Prince Albert is celebrating his 60th birthday. Congratulations ! He was one of those princely children who had not been credited with too much. Sensitive, shy and, above all, enthusiastic about sports, was the second-born of Prince Rainier (1923-2005) and US actress Grace Kelly (1929-1982), who called herself from the wedding with the Monegasque princess Gracia Patricia. But when his big day came in 2005 and he had to take over the office of his deceased father, he turned out to be a strong and prudent leader. Just one of the many surprises for which Albert II always seems to be good.
A prince goes to Olympia
When he was still hereditary prince, Albert took part from 1988 to 2002 a total of five times as a bobsled at the Winter Olympics. At the first participation in 1988, he reached his best placement: In the two-man bob, he was together with Gilbert Bessi 25. For many, it was a surprise. Since 1985, the Monegasse is a member of the International Olympic Committee and since 1994 Chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Monaco.
The Playboy Prince
A big surprise was the choice of his partner. Before he met the South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock (40) in 2000, whom he made his princess Charlène many years later on July 1, 2011, Albert was regarded as an impregnable bachelor and playboy.
Actresses such as Catherine Oxenberg (56, "Denver Clan"), Angie Everhart (48), Astrid Veillon (46), Gwyneth Paltrow (45) and Demi Moore (55, "An Immoral Offer") were seen by his side as well Supermodels Claudia Schiffer (47), Naomi Campbell (47) and Tasha de Vasconcelos (51) ...
And suddenly he was a father
For a big surprise, he also provided with his four children. Since 2006 it is known that he is the father of the American Jazmin Grace Grimaldi (26). A year earlier, before the accession to the throne, Albert was also known for his son Eric Alexandre Coste (14). Both children, however, are not entitled to the throne.
Unlike the twins Gabriella and Jacques (3). But although the girl was born two minutes earlier, the boy will follow his father to the throne. This is what the Monegasque succession wants.
The dedicated prince
Prince Albert II is committed to protecting the environment. In 2006, he participated in a North Pole expedition and used media attention to raise awareness of global warming problems in the region. In 2009 he also traveled to the South Pole. He also supports the organization "Sea Shepherd Conservation Society", which is against the hunt for whales, sharks and seals and against the over-fishing of the oceans.
In 2008, he was awarded the United Nations Environment Prize (UNEP), "Champions of Earth Award" ... Congratulations again - and of course the 60th cradle party!