MONTE-CARLO --- In honor of His remarkable 50 years on the throne, The Principality of Monaco invites the world to celebrate the reign of H.S.H. Prince Rainier on May 9, 1999.

One of the outstanding world leaders of the 20th century and particularly respected for His remarkably broad range of interests and accomplishments, His Highness is the latest in a line of the Grimaldi family princes who have ruled Monaco, without interruption, for 700 years.

In 1999, Monaco’s acclaimed cultural and sporting events, such as the International Circus Festival, the Spring of Arts Festival, the Monaco Grand Prix, the International Television Festival and the Monaco Classic Week, will take on a special significance as His Highness is honored, making this the ideal time to visit Europe’s most glamorous and romantic nation.

Born on May 31, 1923, Prince Rainier was only 26 years old succeeded His grandfather, Prince Louis II, on May 9, 1949. He was educated in England and Switzerland before pursuing His university studies in Montpellier and Paris, France. In 1944, He enlisted in the French Army, participating in the liberation of Alsatia during World War II and rose to the rank of colonel by 1954.

In April of 1956, Prince Rainier won the hearts of men and women throughout the world by marrying Grace Kelly. Together, they divided their life between official responsibilities, social work, cultural events and home, while raising three children: Princess Caroline, Prince Albert (heir to the throne) and Princess Stephanie.

Heralded as "The Builder Prince," His Highness has led Monaco through the tumultuous changes of the past 50 years, while preparing The Principality for the 21^st century. Acknowledged as a world leader in international affairs, scientific innovation and environmental preservation, He is revered for building a thriving modern economy while transforming Monaco into one of Europe’s most appealing tourism destinations.

Among H.S.H. Prince Rainier’s major accomplishments:

• A new national constitution, created in 1962, which recognized modern principles of government and human rights without breaking with Monaco’s centuries-old traditions
• Expansion of Monaco’s land mass by one-fifth through the reclamation of land from the Mediterranean to create an area devoted to non-polluting industrial enterprises, now known as the city of Fontveille
• Major public works projects include port development, renovation and modernization of public buildings, including the hospital, construction of tunnels and parking garages to alleviate traffic, a national underground railroad and a sports stadium
• Important diplomatic triumphs include the elevation of foreign delegations to the rank of embassies (1977), recognition by the Vatican of Monaco as an Archdiocese (1981), and admission to the United Nations (1993)
• Highly acclaimed tourism developments include nurturing The Principality’s hotel system now ranking as of the best in the world, the opening of seven Monaco Tourist Offices around the world and an 85% increase in cruise ship stops from 1993 to 1996
• Encouragement of world-class cultural achievements and events include the highly acclaimed Opera, Ballet and Philharmonic Orchestra companies, the Festival of Arts created by H.S.H. Princess Grace, a new ballet company formed by H.S.H. Princess Caroline and the hugely popular summer concerts held in the courtyard of the Prince’s Palace
• Unparalleled achievements in the preservation of the world’s natural environment, particularly the waters of the Mediterranean include the creation of the Monaco Scientific Centre, the Marine Radioactivity Laboratory, the implementation (with France and Italy) of the RAMOGE agreements which dramatically improved water quality and conservation in the Mediterranean, the establishment of PELAGOS, a marine sanctuary for marine mammals that stretches from Sardinia to Italy, and the creation of the Undersea Reserve, 50 hectares of protected waters offshore from The Principality
• Groundbreaking projects scheduled for completion in the year 2000 include a spectacular meeting/exhibition/concert venue called Le Forum Grimaldi that promises to define the standards for such facilities worldwide in the decades to come and the construction of a new dyke in Port Hercules with a maritime station at the foot of Fort Antoine to facilitate the handling of large cruise ships and allow large yachts to dock