It was a sunny day in Monaco Thursday, but the mood was somber as the tiny principality and its ruling family laid to rest the sister of the late Prince Rainier III. Princess Antoinette died last Friday at the age of 90 after many years of ill health.
REUTERS/Lionel Cironneau/Pool
At the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate of Monaco, the Grimaldi family – Prince Albert II, his fiancée Charlene Wittstock, Princess Caroline and all four of her children, and Princess Stephanie – gathered for the funeral mass, conducted by Monsignor Bernard Barsi.
REUTERS/Lionel Cironneau/Pool
Dressed in black, and the women wearing black lace scarves over their heads, the family sang the hymns, said the prayers and listened to the moving eulogy done by Princess Antoinette’s granddaughter, Melanie de Massy.
LIONEL CIRONNEAU/AFP/Getty Images
Afterward, the coffin carrying the body of the late Princess was carried out of the Cathedral and placed in the Peace Chapel, where Antoinette was laid to rest.
Prince Albert II looked visibly upset and relied on Charlene for strength. Princess Caroline displayed a look of grief all too familiar to watchers of the Monegasque royal family.
The Prince has declared Monaco in a state of mourning until April 1st.
Sources: Pure People, Hello!
Related Posts :
Princess Antoinette of Monaco Dies
Monaco's Royals Mark Liberation Day
Charlene Joins Monaco's Royals for National Day
The Casiraghi Siblings Represent Monaco's Princely Family at Rose Ball
Albert & Charlene to Marry in July 2011
With respect, the head-coverings the women are wearing are not called ‘scarves’. Technically they are veils or mantillas.