Rainier III, Prince of Monaco of Monaco, the Palais Princier announced that Rainier's son, Hereditary Prince Albert, would take over the duties of his father as regent since Rainier was no longer able to exercise his royal functions. On 1 April 2005, the Palace announced that Rainier's doctors believe his chances of recovery were "slim". On 6 April, Prince Rainier died at the Cardiothoracic Center of Monaco at 6:35 AM local time at the age of 81. He was succeeded by his only son, who became Prince Albert II. He was buried on 15 April 2005, beside his wife, Princess Grace, at the Cathedral of
Leopold III, Prince of Lippe Leopold III, Prince of Lippe Leopold III of Lippe (Paul Friedrich Emil Leopold; 1 September 1821 – 8 December 1875) was the sovereign of the Principality of Lippe reigning from 1851 until his death. Leopold III was born in Detmold the eldest child of Leopold II, the reigning prince of Lippe and his consort Princess Emilie of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen (1800–1867). Being the heir apparent to the throne from birth he had the title Hereditary Prince. He succeeded as Prince of Lippe on 1 January 1851 following the death of his father. A year after succeeding to the throne Leopold was married