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Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco Married 70 Years Ago
Here are 10 things you might not know about their legendary wedding
Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:13pm
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The legendary royal wedding that captivated the world and ushered in a new era of celebrity fascination.NYC TodayThe storybook wedding between Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco was held on April 19, 1956, and is still remembered as one of the most legendary events of the 20th century. The movie star and the heir to the Monegasque dynasty swore eternal love to each other in a lavish ceremony that was broadcast worldwide, enchanting some 30 million viewers.
Why it matters
The royal wedding of Rainier and Grace is often considered one of the earliest examples of reality TV due to its enormous media coverage, marking a new era of public fascination with celebrity culture. Their love story also symbolized a renewal for the principality of Monaco under Rainier's rule, while Grace dedicated herself to charity and raising their three children.
The details
Grace and Rainier first met on the Croisette in 1955, though both were already involved with other people at the time. A few months later, Rainier proposed to Grace with an extraordinary 12-carat diamond engagement ring. Grace decided to abandon her Hollywood career and move to Monaco, crossing the Atlantic by ship with an entourage of 70 people. The couple had two wedding ceremonies - a civil service at the royal palace the day before, followed by the lavish church wedding at St. Nicholas Cathedral that was filmed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
- Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco were married on April 19, 1956.
- The couple first met on the Croisette in 1955.
The players
Grace Kelly
An American actress who won an Academy Award and was considered an icon of elegance, who gave up her Hollywood career to marry Prince Rainier and become the Princess of Monaco.
Prince Rainier III of Monaco
The heir to the Monegasque dynasty, who was considered Europe's most coveted bachelor at the time and ushered in a new era of renewal for the principality under his rule.
The takeaway
The royal wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco captivated the world and marked a new era of public fascination with celebrity culture, while also symbolizing a renewal for the principality under Rainier's leadership and Grace's dedication to charity and family.
