On this day in 1958: 'Bonny' Prince Albert of Monaco born
“A celebratory 101-gun salute has been fired in Monaco after Princess Grace - formerly film star Grace Kelly - gave birth to a son.
In spite of elaborate arrangements made for announcing the birth, the world learnt about the baby's arrival when a woman at a palace window shouted to waiting journalists: "It's a boy, it's a boy".
The 8lb 11oz baby who was born at just before 1100 local time is to be named Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre. He will be known as Prince Albert.
The baby takes automatic precedence over his one-year-old sister, Princess Caroline.
The young princess appeared on a palace balcony in the arms of her father, Prince Rainier III, shortly after her brother was born. Prince Rainier later broadcast an address to the nation announcing the Crown Prince's birth.
Speaking to journalists, the princess' mother, Margaret Kelly said both her daughter and the baby were doing well.
‘It is a bonny, bonny prince,’ Mrs Kelly said.”
Prince Albert was born March 14, 1958 to HSH Princess Grace (1929-1982) and HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The day following Albert’s birth was declared a public holiday; flags and flowers were everywhere. At the time, Albert’s birth ensured that Monaco remained independent of France for another generation. Under a treaty signed by both countries in 1918, if Monaco had no heir, it would become subject to French laws. A new accord was ratified in 2002 which affirms Monaco’s status as an independent country, clarifies the right of succession, and confirms Monaco's right to establish its own diplomatic relations with other countries.
From all accounts, Albert had a happy childhood much as any other child. He attended school at the Lycee Albert I of Monaco where he received his baccalaureate diploma with distinction in 1976. Then, from 1977 to 1981, he studied at Amherst College in Massachusetts and graduated on May 30, 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Following the time spent at Amherst, Prince Albert served in the French Navy as second grade sub-lieutenant, on board the helicopter-carrier 'Jeanne d'Arc'.
Throughout his life, he participated in many sports, including soccer, handball, judo, swimming, tennis, sailing, skiing, squash, fencing and rowing. Prince Albert participated in several Winter Olympic Games as a member on the Monaco bobsled team.
Prince Albert has been preparing for the most import role of his life - that of future leader of Monaco. He attends cabinet meetings with Prince Rainier and heads Monaco’s delegation to the United Nations. Prince Albert also serves on several national and international committees, organizations and federations mostly related to athletic and humanitarian concerns. Prince Albert is also Vice-President of the Princess Grace-USA Foundation in honor of his mother who passed on September 14, 1982. He attends social and official occasions such as the yearly Red Cross Ball. As health problems continue to sideline Prince Rainier, Prince Albert finds himself more in the spotlight.
Prince Albert has two siblings, an older sister, Princess Caroline and a younger sister, Princess Stephanie.
Thanks to LadyMacAlpine for the following photo:
Palais de Monaco / BtooB / eyevine/CONTRAST - EYE -- The Archives of Monaco: the album of the Grimaldi dynasty - Signature of the birth certificate of HSH the heir Prince Albert Two days after the birth of the heir prince, on Sunday 16 March 1958, the birth certificate of HSH Prince Albert, Alexandre, Louis, Pierre is signed. This ceremony is held under the supervision of Mister Marcel Portanier, President of the State council, Director of the Judicial Services, State officer of the Sovereign Family. The two witness designated by the Prince are: Misses Louise Brame-Gastaldi and His Eminence.
1. March 19, 1958: Princess Grace holding her five day old son Prince Albert.
2. 3. April 21, 1958: Official Presentation of Prince Albert.
4. Magazine showing Princess Grace with Prince Albert.
5. Stamp commemorating the birth of Prince Albert.
6. February 26, 1960: The family on holiday at Schonried Switzerland.
7. April 1, 1960: Prince Albert's first official public appearance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Oceanographic Museum that was founded by his grandfather Prince Albert I. (Albert is now 2 years old.)
8. August 28, 1968: Rainier, Grace, Albert, Caroline in Naples Italy on their way to the Olympics where Grace's brother was competing.
9. November 19, 1960: Monaco National Holiday. Albert, Grace, Rainier, Caroline.
10. During 1960: Grace with Albert and Caroline.
APL Pictures.
