HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco is in Intensive care

March 22, 2005 Monte-Carlo - The monarch of the principality of Monaco is in serious condition. He is hospitalised with a relapse of a lung infection and in intensive care at the Centre Cardio-Thoracique de Monaco, according to the royal Monegasque household.

This is not the first time that the 81-year-old Prince Rainier III has been in hospital. He previously was hospitalised on the 26th of October 2004 and the 8th of March 2005.

Prince Rainier is famed for being the husband of the late Princess Grace (Grace Kelly), and for investing in business at a famous gambling centre. He has been on the throne since 1949, making him one of the longest reigning monachs in Europe.