Hopes fade for Prince Rainier

PRINCE Rainier of Monaco’s chances of recovery are very slim, his doctors said yesterday.

He remained in “precarious” health after suffering heart, liver and kidney failure, and “hopes for a favourable outcome remain extremely weak,” said a statement signed by a medical team of five doctors.

However, “in full agreement” with the three children of the 81-year-old monarch, doctors considered “active therapy” justified for the time being.

His son Prince Albert spent his first day as regent of Monaco caring for his critically ill father who still holds the throne of the tiny principality.

Albert’s official programme was still being worked out by aides who were meeting to determine if he would make a public appearance or remain discreet as his 81-year-old father remained in a hospital’s intensive care unit.

Monaco’s royal powers were conferred on Albert on Thursday after a royal commission decided the elder monarch could no longer rule.

The regency means Albert, 47, who has been groomed from childhood to rule, takes over while Rainier is sick.