Grace Kelly and the rise of Monaco

This year, Monaco celebrates the 70th anniversary of the marriage of Prince Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly – a defining moment in Monaco’s history that helped shaped the principality’s lasting appeal as one of the world’s most popular lifestyle destinations. To mark the occasion, we are looking back at the couple’s glamourous union and its ongoing legacy.

Prince Rainier and Hollywood icon Grace Kelly, who would become Princess Grace of Monaco, met at the Cannes Film Festival in the spring of 1955 while attending the screening of Grace Kelly’s Oscar-winning film. The engagement was announced just months after in January of 1956, before marrying on April 18th in a ceremony that was broadcast to over 30 million viewers worldwide and dubbed “the wedding of the century”. Their fairytale romance captivated global attention and played a pivotal role in transforming Monaco’s international image.

In the 20th century, Monaco experienced rapid economic developments, looking to establish itself as a more global destination. It first attracted the world’s attention with the opening of the Monte Carlo Casino, operated by the corporation Société des Bains de Mer. The company went on to build a portfolio of luxury hotels and iconic entertainment venues in Monaco today. Complemented by an attractive fiscal policy and economic ties with France, Monaco grew as a recreational, entrepreneurial, and commercial centre. Within this vibrant landscape, Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III, becoming Princess Grace of Monaco and lending new cultural resonance to the Principality’s modern identity. 

Villa l'Aiglon

Built in 1891 for the Blanc family, the founders of Société des Bains de Mer, Villa l’Aiglon stands as a testament to the legacy of the company that played a monumental role in revitalising Monaco’s economy and shaping its cultural and luxury entertainment offering. The Florentine style residence enjoys a prominent position above Monaco with breathtaking views.

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Born in Philadelphia in 1929, Grace Kelly rose to fame during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Renowned for her elegance, charm and screen presence, she quickly became one of the most celebrated actresses of the era. Her film career flourished through a series of leading roles, including Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder (1954), Rear Window (1954) and To Catch a Thief (1955), which was famously shot on the French Riviera. Grace Kelly’s big break in Hollywood is often attributed to her role in Mogambo (1953) and, most notably, her Oscar-winning performance for best actress in The Country Girl (1954).

Cinematic panorama 

Discover this property in Beausoleil, located just moments from the iconic viewpoint featured in To Catch a Thief, where Frances Stevens (Grace Kelly) and John Robie (Cary Grant) shared a picnic overlooking Monte Carlo. The five bedroom villa shares the same magnificent views over the Principality that captivated Grace Kelly, who would later make Monaco her home as Princess Grace.

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The glamorous marriage between Monegasque and Hollywood royalty was a whirlwind romance, and simultaneously reinvigorated Monaco’s fortunes. Monaco’s biggest attraction was the new Princess, bringing her Hollywood spotlight and placing the Principality in centre stage. Just five years after the wedding, Monaco’s turnover had increased by a staggering 400% and, by the end of the 1950s, tourist numbers had nearly doubled.

Beyond her fame in cinema, Princess Grace played a vital role in the social and cultural development of Monaco. During her 25 years as Princess, she dedicated herself to humanitarian causes, establishing the World Association of Children’s Friends (AMADE) and revitalised the Monaco Red Cross. The Princess championed women’s rights - even securing women the right to vote - and earned the trust and affection of the Monegasque people through her dedication to upholding the legacy of the principality.

To celebrate the anniversary, Monaco is hosting a major exhibition at the Prince’s Palace between the 8 June and 15 October 2026. Titled “The Wedding of the Century”, the exhibition takes visitors behind the scenes of this historic event with a collection of photographs, film, garments and original documents.

Today, the principality is prosperous with a population of over 38,000 with some eight thousand native Monegasques. Princess Grace’s great legacy continues through her three children - Princess Caroline, Princess Stephanie and Prince Albert, who succeeded his father after his death. Princess Grace is buried in the Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco. Prince Rainier never remarried and was later buried alongside his wife in 2005.