Princess Grace Irish Library Marks 40 Years of Celebrating Irish Heritage in Monaco

This year, the Principality of Monaco celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Princess Grace Irish Library, an esteemed cultural institution founded in honor of Princess Grace’s Irish heritage. Established on November 20, 1984, by Prince Rainier III, the library commemorates Princess Grace's profound connection to her Irish origins. Located at 9 Rue Princesse Marie de Lorraine, the library boasts a rich collection of Irish-American literature, historical texts, and sheet music personally amassed by Princess Grace, reflecting her passion for the cultural ties between Ireland, the United States, and Monaco.

The anniversary is marked by a series of events themed "A Retrospective of the Life of Princess Grace: Her Irish Origins and Passion for Irish Culture." These celebrations offer insights into the life of Grace Kelly and her familial connections to Ireland, starting with her grandfather, John Kelly, who emigrated to America at the age of 20. The narrative extends to her influential family in Philadelphia and the ongoing legacy of her descendants. The program also features musical performances by students from Monaco’s Rainier III Academy, who played from Princess Grace’s own collection, highlighting ongoing collaborations with local and Irish conservatories.

Complementing the cultural festivities, the Monaco Postage Stamp Issuing Office has released a commemorative stamp, with 40,000 copies available, to honor the library's four decades of promoting Irish culture in Monaco. This celebration coincides with the centenary of Prince Rainier III, reinforcing the library’s role in fostering cultural preservation and strengthening the principality’s international cultural links. The Princess Grace Irish Library continues to serve as a vital repository of Irish literature and a testament to Princess Grace’s enduring legacy in Monaco.