Prince Albert II reunited with his American family last week in New York City in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.

Prince Albert welcomed numerous cousins from Philadelphia for a relaxed family reunion held in New York City. The informal celebration began with a gathering in Central Park, where family members reconnected in a setting that honoured the close bonds Princess Grace Kelly had maintained with her American roots.

The evening continued at the renowned hotel ‘The Pierre’ on the Upper East Side for the Princess Grace Awards gala, where the Prince and his family joined together in remembrance of Princess Grace’s legacy and her charitable work supporting emerging artists. The gathering paid tribute to the foundation’s role in nurturing new talents in theatre, dance, and film, a cause close to the late princess’s heart.

Academy Award-winning actor and producer Michael Douglas was honoured as the guest of the night, receiving the distinguished Rainier III Award from Prince Albert.

Princess Grace of Monaco, formerly Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, left the United States in 1956 to marry Prince Rainier III and settle in Monaco. Although she embraced her royal duties, she returned to the U.S. periodically, often visiting her hometown of Philadelphia, where her family was prominent, particularly her father, Jack Kelly, an Olympic rower and successful businessman. Throughout her life, she made several notable visits back to the U.S. for family, charity events, and to promote the Princess Grace Foundation, keeping a close connection to her American roots despite her European royal status.

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Michael Douglas honoured by Prince Albert II at Princess Grace Foundation USA gala

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Main photo credit: Michael Alessi, Prince’s Palace