11 MARCH 2004
Prince Rainier of Monaco made his first public appearance since being released from hospital last week, joining AS Monaco football club bosses at the team's Champions League match on Wednesday.

The frail-looking monarch, who was treated for a coronary lesion during a 12-day hospital stay last month, cheered on the home squad from a prime seat in the director's box.

Now 80 years old, Prince Rainier has been plagued with poor health for years, and has required even more frequent medical treatment in recent months.

The Monegasque royal, whose 1999 heart surgery was followed by two more operations in 2000, had been admitted to a clinic two months ago for general fatigue, and in December spent five days in hospital suffering from flu symptoms.