The Princes of Monaco

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Prince Rainier Ill, grandson of Prince Louis II on his mothers side, Princess Charlotte and son of Prince Pierre, Count of Polignac, succeeded his grandfather on May 9, 1949. During the course of his reign, one of the longest in the history of Monaco, Prince Rainier Ill intensified, expanded and diversified the enterprises committed to during the preceding three reigns : from the political, diplomatic, international, economic and social domains, to the educational, scientific, cultural, communications and sports domains. To this he adds the industrial dimension. Through bold land retrieval from the seas, he expanded national territory by one fifth of its surface. The most significant political reform due to the initiative taken by Prince Rainier Ill, consists of the promulgation of a new constitution, establishing modern principles without repudiating tradition.

Concerning foreign relations, a good relation exists with France, consolidated by new agreements, and confirmed by visits to Monaco by French Presidents ; Vincent Auriol, Rene Coty, Charles de Gaulle and Francois Mitterrand, as well as by the visits paid to the Elysee by the Sovereign Monegasque Princes. The legations of Monaco have been elevated to Embassy status, whiles the Bishopric of Monaco has risen to Archbishop status. An embassy was established in Spain. New Honorific Orders have been instituted : to recognize artistic talent, the Order of Cultural Merit ; for services rendered to the head of state and for contributions to the radiance of the Principality, the Grimaldi Order. The Principality has become a member of numerous international organizations, notably the UPU, the Al EA, the UIT, etc... Monaco was admitted to the United Nations on May28, 1993.

In the economic sector, Prince Rainier Ill has taken measures to protect and enrich the hospitality sector. The infrastructure for tourism is modern and the technical installations necessary to host international conferences and professional congresses are excellent. Adding to the touristic and business activities, Prince Rainier Ill further develops the economic tapestry by encouraging the growth of the industrial and service business sectors, which today account for a major portion of the national income.

Meanwhile, major construction projects are underway : enhanced harbor installations, underground placement of the train station and railway tracks, construction of administrative offices, land retrieval from the sea, renovation and extension of the hospital, modernization of urban equipment, piercing of tunnels to facilitate traffic circulation, construction of parking houses, building of a nautical stadium, construction of a new stadium and installation of another Heliport.

A new law for educational training has been designed for modern and diverse skills training at school. New schools are opening to increase capacity and improve conditions responding to the increasing need for scholastic establishments, as well as fulfilling the need for numerous and varied sports activities. In the scientific sector, the endeavors of Prince Albert I, are pursued at the Oceanographic museum, the Prehistoric Anthropology Museum, the Observatory Grotto, the Exotic Gardens, and at the CIESM. The creation of the Scientific Center, the radioactive marine laboratory, the underwater reserve and the establishment of the RAMOGE project (see text in annex) complete the program.

Music and dance retain the privileged position they have always had in Monaco. Prince Rainier Ill created an award for musical composition and will open the Honorary Court of the Palace for Monaco's Philharmonic Orchestra's summer concerts. Princess Grace created the Art Festival, Princess Caroline created a new ballet troop. Prince Rainier III founded the literary prize awarded to French authors. In 1954 he inaugurated the Monte-Carlo television station and created the International Television Festival in 1961.

At the threshold of the third millenary, 1997 commemorates the 700th anniversary of the arrival of the Grimaldi family to the rock of Monaco. 1999 will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the succession to the throne of HSH Prince Rainier Ill, who has in store the program of his upcoming projects for Monaco : the urbanization of land retrieved from placing the railway tracks and station underground ; construction of a dam protecting the Hercules harbor which will also serve as a mooring destination for leisure cruise ships, and last but not least the building of the lacustrian village adjacent to Fontvieille, using offshore oil rig construction techniques.