Monaco’s Albert makes first appearance

MONACO – Prince Albert made his first official appearance Tuesday since assuming Monaco’s royal duties from his critically ill father, attending Mass for the late Pope John Paul II.

Albert, the only son of ailing Prince Rainier III and the late movie star Grace Kelly, was accompanied at Monaco’s cathedral by his sister, Princess Caroline, his nephew, Andrea, and his niece, Charlotte. They all wore black.

There was no update Tuesday from the palace on the health of Rainier, 81, who has been in intensive care since March 22 with heart, kidney and breathing problems.

Albert, 47, took over Thursday as regent of this tiny Mediterranean principality.

As regent, Albert took over his father’s royal powers – but not the throne – after a royal commission decided Rainier was too sick to rule.