Rainier III, Prince of Monaco (He suspended the previous constitution in 1959, saying that it "has hindered the administrative and political life of the country.") The changes ended autocratic rule, placing power with the prince and a National Council of eighteen elected members. At the time of his death, he was the world's second longest-serving living head of state (independent), ranking just below the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej. After a year-long courtship described as containing "a good deal of rational appraisal on both sides" ("The Times", 7 April 2005, page 59), Prince Rainier married Oscar-winning American actress Grace Kelly (1929–1982) in 1956. The ceremonies
Jacques I, Prince of Monaco Jacques I, Prince of Monaco Jacques Goÿon de Matignon (Jacques François Léonor; 21 November 1689 – 23 April 1751) was Count of Thorigny, Prince of Monaco as Jacques I, and the fourth Duke of Valentinois from 1731 until 1733. Jacques came from an ancient Norman family. "Thorigny" is now called Torigni-sur-Vire, where the "Mairie" is the former family chateau. His uncle was Marshal Charles Auguste de Goÿon de Matignon. He was a son of Jacques Goÿon de Matignon, "jure uxoris" Comte de Thorigny, and Charlotte Goyon de Matignon, Comtesse de Thorigny "suo jure". When Antonio I of Monaco and his