European royals arrive as Monaco prepares for funeral of Prince Rainier

MONACO prepared to say farewell to long-time ruler Prince Rainier with a solemn funeral in the Mediterranean statelet’s cathedral, attended by a smattering of European royals and political figures.

French President Jacques Chirac and Britain's Prince Andrew are among the dignitaries expected to attend the midday ceremony at Monaco's cathedral, perched atop a cliff not far from the Grimaldi family's palace.

A host of European royals will join Andrew, including King Albert II of Belgium, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, Queen Sonja of Norway, and Crown Prince Willem Alexander of the Netherlands.