1. March 23, 1961: Grace reading to her children, Albert (3) and Caroline (4).
2. April 28, 1961: Grace and Albert in a NY hotel.
3. January 1962: Family.
4. April 18, 1962: On holiday in Philadelphia with Grace's family. Albert is now 4 years old.
5. August 1, 1962: Family.
6. 1963: The family on a winter holiday. (fotomarktplatz)
7. April 18, 1963: The family on 6-week holiday in Philadelphia. Albert is now 5 years old.
8. April 19, 1963: In a park in Philadelphia.
9. May 13, 1963: Grace and Albert in NY Regency Hotel after their holiday in Philadelphia.
10. May 19, 1963: The family in NY Regency Hotel after their holiday in Philadelphia, on their way back to Monaco.
APL Pictures
1. Noveber 19, 1963: Monaco National Holiday.
2. 1965: Family holiday. Albert (7) has a younger sister, Stephanie who was born february 1, 1965. (Fotomarktplatz)
3. May 17, 1965: Picture of Albert and his father from an article of the day in LOOK Magazine.
4. November 19, 1965: Monaco National Holiday.
5. 6. April 6, 1966: The family at home, Rainier, Grace, Caroline (9), Albert (8), Stephanie (1).
7. September 15, 1966: The family on holiday at Ocean City, New Jersey.
8. March 17, 1967: Grace and Albert (9) while on holiday at Montego Bay, Jamaica.
9. October 14, 1967: Rainier showing Albert how to dribble the basketball at the Philadelphia Athletic Club while they were on holiday visiting Grace's family.
10. November 19, 1967: Monaco National Holiday.
APL Pictures
1. January 1968: Caroline (11), Grace, Stephanie (3), Albert (10), Rainier.
2. 3. January 1968: Albert learning from his father.
4. 1969: Holiday in Switzerland. Albert (11), Rainier, Stephanie (4), Grace, Caroline (12).
5. November 19, 1969: Monaco National Holiday.
6. 1970: Family outing. Rainier, Stephanie (4), Albert (12), Grace, Caroline (13).
7. September 20, 1970: Grace is taking Stephanie to her first school day while Albert is going to the Lycée.
8. 9. November 19, 1970: Monaco National Holiday.
10. February 22, 1971: Albert (13), Stephanie (5), Caroline (14).
APL Pictures
1. January 1973: Caroline (16), Rainier, Grace, Albert (15), Stephanie (7).
2. January 1973: Albert and Rainier.
3. August 30, 1973: The Grimaldi children mounted the podium as the winners of the family relay event in a swimming competion.
4 March 25, 1974:The Grimaldi family at the Vatican with Pope Paul VI. Rainier, Grace, Albert (16), Stephanie (8).
5. April 18, 1976: Caroline (19), Albert (18), Stephanie (9), Grace, Rainier.
6. 1978: Albert (20), Grace, Caroline (21), Philipe Junot in Switzerland.
7. September 5, 1979: Albert (22) talking to his girlfriend Kimberly Swift.
8. July 8, 1982: Albert (24), Stephanie (17), Rainier, Grace.
9. July 8, 1982: Albert and Rainier.
10. Funeral of Princess Grace: September 14th 1982, the tragic death of Princess Grace devastated the Grimaldi Family. Princess Grace died from complications to injuries sustained the previous day in a car accident. Her funeral was held on September 18, 1982. Prince Rainier, Prince Albert, Princess Caroline attended the service at the cathedral. Princess Stephanie who was in the car at the time of the accident was still recuperating in the hospital and could not attend the service.
APL Pictures
1. to 4. September 18, 1982: Funeral of Princess Grace.
5. October 14, 1982: Princess Grace Memorial Service.
6.December 12, 1982: Albert.
7. 8. December 12, 1982: Family pictures.
9. December 28, 1982: Albert and Stephanie.
APL Pictures
1. February 22, 1983: Albert (25), Rainier.
2. April 30, 1983: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.: Prince Albert of Monaco expresses his frustration with his doubles partner's errant shot while playing tennis with friends. Prince Albert was in South Florida with actress and model Brooke Shields to promote a pro-celebrity tennis series, whose June 1984 final event in Monte Carlo will benefit the Princess Grace Foundation.
3. August 5, 1983: Red Cross Ball.
4. 1984: Albert (26) with a trophy.
