Monaco: More than a Hollywood princess

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When talking about Monaco, or the Principality of Monaco as it's officially called, what comes to many people’s mind is often its romantic story about the beautiful Hollywood actress, Grace Kelly, and her husband, Prince Rainier of Monaco.

In 1955, Grace came to the Cannes Film Festival to promote her film "To Catch a Thief." The actress was then invited for a photocall with the Prince Rainier of Monaco, where they met for the first time.

According to Edward Quinn, a photographer at the scene, when Grace left, she told the public, "He is a very charming man."

American actress Grace Kelly. /VCG Photo

One year later, they got married. A civil ceremony and church wedding were held over two days. Three thousand local citizens attended the reception of the civil ceremony later that day, while on the next day, an estimated 30 million viewers watched their church wedding via live TV broadcast.

Kelly's wedding dress is also regarded as one of the most elegant and memorable in history.

The wedding ceremony of Prince Rainier of Monaco and American actress Grace Kelly (1929-1982) at the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, Monte Carlo, Monaco, April 19, 1956. /VCG Photo

After getting married, Grace received some offers for acting roles in films, but she refused in consideration of the royal family's fame. She died a day after having a stroke while driving in 1982.

A mixed culture

Surrounded by France on three sides and a tiny state with a total population of about only 39,000, Monaco offers a mixed culture.

Its citizens are from about 140 countries in the world. Although French is the official language, English, Italian, and Occitan are all common languages. Their traditional language, le Monegù, is used among seniors, and is taught at local schools.

A stamp issued by Monaco with the scenery of the Palace Museum in Beijing. /VCG Photo

Although tiny in terms of geographical area, Monaco is considered one of the richest countries in the world. Gambling and yachting are common activities here.

Relations with China

Monaco established diplomatic ties with China in 1995. In 2017, it also issued stamps featuring Chinese subjects in memorial of a Chinese palace-themed exhibition held in Monaco.

(Top photo: Prince's Palace of Monaco. /VCG Photo, font design by Yin Yating)