Monaco’s Prince Albert Buys Philadelphia Home of Mother, Actress Grace Kelly

     In a recent news publication, Prince Albert of Monaco was announced to be the new owner of a home in the East Falls section of Philadelphia. This home has a special connection to Prince Albert’s family. In a press release, 6abc Action News stated: “The Philadelphia home where Oscar-winning actress Grace Kelly grew up and accepted a marriage proposal from Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1955 is now in the hands of the royal family. Her son, Prince Albert of Monaco, has confirmed to People Magazine that he was the recent purchaser of the six-bedroom, 2.5-story Colonial home in the city’s East Falls section.”

     Grace Kelly was born and raised in Philadelphia. She spent her early life pursuing her dreams of becoming an actress. Director John Ford noticed her in a screen test from 1950 and flew her out to Los Angeles for her first big screen role in “High Noon” (1952). Kelly acted with some of the most famous names to come from Hollywood. She performed alongside Gary Cooper in “High Noon,” Jimmy Stewart in “Rear Window” (1954) and Cary Grant in “To Catch a Thief” (1955). In 1955, Grace Kelly received an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in “The Country Girl” (1945).

     Following this, Kelly headed the U.S. delegation at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955. It was there she met Rainier III, Prince of Monaco. She left her career as an actress in order to marry Prince Rainier. The last film Kelly performed in was “High Society” (1956), a musical remake of “The Philadelphia Story” (1940). In 1956, she married Prince Rainier III and became Princess Grace of Monaco. They had three children, Caroline, Princess of Hanover; Albert II, Prince of Monaco; and Princess Stéphanie of Monaco.

     Princess Grace died in 1982 at the age of 52 from injuries related to a car accident in France. At that time, the city of Philadelphia mourned the loss of one of its most famous residents.

     Now, three decades later, Kelly’s family is remembering her legacy in their purchase of the former Kelly family home. According to Philadelphia Magazine, “The East Falls home was reportedly sold for $754,000 on Sept. 23, after it was originally priced at $1 million when it was listed in July. The property’s market value is $605,600, according to the city’s Office of Property Assessment.”

     At this time, Prince Albert and his family are still unsure what the ultimate use of the home will be, but it will potentially house the U.S. office of his charity. For now, though, it is charming to consider that there is finally a Fresh Prince of Philadelphia.

     Sources: IMDb, Philadelphia Magazine, 6abc Action News