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
Grace Kelly filmography year, she portrayed a long-suffering wife of an alcoholic actor played by Bing Crosby in "The Country Girl" (1954) for which Kelly received the Academy Award for Best Actress, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama in 1955. She reteamed with Hitchcock on the romantic thriller "To Catch a Thief" (1955) opposite Cary Grant. In 1956, she appeared in the romantic comedy "The Swan", and the musical comedy "High Society". Later that year, the 26-year-old Kelly retired from acting to marry Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and become the Princess of Monaco. Grace