Bachelor prince takes over as monarch of Monaco

PRINCE Albert II was proclaimed ruler of Monaco yesterday at a solemn Mass in the tiny Riviera enclave’s cliff-top cathedral where his father was buried three months ago after a 56-year reign.

Wearing a dark suit and sky blue tie, Albert knelt as a choir sang a traditional Monaco prayer asking God to protect the prince.

For the first time, the white-robed singers invoked Albert's name instead of that of his father, Rainier III.

"We praise God for our new prince of Monaco, whom we receive as a gift," said the Archbishop of Monaco, Monsignor Bernard Barsi, during his homily.

Cries of "Long live Prince Albert" greeted the new ruler as he descended the cathedral's red-carpeted stairs, flanked by his sisters, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie.

Organ music at the Mass set a solemn tone, but the day's ceremonies ended on a festive note, with fireworks and a ball under the stars.

Albert, 47, automatically assumed royal powers upon the death of his father in April but did not formally embrace his role as His Serene Highness until yesterday's ceremonies.

Rainier, the "builder prince", transformed the glitzy Mediterranean outpost into a hub for high finance and a playground for the rich. Albert, the bachelor prince, is the only son of Rainier and actress Grace Kelly, who gave up Hollywood for the life of a princess before dying in a car crash in 1982.

A world traveller and bobsledder who took part in the past five Winter Olympics, Albert has long been secretive about his personal life. But he has been more forthcoming since his father's death.

On the day Monaco's official mourning period ended last week, Albert confirmed reports that he fathered a child out of wedlock with an African-born flight attendant.

In another surprise this week, Albert told media there may be others waiting to step forward with paternity claims. Asked to elaborate, he refused, saying only: "We will answer when the moment comes."

In publicly acknowledging he is the father of a two-year-old child, Albert said he wanted to face up to his responsibilities.

His son, Albert said, will want for nothing, though he will never take the throne and will not bear the name of the Grimaldis, who have ruled the principality for seven centuries.

The prince, whose bachelorhood caused consternation to his father, has said he plans to marry one day but only when he is ready. A 2002 constitutional revision allows for powers to pass from Albert to his siblings and their children should he produce no heirs.

Yesterday was a national holiday in Monaco, with shops closed.

Hundreds of Monegasques, decked out in finery and elaborate hats, packed the white stone cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to pay homage to Albert. Some watched on a large screen outside on a pine-capped hill overlooking the Mediterranean.

At the close of the 75-minute service, the prince donned his sunglasses and walked with his sisters to the nearby palace for a garden party.

Christine Rousguisto, 79, who watched the ceremonies on a screen outside, reminisced about watching Albert grow up. Often portrayed as shy and retiring, Albert has the confidence of Monaco's citizenry, she said.

"Of course he's ready for this. He has everything to be a wonderful prince," she added.

Albert's accession to the throne is a two-step event, with another ceremony expected to draw heads of state on November 19.