The Embassy of Monaco in the United States held an evening in honour of Princess Grace to mark the 90th anniversary of the birth of Princess Grace with a private screening of one of the Princess’s great films on October 29 at the Motion Picture Association Theatre.

Following the screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece To Catch a Thief, a reception was held at the Ambassador’s residence for more than a hundred guests.

In his welcome message, the President of the Princess Grace Foundation – USA, the Honourable John Lehman, spoke about Princess Grace’s cultural and philanthropic legacy: “The foundation was created by Prince Rainier III in the year of Princess Grace’s death. The best tribute he could pay her was to continue her work dedicated to young artists to help them financially and to sponsor their entry into the world of the living arts: dance, cinema and theatre.”

“We are celebrating her artistic legacy as we celebrate her 90th birthday this year,” said HE Ms. Maguy Maccario Doyle, Ambassador of Monaco to the United States.

Charles Rivkin, President of the MPA and former US Ambassador to France and Monaco, added: “Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco is – through her films – young and beautiful for eternity. We keep very fond memories of the Princess, especially her generosity of heart and spirit, her unwavering support for charitable causes and her passion for culture and the arts, which is perpetuated through her Foundation …”

Ms. DeDe Lea, Head of Global Government Relations for Viacom, the parent company of Paramount Pictures, kicked off the session by pointing out: To Catch a Thief is a Paramount movie and, sincerely, it remains one of my favourites. Princess Grace has a special place in my heart because we were both born on November 12.

The evening brought together businessmen, philanthropists and diplomats, among them the Ambassador of France to the Organisation of American States, HE Anne de la Blache, the Director General of the Princess Grace-USA Foundation, Mrs Brisa Trinchero, senior representatives of the US State Department, Ambassadors and diplomats from the European Union, Ireland, Pakistan, and Morocco. The Washington Ballet was also present with its artistic director, Julie Kent, and his principal dancer, Gian Carlo Perez, a beneficiary of the Princess Grace Foundation in 2017.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Monaco Government Press Office PHOTO: Hon. John Lehman, President of the Princess Grace Foundation – USA; Ms DeDe Lea, Head of Global Government Relations, Viacom and HE M. Maguy Maccario Doyle, Ambassador of Monaco to the United States © DR