Prince Albert II takes Monaco's throne today in a celebration that begins with a solemn morning Mass in the cathedral where his father was buried in April.
The bachelor (47), a bobsledder who took part in the last five Winter Olympics, is the only son of Prince Rainier III and actress Grace Kelly, who gave up Hollywood for the life of a princess.
Shy and secretive about his personal life, Albert has been more forthcoming since his father's death. On the day Monaco's official mourning period ended last week, he confirmed reports that he fathered a child out of wedlock with an African-born flight attendant.
In a last-minute surprise before formally embracing the role of His Serene Highness, Albert told France's TF1 television last night that 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 nearly two-year-old child, Alexandre, Albert said he wanted to face up to his responsibilities. His son, he said, would want for nothing, although he would never take the throne and would not bear the Grimaldi family name.
The prince, whose bachelorhood caused consternation to his father, has said he plans to marry one day and father legitimate heirs eligible for the throne - but only when he is ready.
Prince Albert - or Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre, Marquis of Baux - has headed Monaco 's Olympic Committee since 1994 and has become the country's top ambassador.
The prince took over Monaco 's royal powers - but not the throne - in late March while his father was ailing. Rainier died on April 6th of heart, kidney and respiratory problems at the age of 81, leaving Albert as the heir to a dynasty that has ruled for seven centuries.
His investiture today will be followed by more formal ceremonies in November, when foreign heads of state will be invited.
Today's festivities are dedicated to the people of Monaco. They begin with a Mass at the 19th-century cathedral where Rainier was buried in the family crypt alongside Princess Grace, who died in a 1982 car crash. Albert will give a speech in the evening, and late-night festivities are to blend tradition and fun.
AP