Prince Rainier’s Son Takes Over Monaco Duties

Prince Albert assumed Monaco’s royal powers Thursday after a royal commission decided his critically ill father was too sick to perform his duties. Prince Rainier III remains on the throne, however.

The announcement by the royal palace marked the first time since 1949 that Rainier, Europe’s longest-serving ruler, has not been in control of the Mediterranean realm, a playground for the rich and famous that is smaller than New York’s Central Park.

Albert, 47, is the only son of Rainier and his late wife, Grace Kelly, the American actress who exchanged Hollywood stardom for the life of a princess.

Well-traveled, multilingual and Monaco’s top ambassador in recent years, the unmarried Albert is also regarded as a shy, even reluctant, heir.

Albert studied in the United States, at Amherst College in Massachusetts, after receiving his high school diploma in 1976. He returned home in 1981 after earning a degree in political science.

Albert promised to devote himself “with strength, conviction and passion” to his new role as regent.

“The state of health of our father remains very fragile,” he said in a statement.

“Today, faced with the difficulty for my father in exercising his high functions, I will assume all of the royal powers in his name.”

Rainier, 81, was hospitalized March 7 and has been in intensive care for 10 days with breathing, kidney and heart problems.

The regency means Albert takes over royal powers while Rainier is sick, but his father could regain them if he recovers, palace spokesman Armand Deus said.

“The sovereign prince is still Prince Rainier III,” Deus said.

Because Albert has no children, his older sister -- Princess Caroline, 48 -- would succeed him. She in turn would be succeeded by her oldest son, Andrea Albert Pierre, 20.

The last statement from Rainier’s three doctors, issued Wednesday, said the prince remained in stable condition, thanks to kidney dialysis and other treatment.