21 JANUARY 2005

Prince Rainier was moved to tears on Thursday after a huge crowd of his subjects honoured him with a prolonged round of applause. The Monegasque monarch was greeted by a standing ovation when he joined his children Albert and Stephanie at the opening of Monte Carlo Circus Festival.

His appearance comes after a series of health scares that have left the people of Monaco feeling concerned for their head of state. Last November he was unable to attend the principality's national day celebrations as he was still recovering from a chest infection. And earlier in the year he was hospitalised on successive occasions due complications from a heart operation he underwent in 1999.

The 81-year-old was not expected to make it to Thursday's ceremony, having previously issued a statement saying it was unlikely he would attend. "My doctors and my entourage are not in favour of my presence under the big top because they worry about me catching a chill," he explained. "If I am reasonable, I will follow their advice - but well, we shall see."

It would seem the prince felt it was worth taking a risk to be at the opening of the festival, which is a key event in Monegasque calendar. And judging by the roar of appreciation that filled the huge marquee, his people were simply delighted to see him there.