Prince Rainier of Monaco is planning to mark his 80th birthday quietly this Saturday, with his children and grandchildren the only expected guests at the celebrations.
"There will be nothing official – it's a private and family birthday," a spokesperson revealed. "All the members of the family will be present." Joining the popular monarch at a royal palace luncheon will be his three children, Prince Albert, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie, as well as his seven grandchildren, who range in age from four to 18.
Last year, Prince Rainier was still recovering from illness as he rang in his 79th, having been hospitalised for several days suffering from fatigue and bronchitis two weeks before his birthday. In November, the ailing septegenarian missed Monaco's National Day festivities for the first time in his more than 50-year reign, as he was in hospital once again, recovering from a respiratory infection.
However, the head of the Grimaldi clan is in improved health these days – in addition to his subdued birthday party, he's expected to attend the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
