Grace of Monaco

Hitchcock visits Grace Kelly in Monaco with an invitation to return to Hollywood and star in Marnie. He offers a lucrative million-dollar contract if she accepts the role. Grace weighs the glitzy prospect against her life in Monaco.

Grace is intrigued by the possibility of resuming her film career but understands it would change her duties as Princess of Monaco. She asks Rainier for permission, and he initially seems supportive, suggesting he would back her decision. The couple begins weighing how a return to Hollywood could affect their responsibilities.

Franco-Monaco tensions intensify as France seeks greater influence over Monaco's status. Diplomatic moves hint at a possible incorporation of Monaco as a French province and a trade embargo looms on the horizon. The political climate casts a shadow over Grace's career considerations.

France covertly engages Rainier's sister and her husband to push him toward Paris's terms. The secret contacts blur lines between family and state, complicating Grace's position. Amid the pressure, Grace remains focused on her humanitarian responsibilities.

The mounting political strain prompts Rainier to reconsider accepting Hitchcock's offer. He weighs the personal cost against the potential impact on Monaco's sovereignty. The debate rekindles tensions between public duty and private desire.

Grace increases her involvement in hospital charities and Red Cross relief across Europe. She aims to raise Monaco's international profile through humanitarian work. This shift marks a move away from personal stardom toward diplomatic service.

To raise funds and boost Monaco's prestige, Grace organizes a high-profile charity ball set for October. The event is intended to attract international attention and donors. Preparations highlight her resolve to use philanthropy as a vehicle for national visibility.

Grace receives a report showing Rainier's sister has been quietly negotiating with France against Rainier's interests. She promptly informs Rainier, triggering a confrontation over family loyalty and national policy. The revelation triggers swift political responses.

In response to the betrayal, Rainier denounces his sister and moves to exile her from Monaco through due process of law. The act consolidates his authority and signals a commitment to sovereign independence. Grace's role as a stabilizing influence becomes crucial in the wake of the betrayal.

Facing the new political landscape, Grace decides that the Hollywood offer is no longer viable. She commits fully to Monaco's service and its citizens. The shift demonstrates a prioritization of national duties over personal career.

The October charity ball is a grand success, drawing international attention and support for Monaco. The event provides significant diplomatic capital as foreign dignitaries attend and donors contribute. Grace's leadership and Rainier's governance reinforce Monaco's standing on the world stage.

With internal reform and external diplomacy, Monaco preserves its sovereignty. The couple's concerted efforts help shield the principality from French influence pressures. The alliance of Grace's humanitarian work and Rainier's leadership secures Monaco's independence.