Prince Rainier's son Albert, 47, has taken over the regency of Monaco as his father is no longer able to carry out his royal functions, the palace has confirmed.
Europe's longest-reigning sovereign, Rainier was admitted to intensive care last week with heart, lung and kidney problems. Doctors said on Tuesday of this week that the prognosis was "extremely reserved."
The palace's announcement Thursday stated that because of the 81-year-old prince's condition he was unable to "exercise his high functions" and that therefore: "From now, the regency is assured by His Serene Highness Prince Albert."
Rainier's decline has been observed with dismay by his subjects and the strain has been clearly visible on the faces of his children – Prince Albert, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie – over recent days.
The popular monarch came to the throne in 1949 and was married to screen legend Grace Kelly from 1956 until her tragic death in a car crash in 1982.
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