15 APRIL 2005

As the procession approached the flower-lined steps of the Cathedral, Caroline's daughter, Charlotte, could be seen keeping an eye on her grieving mother, who is also coping with the hospitalisation of her gravely-ill husband, Prince Ernst-August of Hanover.

Inside, the Cathedral had been swathed in purple fabric which was draped from an enormous gold crown in honour of Rainier, who died on April 6. Dignitaries from more than 60 countries looked on as Rainier's coffin was placed at the altar, surrounded by three heart-shaped red-and-white flower arrangements – one from each of his children –and cushions bearing royal symbols of office.

After the Grimaldi family kissed Rainier's elderly sister Antoinette, who had been waiting inside the cathedral, they took their places for the religious ceremony, led by the Archbishop of Monaco. Caroline sat with her head bowed while Stephanie, who seemed to wilt in her seat, looked straight ahead though occasionally glancing in the direction of the congregation. Prince Albert, seated between his sisters, remained stoic, though tears welled in his eyes as the Archbishop spoke of the strength of family.

During the moving 90-minute ceremony, the Archbishop honoured Rainier's late wife, Princess Grace, who was killed in a car accident in 1982 aged 52. Remembering her loss, the Archbishop recalled how the children had supported their father in his grief, and remarked that now, in death, the prince and his princess would be reunited forever.

Only Rainier's close family are expected to attend the private burial late Friday, when he will be laid to rest inside the Cathedral next to his film star wife. However, whether in the streets of Monte Carlo, or in their homes, all of Monaco seems to be paying tribute to their monarch, who began his rule in 1949.

"It's thanks to Rainier that Monaco became what it did," said one citizen, who had come to mourn outside the Palace. "It's a bit of the soul of Monaco… that we are saying goodbye to today."