Prince Rainier of Monaco Signed Photograph.

The wedding of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and American actress Grace Kelly, often dubbed the “wedding of the century,” was a landmark event that fused European aristocracy with Hollywood glamour. Held over two days in April 1956, the couple first participated in a civil ceremony on April 18, followed by a grand religious ceremony on April 19 at Monaco’s Saint Nicholas Cathedral. The event captivated an international audience, drawing an estimated 30 million television viewers, and featured numerous opulent details, including a six-tiered wedding cake and a bridal gown designed by MGM costume designer Helen Rose. Attended by a host of international celebrities and dignitaries, the wedding not only elevated Monaco’s global profile but also exemplified the mid-century fascination with royalty and celebrity culture.