Monaco's Prince Rainier celebrates 80th birthday with family
Sat May 31, 5:31 PM ET
MONACO (AFP) - Monaco's Prince Rainier celebrated his 80th birthday in low- key fashion, surrounded by family, officials in the tiny Mediterranean tax haven said.
As in previous years, there was no official
ceremony and Rainier spent the day with his children -- Albert, Caroline and Stephanie -- and his seven grandchildren, aged four to 20.
Rainier, the head of the ruling Grimaldi family, was expected to watch the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix from the royal box this weekend, officials said. The sovereign traditionally awards the winner's trophy to the champion.
The prince has only been slowed in recent years by illness, which has prompted several hospitalisations and operations.
Rainier is one of the world's longest-reigning monarchs. He came to the throne in 1949, three years before Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!! lol