Recurrent chest infections put him in the hospital on numerous occasions. Most recently, he was hospitalized March 7 at Monaco’s Cardio-Thoracic Center with a chest infection. He was placed in intensive care two weeks later with heart and kidney failure and hooked up to a respirator.

Prince Rainier’s public appearances grew increasingly rare as his health deteriorated, although he attended Monaco’s top social event, the Red Cross Ball, in August 2004.

Monaco had been preparing for the demise of its prince for several years.

Rainier’s heir is Crown Prince Albert, who is unmarried and has no children. Monaco changed its succession law in 2002 to allow power to pass from a reigning prince who has no descendants to his siblings. Albert has two sisters, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie, both of whom have children.

It’s truly a sad day when an icon dies. Our thoughts and prayers are with Prince Rainier’s family.

The way I understand this… Since Albert has no children, if he were to die tomorrow, Monaco would revert to being a French colony. Anyone else have any insight into the matter?

Source: AP via My Way News

UPDATE:

According to the AP:

Monaco changed its succession law in 2002 to allow power to pass from a reigning prince who has no descendants to his siblings. Albert’s sisters have children.

There we go.

Thanks to Slobokan for the heads up on that one.