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
Louis I, Prince of Monaco Louis I, Prince of Monaco Louis I, Prince of Monaco (25 July 1642 in Prince's Palace of Monaco – 3 January 1701 in Rome) was Prince of Monaco from 1662 until 1701. "Louis Grimaldi" was the elder son of Prince Hercule of Monaco and Maria Aurelia Spinola. Louis married Catherine Charlotte de Gramont, daughter of Marshal Antoine III de Gramont, on 30 March 1660 in Pau. They had six children: In 1662 Louis succeeded his grandfather Honoré II as Prince of Monaco. In 1666 he distinguished himself at the Four Days' Battle between the English and Dutch fleets. On 5