5. 1985: Albert (27) posing in front of a portrait of his mother, Princess Grace.
6. August 1985: Albert in New York. & 7. with his father, Rainier.
8. November 1, 1985: Gala for the Princess Grace Foundation in Los Angeles.
9. November 19, 1985: Monaco National Holiday.
APL Pictures
1. January 1986: Prince Albert (28) in formal dress.
2. August 6, 1986: Albert with Caroline after the birth of Charlotte.
3. August 7, 1987: Albert (29) attends the Red Cross Ball.
4. September 7, 1987: Albert with Caroline after the birth of Pierre.
5. November 30, 1987: Albert ready for the Calgary Winter Olympics.
6. to 8. January 2, 1988: Albert (30) is getting ready for the Calgary Olympics.
9. November 17, 1988: The family in front of a portrait of Princess Grace.
10. November 19, 1988: Monaco National Holiday.
APL Pictures
1. March 11, 1989: Albert (31) attends the Rose Ball.
2. June 28, 1989: The Grimaldi Family celebrate the 40th anniversary of Prince Rainier's reign.
3. 1900: Albert (32) poses in front of portrait of Princesd Grace with Caroline and himself as children.
4. October 6, 1990: funeral of Stefano Casiraghi, Caroline's husband who died in a boating accident.
5. November 19, 1990: Monaco National Holiday.
6. to 10. December 18, 1991: Prince Albert (33) of Monaco trains for the bobsled in the French Alps before the Winter Olympic Games.
APL Pictures
1. May 14, 1992: Albert (34) at the World Music Awards with Claudia Schiffer.
2. May 16, 1992: The Grimaldi Family at the World Fair in Seville.
3. August 6, 1992: 10th anniversary of the Princess Grace Foundation.
4. August 7, 1992: Red Cross Ball.
5. November 13, 1992: Reception at the Lincoln Center.
6. 7. November 19, 1992: Monaco National Day.
8. 1993: Albert with Carole Bouquet at the showing of the Chanel haute-couture collection for the autumn winter of 1993/1994.
9. 10. April 21, 1993: Albert (35) as patron of the Patrouille de France.
APL Pictures
1. to 5. April 21, 1993 : Albert as patron of the Patrouille de France. Commander P.Connan presents the patrol's insignia to Albert of Monaco.
6. May 12, 1993: Albert with Michael Jackson at the World Music Awards.
7. May 23, 1993: Formula Grand Prix in Monaco. Rainier presenting a trophy to Ayrton Senna.
8. August 6, 1993: The Red Cross Ball.
9. August 7, 1993: Prince Albert attend King Baudoin's Funeral.
10. November 19, 1993: Monaco Natonal Holiday.
APL Pictures
1. 1994: Albert at a reception in a Paris hotel.
2. February 3, 1994: Albert as patron of Aide Au Choix de Vie - an association in France that deals with social issues involving youths.
3. February 3, 1994: Albert attending the gala for Aide Au Choix de Vie.
4. February 12, 1994: Albert is the Monaco team flag bearer at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic Games opening ceremony.
5. February 13, 1994: Albert watching the men's downhils event at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics.
6. 7. February 13, 1994: Albert and teammates training at Lillehammer.
8. March 12, 1994: Albert (36) attends the 33rd Rose Ball.
9. August 4, 1994: Albert attends a preview of the exhibition of the Masters of the XXth Century.
10. August 5, 1994: Albert attends the Red Cross Ball.
APL Pictures
1. September 25, 1994: Yacht Race and Show in Monaco. Prince Albert on the Trivia during the Monaco Classic Week.
2. September 30, 1994: Albert meets Boutros Boutros Ghali of Secretary General of the United Nations.
3. September 30, 1994: Albert speaks before the general assembly of the United Nations.
4. October 3, 1994: The Princess Grace Foundation Awards.
5. November 19, 1994: Monaco National Holiday.
6. November 26, 1994: Albert attends to his father who is undergoing heart surgery.
7. to 9. December 4, 1994: Albert participates in Telethon 94 at Villefranche sur mer fot medical research.
