Rumor about Prince Rainier

[Sannum]

I have a friend who covers European Royalty, who just told me that Prince Rainier of Monaco has been clinically dead since last friday and the government is waiting until the current heavy tourist infestation of the past few weeks (Easter) is over to announce it and "pull the plug". This will be a blow to the people of Monaco, who have not really known any other ruler. I have no idea how accurate this is, but this same friend told me that Charles and Camilla were going to marry a few days before the official announcement.

[chelsea0011]

1. Waiting for the tourists to leave? Is there a SNL routine here?

[Sannum]

2. They say it is so the stores and Casinos can stay open.

It just seems awful to keep the poor guy "on ice" until then.

[LiberalEsto]

4. Money rules in Monaco

disgusting, isn't it?

[miss_kitty]

11. Wow! I think

This country resembles that remark! :P

[amazona]

7. well he won't know

...and the holiday is probably an important part of the economy, so I don't think he would want the people to suffer.

[LiberalEsto]

3. Prince Albert's in charge now

I just posted this on Late Breaking News

Thursday, March 31, 2005 Posted: 1715 GMT (0115 HKT)

MONACO -- Prince Albert has taken over the regency of Monaco because his ailing father is unable to exercise his royal functions, the palace says.

Thursday's announcement gave no updates on the health of Prince Rainier, 82, who is being treated in hospital for breathing, kidney and heart problems.

A royal commission, the Council of the Crown, decided that it was difficult for Rainier to "exercise his high functions," the statement from the palace said.

[Benhurst]

5. This reminds me of the Monty Python parrot joke. NT

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

6. Well, death always seems to come in 3s

With the Pope seemingly near, and She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named shuffling off this mortal coil today, it would be apropo.

[LSparkle]

10. I was thinking the same thing

[miss_kitty]

8. I heard that too

because they'd have to close the casinos, but Easter's way over now. How the hell do we know if it's true, and why should their decisions about a loved one's condition concern us in any way?
Maybe they'd like a little privacy while their dad's dying.

[JVS]

9. I hope France invades!

[lenidog]

13. It wouldn't be much of an invasion

just send a couple squad cars with gendarmes and Monacco surrenders

[lenidog]

12. I can see it happening, I mean without tourism and gambling

there is no Monacco. Rather disgusting if its true.

[Benhurst]

14. I always thought of Her Serene Highness Princess Grace as

a Twentieth Century version of Gunsmoke's Miss Kitty, living over the saloon.