Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco arrived in the Republic of China April 18 for a four-day private visit. They were met at the Chiang Kai-shek International Air port by Vice Foreign Minister Fredrick F. Chien.
Highlight of the visit was the christening by Princess Grace of the S. S. Constitution. Said the Princess, who as actress Grace Kelly sailed on the ship from the U.S. to Monte Carlo to marry Prince Rainier 25 years ago: "Constitution--a name close to my heart. Now this great ship will link up-the Hawaiian islands in a chain bringing closer together the continents on both sides of another ocean--the Pacific."
The 30,000-ton vessel underwent a US$20 million renovation at the Kaohsiung shipyard of the China Shipbuilding Corp. Some 345 paintings by famed Chinese painter, Chang Chien, have been installed throughout its rooms. Thousands of people thronged the royal couple on a visit to the National Palace Museum and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei. Before they left Taipei, the Prince and Princess were entertained by 84-year-old Chinese painter Chang Da-chien, who showed them around his house and garden, which are famous for their fine architectural style.
During their visit to Kaohsiung, Princess Grace was presented with the key to the southern port city by Chu Yu-fu, deputy speaker of the Kaohsiung City Council, and later the couple was hosted at a reception at the Ambassador Hotel in Kaohsiung.
During a press conference at the Grand Hotel in Taipei, where the royal couple was staying, Princess Grace said that she had enjoyed her visit to the Republic of China, and answered questions on her family, fashion and the women's liberation movement.
[Picture Caption]
1. Prince Rainier, Princess Grace and family. 2. The S. S. Constitution, christened by the Princess. 3. The royal couple pictured in front of the Constitution. 4. Premier Sun Yun-suan and Mrs. Sun look on as Princess Grace cuts the cake with Prince Rainier to celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary. 5. The Prince and Princess go behind the scenes after watching a performance of Peking opera.
The S. S. Constitution, christened by the Princess.
The Prince and Princess go behind the scenes after watching a performance of Peking opera.
The royal couple pictured in front of the Constitution.
Premier Sun Yun-suan and Mrs. Sun look on as Princess Grace cuts the cake with Prince Rainier to celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary.
Premier Sun Yun-suan and Mrs. Sun look on as Princess Grace cuts the cake with Prince Rainier to celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary.