranier, like my father, has been in failing health for awhile, there is kind of a stunned, shocking feeling when the ball begins rolling and you realize this time may well be the last. It sounds strange but it's not something you are ever totally prepared for because they have, in the past, pulled through somehow. Life takes on a kind of suspended animation feeling; I remember saying many times "this can't be real." I remember saying that to myself when I was telling the doctors to stop the oxygen and increase the morphine after a final devastating stroke occured and his brain function had ceased. On the one hand, you know it's over; on the other, you expect somehow your parent will open his eyes again and go on. It's hard to explain; many of you have described it much more articulately. Anyway, I imagine this is what the Grimaldi family is feeling now and my heart goes out to all of them. I, too, hope the media gives them the time and space they need as they go through this experience. I also pray that, whatever the outcome, they find renewed support and comfort and strength in one another, family and friends. All of your kind, sensitive posts speak to the good you can find in people amidst even the saddest times.

 

[Lena]

Interesting thought Lena; I had a recent personal experience that is related. Last week I attended the funeral services of my great-uncle who had lived to be just a few months short of his 90th birthday and the death came after a week of "discomfort" but not a long, drawn out illness. Having been to funerals where friends had lost their parents in their 40s and early 50s, and even to a funeral where very young children died, I was "surprised" by the amount of tears by my great-uncle's (grown) chlidren and his grandchildren. Before I had left for the funeral a colleague had said to me that it shouldn't be a sad occasion but rather a "celebration" as he had lived a long, full life; of course not being particuarly close to this great-uncle I was a bit disconnected and was able to observe in a unique way. Even more surprising was another great-uncle (the younger brother of the one who had passed away) who I was close to, who was openly sobbing and crying over his brother's casket. I came to the conclusion in the end that no matter how long his life, for my great-uncle and for my dad this passing was losing a special family connection: for my great-uncle losing one more sibling, going from a eight brothers and sisters to having now only one sister left who remembers their parents and a life so long ago. And for my dad losing one more person who had special stories about his own dad who died nearly 20 years ago.

I think no matter how old you are it'll always be hard to lose a parent. In the case of Caroline, Albert and Stephanie (or other children in a similar position) a greater sadness because he was their last living parent and now they have only each other. I think that if Grace were still alive the pain might be a little bit less because an adult/parental figure still exists even if you are an adult/parent yourself.

Also, I think particularly precarious about Ranier's passing is that Caroline, Albert and Stephanie lost Grace while they were just young adults -- in Stephanie's case still a teenager -- and they all became close and dependent on Ranier as a single parent as well as someone to set an example of royal life. When you have only one parent you naturally become much closer to them than when you have two parents to spread and share your concerns and problems with. I think it's obvious with Stephanie being the youngest has a very special and close relationship with her father.

No matter how old you are and no matter how long a life your loved one has lived, losing them is losing a tangible connection that can never be replaced.

You make an very interesting point here, Alexandria. And as I´ve said I don´t have much experience. But I though think, that you lose something different (I don´t want to say you lose something "bigger") when your parent dies "young" and suddenly, than when he/she had a long life. I would say, when your parent dies at 90 and you´re around 60 then you lose the living connection to the past. But when your parent dies young, you lose the living connection to the past and to a lived future together with the person. You always will ask yourself, how you would have spend the time together. Until a certain point you might also ask yourself, how the (5 or 10...) years with the 90 year old dead parent would have been, and maybe nowdays such thoughts are in our society, which seems to believe in an as long life as Methuselah or even longer, even more spread. But I guess deeply inside we know, that our life is not endless. Little children seem to know it and ppl, who are older seem to know it as well.
My aim is not to emphasize, who might suffer more. Mourning is not measurable. I rather would want to focus on the idea, that it has maybe also something deeply comforting to look back on Rainier´s long colourful life and to see how he is leaving because his body has reached its natural limit. Further this time there´s a chance to say goodbye and to say how much he loves them. So I hope Caroline, Albert and Stephanie find the strength to see these aspects and that they give them some comfort.

 

[monaco70s]

I'm speechless and really touched by all of you, I know what the family is going thru right now cos I went thru that several times during the last years.

Michelle thanks for the update and the suggestions in how we can express our care & support. I'm sure that Stephanie stayed with Rainier because she wanted to be next to him and she would have bursted in tears like back in 2000's Circus when he was being operated. It really saddened me to see Caroline on the balcony.

I'll light up my candle later today.

I had never seen the family on the balcony for a Good Friday procesion in the past, do you think it was a praying vigil for Rainier's health?

 

[michelle]

Le batisseur de Monaco....

Rainier, the builder of Monaco

 

[monaco70s]

Regardless of the media coverage dedicated to his life, I think prince Rainier will be Monaco's best remembered and most important ruler in history because he made Monaco, Monaco.

 

[michelle]

Regardless of the media coverage dedicated to his life, I think prince Rainier will be Monaco's best remembered and most important ruler in history because he made Monaco, Monaco.

That's true.....

 

[Piewi]

I agree too, he made Monaco. Beatiful pics "ranier trough the years". A lot of true has been said in this thread. No matter your age, lost someone who love is difficult and painfully but Lena I agree with you, it´s different lose your parent when he´s 90 to he´s 40 or 50. My friend lost her father when she was 12 (he was 52 ) and I think that the pain is for the future.
maryshawn i like your post, it´s sensitive

The pic of Caroline is so sad, and it´s worring me. I hope he recover soon.My prays goes to him and his family

.

