The story of former Hollywood star Grace Kelly's crisis of marriage and identity, during a political dispute between Monaco's Prince Rainier III and France's Charles De Gaulle, and a looming French invasion of Monaco in the early 1960s.
“Fairytales tell imaginary stories. Me, I’m a living person. I exist. If the story of my life as a real women were to be told one day, people would at last discover the real being that I am.”
Grace Kelly’s life may have only spanned from November 12, 1929 – September 14, 1982, but her legend lives on… Born 90 years ago in Philadelphia, she became Hollywood royalty before marrying her true prince charming and becoming Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco.
She has become an icon of fashion, grace and beauty for generations… and as we celebrate her 90th birthday today, Grace Kelly is remembered as a great movie star, with repeated mentions at every Oscar ceremony. Princess Grace is also remembered throughout the world for her kindness and compassion as a human being, as well as her many contributions to the arts and culture, and philanthropic endeavors that to this day are carried on by her children.
On what would have been the 90th year of her life, we may only be able to speculate what she would have looked like, but we can certainly experience Grace with all our senses.
Listen to Grace
Grace loved limericks – it was a way to be playful, particularly with friends and family. But she also loved serious poetry. Listen to her rendition of a Shakespeare Sonnet (account of the Edinburgh Festival):
Learn more about what Princess Grace was like as a mother by listening to Prince Albert of Monaco in this candid interview.
Watch Grace
You can choose to see Grace in any of her 14 movies that are still popular today, as well as thousands of photographs. Grace was also featured in many documentaries, including the soon-to-be-released Her Name Was Grace Kelly, a new documentary celebrating her 90th year – comprised of some 38 hours of never-before-seen home movies shot personally by Princess Grace and her husband, Prince Rainier.
It is said that a book, or the act of physically holding and reading a book, can bring one closer to the subject matter, allowing you to immerse yourself in the character… which is why reading a book like “My Days with Princess Grace of Monaco” delivers such a beautiful personal experience of the real Grace.
One reader emotes: “Your book reminded me how precious, delightful, and fulfilling a good friendship can be, especially the ones involving couples! ” While another states:“This Is an honest human look at the real Princess Grace not the legend. But the real woman .her dear friend who saw the private side of her watched her interact with family&friends with no cameras following her.highly recommend for all fans of Princess Grace & want to get a glimpse the real woman.”See more testimonials
While Joan Dale’s book (My Days with Princess Grace : Beyond Grace Kelly) begins the year after Grace Kelly became Princess Grace, a book by another close friend, Gant Gaither (Princess of Monaco : The Story of Princess Grace) details Grace Kelly’s story up to the wedding – making them ideal bookend must-have’s. It is interesting to note that both books were initially not exactly cherished by the Princely Family of Monaco but have come to earn their place as an important archive of history – a window not only into Hollywood and royalty, but a revealing insight into the humanity of Grace Kelly, the real woman behind her roles of actress and princess.
or follow the Grace Kelly’s Meal plan from her Hollywood days… ‘I do enjoy good food but try to eat correctly, the right things’ says Grace.
Smell like Grace
Nordstrom’s is still selling a perfume commissioned for Grace’s wedding day: Fleurissimo Fragrance by Creed – a sophisticated blend of high-fashion glamour and elegant aristocracy, the scent marries tuberose, violet, iris and Bulgarian rose. Fleurissimo will evoke the beautiful essence of a bride in any woman for her most special occasions, ensuring all eyes in the room are on her. See more of Grace Kelly’s Favorite Beauty Products that you can still buy today
Roses were a Grace’s favorite flower and if you cannot visit the Princess Grace Rose Garden in Monaco., you can always plant your own Princess de Monaco rose to delight all your senses.
More Celebrations of Grace Kelly for her 90th Year