Death of a Prince, Rainier of Monaco

Prince Rainier III of Monaco (the prince who married movie star, Grace Kelly) died recently. It left me with a strange feeling of loss because my parents used to vacation there every summer and not only did I go with them on a number of occasions, but I carried out my first writing assignment there. A less than sober friend of my mother - this was Dublin, Ireland after all - organized it not realizing I was only fifteen. The publication concerned was the 'Dublin Evening Mail' and it was then owned by 'The Irish Times' - a journal of some note which still prospers. The Mail has gone. I plead 'Not Guilty.'

It is great to be young and know nothing. Because I had no clue how a reporter went about his business, I interviewed the great and the not so good without fear or hesitation - and I loved Monaco. It is a miniature nation of less than a square mile in the South of France and much of it is called Monte Carlo, the name that it is arguably better known by.

One rose late, breakfasted off cafe au lait and croissants and then meandered down to 'Le Beach' which was, in fact, a pool and a tiny beach for the rich and the privileged (and those who could talk their way in). The pool was lined by seried ranks of truly beautiful looking women - all topless - which was tough for a fifteen year old.

As to the rest - adieu... But there was a lot to miss.

Victor.