 

[michelle]

The Presitent of the Republic of France Mr. Jacques Chirac called Prince Alberton Friday, 25th March 2005:

French President Jacques Chirac called Albert on Friday to "inquire about Prince Rainier's condition, "the president's office said, and "express his concern and friendship for him, his family, and the people of Monaco."


Source: Yahoo News

 

[Queen Astrid]

Watching these events I feel makes us all realize that we are all mortal no matter what station we are in life. I hope that Rainer does not feel any pain and that he will be in a place far better then this world full of evil and sin and be reunited with the one true love of his life Grace. I hope that fact that he will be reuinted with Grace will give confort to Rainer...

 

[Danielle]

Watching these events I feel makes us all realize that we are all mortal no matter what station we are in life. I hope that Rainer does not feel any pain and that he will be in a place far better then this world full of evil and sin and be reunited with the one true love of his life Grace. I hope that fact that he will be reuinted with Grace will give confort to Rainer...

I agree. They are human. They go through the same joys and sufferings as 'normal' people do. Death and tragedy are something everyone experiences during their life time, regardless of their country, social status, wealth or occupation.

 

[sara1981]

i read articles says Prince Rainier still weak i think! because my mom is student nurse she knew everythings! i told my mom about Prince Rainier he still hospital for weeks and missing easter on sunday and his grown three kids still with him all the times when visit Prince Rainier all the times everyday! but i would still pray for him.

and i read your post also says he caring as husband of late Princess Grace as ex-actress but she would be here anytimes and i read newspaper at my grandmother's house yesterday of Prince Albert leaving hospital see his dad i think so but his 3 children still desparation for dad!

Sara Boyce

 

[monaco70s]

You are right Ephram and the 3 of them have been in my prayers today. I last heard on the news that sadly Terri has only hours left

 

[sara1981]

The whole world are now keeping on vigil on these 3 people as they are struggling for survival: Prince Rainier III (a royal), Pope John Paul II (a religious man) and Terri Schiavo (a commoner)

i watch news about Terri mostly people wanted her as LIVED! i dont think so! but let her DIES! wait and see what happened!

Sara Boyce

 

[kittencrews]

wow... it's so hard to see those pictures of caroline and albert on the balcony... caroline is usually poised and business like and through these pictures you can see how much she loves her father... (i'm posting pictures of caroline and rainier in a father, a grandfather...) *sniff, sniff*

 

[kittencrews]

i have to post this picture....

 

[kittencrews]

just announced 3 minutes ago from the Palace that Prince Rainier's health has worsened... it's not looking good... the report sent from the Palace was signed by three of Rainier's doctors...

 

[HMQueenElizabethII]

i have to post this picture....

We all really sad when looking at these pictures.I really sorry for Prince Rainier, he would feel so hurt in his body.Ipray God bless him and let him recover the sick.

 

[budge9]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4384307.stm#

If you look at this BBC page there is an article about the Pope's blessing for Rainier and if you click on the video link at the top right you can see a short clip about what Rainier has done for Monaco.
God bless him!

 

[Ephram]

I'm astonished with the dedication of the Pope, despite his own ailment he still got time to bless other patient. God bless them both.

 

[Freedom]

Prince Rainier has set the stage for Greatness.

I've decided I no longer want to be blue over Prince Rainier's condition and prognosis. I want to think about the greatness of his life, and the wonderful legacy he is leaving for the future. He's had a long and full life. He's fortunate to have the opportunity to live his life to the fullest. He's created three wonderful and strong children. They will be the future of Monaco. Perhaps under their time, Monaco will flourish to an economic, artistic, benevolent, and peaceful level higher than it's ever experienced in the past 700+ years.

 

[Regina]

God bless The Pope. One of the greastest Popes of our time.
And God Bless Prince Rainier, a man who brought prosperity and sucess to Monaco and who gaves us 3 of the most beautiful Princesses of all times: Princesses Grace, Caroline and Stephanie.

God bless everybody and Good Easter for all.

 

[monaco70s]

I'm shocked and now expecting the worse with what the Palace has said earlier today.

I've never been to Monaco and I would have really liked to visit it with Rainier as a ruler. I agree with all of you on what's been said and in recent posts I agree with Freedom & Regina.

I'm really admired from the Pope sending his blessings to Rainier.

 

[monaco70s]

Here's the communique that was sent out by the Palais Princier on Friday.

Bureau de Presse


Le vendredi 25 mars 2005

Bulletin Médical


L'état de santé de Son Altesse Sérénissime le Prince Rainier III, qui est toujours en réanimation sous assistance respiratoire au Centre Cardio-Thoracique de Monaco, reste préoccupant.
Devant la gravité de la situation, l'avis du Professeur Jean-Charles Piette, Chef de service de médecine interne de l'Hôpital La Pitié Salpetrière de Paris, a été sollicité.
Dans la soirée du jeudi 24 mars, la consultation entre ce spécialiste et les Docteurs Vincent Dor, Jean Joseph Pastor et Françoise Montiglio, a conclu à la nécessité de poursuivre le traitement institué.
Le pronostic vital du Souverain, en raison de la fragilité de ses fonctions cardiaque, respiratoire et rénale, reste réservé.
Un nouveau bulletin médical sera publié ultérieurement.



Pr. Vincent Dor
Dr. Françoise Montiglio
Dr. Jean-Joseph Pastor




PALAIS PRINCIER – B.P. 518 – MC 98015 MONACO CEDEX
Tel : + 377 93 25 18 31 – Fax : + 377 93 25 24 45
email : presse@palais.mc
website : www.palais.mc

This is the Principality's site where you can see the latest news regarding Princ Rainier's health http://www.monaco.gouv.mc/