10. December 23, 1994: Albert hands out presents to children.
APL Pictures
1. January 24, 1995: Albert (37) attends the Monaco Circus Gala evening with Caroline and Rainier.
2. February 11, 1995: Albert and Rainier at the 35th Monte Carlo Television Festival with guest Tatum O'Neal.
3. March 18, 1995: Albert and Rainier attend Infanta Elena and Jaime's wedding.
4. March 31, 1995: Rose Ball.
5. April 27, 1995: Monte Carlo Tennis Open.
6. May 3, 1995: World Music Awards. Albert and Tony Bennett.
7. May 26, 1995: Albert at an AIDS fundraider at Moulin de Mougins with Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell.
8. June 10, 1995: At the Sculpture Festival.
9. August 4, 1995: At the Red Cross Ball.
10. September 17, 1995: At a bobsled race in Monaco.
APL Pictures
1. March 30, 1996: Albert (38) at the Rose Ball.
2. April 30, 1996: With Caroline at King Carl Gustaf's 50th birthday celebration.
3. May 14, 1996: At the Cannes Film Festival.
4. July 2, 1996: Albert was named leader of the olympic team in Atlanta.
5. July 7, 1996: Playing baseball.
6. August 9, 1996: At the Red Cross Ball.
7. September 16, 1996: At the Monopoly World Championship.
8. October 8, 1996: With Caroline at the Princess Grace Foundation prize ceremony in New York.
9. November 19, 1996: Monaco National Holiday.
10. December 6, 1996: At the F.I.A. Awards Ceremony.
APL Pictures
1. January 8, 1997: 700 anniversary of the Grimaldi Dynasty. Prince Albert (39) presents the logo to the press.
2. January 8, 1997: 700 anniversary of the Grimaldi Dynasty. Stamp of Albert.
3. 4. 5. January 8, 1997: 700 anniversary of the Grimaldi Dynasty Celebrations.
6. March 27, 1997: With girlfriend Virginia Davenport at the Australian Grand Prix.
7. August 8, 1997: At the Red Cross Ball.
8. November 19, 1997: Monaco National Holiday.
9. December 17, 1997: Giving presents to the children.
10. December 20, 1997: The Grimaldi Family visiting Pope John Paul II.
APL Pictures
1. March 28, 1998: Albert (40) at the Rose Ball.
2. April 20, 1998: In a football match.
3. August 7, 1998: At the Red Cross Ball.
4. September 24, 1998: Albert addresses the U.N. general assembly.
5. October 31, 1998: Albert is bestman to Camilla Crociani who married Charles de Borbon-Siciles.
6. November 19, 1998: Monaco National Holiday.
7. November 20, 1998: 150th anniversary of the birth of Prince Albert I. Prince Rainier and Prince Albert unveil a memorial to Prince Albert I in Saint Martin Gardens.
8. December 18, 1998: The Grimaldi Family pose in front of a portrait of Grace.
APL Pictures
1. March 19, 1999: Albert (41) and Caroline attend the Princess Grace Foundation Conference.
2. April 25, 1999: Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Museum of Oceanography. Rainier and Albert are standing beside the statue of Prince Albert I, the Museum founder.
3. May 9, 1999: Prince Rainier's Jubilee.
4. July 9, 1999: Inauguration of the Rainier III Esplanade. Prince Rainier unveils a plaque to mark to occasion.
5. August 6, 1999: Red Cross Ball.
6. September 5, 1999: Prince Albert has just completed a pentathlon in favour of charity.
7. October 3, 1999: Prince Albert in Tunisia with Prime Minister Hamed Karoui.
8. November 19, 1999: Monaco National Holiday.
9. December 4, 1999: Albert attends the wedding of Philippe and Mathilde of Belgium.
APL Pictures
1. February 23, 2000: 40th Television Festival. Albert (42) as president with Peter Ustinov.
2. May 13, 2000: At the Bouquet Competition.
3. June 16, 2000: As part of Expo 2000, Prince Rainier held a reception at Celle Castle with Prince Albert.
4. August 4, 2000: Red Cross Ball.
5. November 11, 2000: Albert attends the funeral of Queen Ingrid of Denmark.
6. November 19, 2000: Monaco National Holiday.
7. November 19, 2000: Monaco National Holiday Gala.
APL Pictures
March 2005: HSH Prince Albert of Monaco
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