Grace Kelly’s journey from Hollywood starlet to Princess of Monaco is a story that captivated the world. In 1956, she married Prince Rainier of Monaco, becoming a "fairly modern princess." But behind the glittering headlines and royal titles, there was another side to her life. According to Jay Jorgensen, an expert who spoke exclusively to Closer Weekly, Grace often felt trapped in the whirlwind of royal duties and longed for simpler times. She sometimes wished she could step off the "royalty merry-go-round" and reclaim her personal space.
Time and Privacy: Grace’s Hidden Desires
One of the most profound aspects of Grace’s life as a royal was her longing for time—time to herself, time with her family, and time away from the spotlight. The author of Grace Kelly: Hollywood Dream Girl revealed in Closer’s latest issue, currently available on newsstands, that Grace often spoke about how little time she and Prince Rainier actually shared together. "She wanted just a bit of privacy," Jorgensen explained, "to be alone with him without the constant scrutiny of the public eye."
A Dream in Ireland
Grace and Prince Rainier’s connection to their ancestral roots extended far beyond Monaco. On a picturesque rise overlooking the Leg of Mutton Lake in County Mayo, Ireland, lay the remnants of what was once her family’s ancestral home. During their first visit in 1961, Grace and Rainier fell in love with the serene landscape. By 1976, they purchased the land along with 35 acres, planning to build a vacation home—a private sanctuary where they could escape the pressures of royal life.
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When Grace Kelly stepped into her role as Princess of Monaco, she knew she was embarking on a new chapter filled with responsibilities and sacrifices. At 26 years old, she embraced her duties with grace and resilience. However, she hadn't anticipated just how much privacy she would lose or how lonely life as a royal could be. Despite these challenges, Grace handled everything with dignity, drawing on her inner strength to adapt to her new reality.
A Fairytale Wedding That Changed Everything
Like many royal weddings, Grace and Prince Rainier's union became a global spectacle. An estimated 30 million people tuned in to watch the Philadelphia-born Oscar-winning actress marry the ruler of Monaco on April 18, 1956. According to Jay Jorgensen, Grace made sure to marry on her own terms, waiting for a partner who was her equal before committing to life as a princess. "She became a fairly modern princess," he noted, emphasizing her independence and forward-thinking approach to royalty.
But becoming part of the Monaco royal family came at a cost. A new documentary, Grace Kelly: The Missing Millions, reveals that Grace had to pay a $2 million dowry to the House of Grimaldi before her wedding, depleting her acting earnings and family inheritance. Over time, however, it wasn't the financial loss that weighed heavily on her—it was the lack of privacy. "Even in Hollywood, my private life was pretty much my own," Grace once said. "When I married, my private life became public, and I really had no privacy at all."
Life Behind Palace Walls
After the honeymoon, Grace quickly immersed herself in the demanding world of court life. Her days were filled with obligations, from greeting visitors to attending formal events. Jeffrey Robinson, author of Grace of Monaco: The True Story, described Monaco during this period as a "backwater," with outdated infrastructure and unreliable services. "The electricity and plumbing were 19th-century French," Robinson explained. "Even the telephones didn't always work." For Grace, who spoke only English in a predominantly French-speaking environment, adapting to her new home was isolating. Joan Dale, author of My Days With Princess Grace of Monaco, added, "There were times when she felt like a prisoner in a gilded cage behind the palace walls."
The Challenges of Motherhood and Royalty
Becoming a mother brought some comfort to Grace's life. The birth of Princess Caroline in 1957, followed by Prince Albert in 1958 and Princess Stephanie in 1965, gave her a sense of purpose. Yet, even motherhood couldn't shield her from the demands of her royal duties. "Once I had to leave the baby when she was very tiny and travel," Grace recalled. "I cried the entire journey." Despite these challenges, she remained committed to her role as both a mother and a princess.
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