Lasting Legacy of Grace Kelly: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Grace Kelly continue to shape the world today.

Grace Kelly was a celebrated American actress who transitioned to royalty upon marrying Prince Rainier III, becoming the Princess of Monaco in 1956. Before her marriage, she had a successful Hollywood career in the early to mid-1950s, earning an Academy Award and three Golden Globe Awards. She's recognized as one of the greatest female stars in cinematic history, ranked 13th by the American Film Institute. Her life represents a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and European royalty, forever solidifying her place in popular culture.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1940: The Philadelphia Story Film Release

In 1940, the film 'The Philadelphia Story' was released by MGM. In 1956, Grace Kelly would star in a remake of the film, entitled 'High Society'.

January 31, 1955: Appeared on cover of Time magazine

On January 31, 1955, Grace Kelly appeared on the cover of Time magazine, hailed as the top movie star, bringing about a change from film sirens. She was described as the "Girl in White Gloves."

1955: Billie Eilish's Met Gala Gown Inspired by Kelly's "To Catch a Thief" Gown

In 1955, Grace Kelly wore a dress in the movie "To Catch a Thief", which inspired Billie Eilish's gown for the 2021 Met Gala.

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1955: Named "Best-Tailored Woman"

In 1955, The Custom Tailored Guild of America listed Grace Kelly as the "Best-Tailored Woman".

1960: Inaugurated into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame

In 1960, Grace Kelly was inaugurated into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.

1964: Establishment of the Princess Grace Foundation

In 1964, Princess Grace established the Princess Grace Foundation to support local artisans in Monaco, showcasing her commitment to the arts.

1981: Invited to Present Prizes at Henley Royal Regatta

In 1981, Grace Kelly was invited to present the prizes at the Henley Royal Regatta.

1982: Princess Grace Foundation-USA Founded

In 1982, Kelly's husband founded the Princess Grace Foundation-USA in her memory to support emerging theater, dance, and film artists in America.

1983: Cheryl Ladd Portrays Kelly in "Grace Kelly" TV film

In 1983, Cheryl Ladd portrayed Grace Kelly in the made-for-TV film "Grace Kelly".

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1984: Warhol Made Portrait of Grace Kelly

In 1984, Andy Warhol made a portrait of Grace Kelly for the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, as a limited edition silkscreen.

1984: Establishment of the Princess Grace Awards

In 1984, Prince Albert helped establish the Princess Grace Awards to recognize emerging performers in film, theatre, and dance, honoring his mother's legacy.

1984: Opening of Rose Garden in Monaco

In 1984, a rose garden in Monaco's Fontvieille district was opened by Prince Rainier in memory of Grace Kelly.

1985: Establishment of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo

In 1985, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo was established in accordance with the wishes of Princess Grace, with its first performance on December 21.

1992: Conant Published Grace Book

In 1992, Howell Conant published Grace, a book of photographs he took during her 26-year tenure as Princess of Monaco.

1993: Appearance on U.S. and Monaco Postage Stamps

In 1993, Grace Kelly appeared on a U.S. postage stamp, released in conjunction with a Monaco postage stamp featuring her image.

2003: Henley Royal Regatta Renames Women's Quadruple Sculls

In 2003, the Henley Royal Regatta renamed the Women's Quadruple Sculls the "Princess Grace Challenge Cup" in honor of Grace Kelly.

2004: Prince Albert Presents Prizes at Henley Royal Regatta

In 2004, Prince Albert presented the prizes at the Henley Royal Regatta.

2006: Wedding Dress Exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

In 2006, the Philadelphia Museum of Art presented Grace Kelly's wedding dress in an exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of her marriage.

July 1, 2007: Commemorative Coins Issued

On July 1, 2007, €2 commemorative coins were issued to mark the 25th anniversary of Grace Kelly's death, bearing her image.

2008: Exhibition at the Ekaterina Cultural Foundation in Moscow

In 2008, an exhibition of Grace Kelly's life as Princess of Monaco was held at the Ekaterina Cultural Foundation in Moscow.

2009: Plaque on the "Rodeo Drive Walk of Style"

In 2009, a plaque was placed on the "Rodeo Drive Walk of Style" in recognition of Grace Kelly's contributions to style and fashion.

2010: Wedding described as media overkill

In 2010, Robert Lacey described Grace Kelly's wedding to Prince Rainier III as "the first modern event to generate media overkill". The wedding ceremonies and attire were meticulously planned, with the wedding dress being worked on for six weeks by dozens of dress makers.

2010: Retrospective Exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum

In 2010, a retrospective exhibition of Grace Kelly's wardrobe was held at London's Victoria and Albert Museum.

2012: Childhood Home designated landmark

In 2012, Grace Kelly's childhood home was made a Pennsylvania historic landmark, and a historical marker was placed on the site.

2012: Victoria and Albert Museum Exhibition Continues in Australia

In 2012, the Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition continued in Australia at the Bendigo Art Gallery.

2014: Nicole Kidman Portrays Kelly in "Grace of Monaco"

In 2014, Nicole Kidman portrayed Grace Kelly in the film "Grace of Monaco", directed by Olivier Dahan, receiving largely negative reactions.

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2016: Included on Forbes List of Fashion Icons

In 2016, Forbes included Grace Kelly on the list of 10 Fashion Icons and the Trends They Made Famous, recognizing her lasting impact on fashion.

2019: Planning Begins for Grace de Monaco Luxury Brand

In 2019, plans were initiated for the launch of Grace de Monaco, a luxury brand by the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, which later launched on July 15, 2021.

2019: Commemorative Postage Stamps Released

In 2019, the government of Monaco released three designs of commemorative postage stamps to mark the 90th anniversary of Grace Kelly's birth.

July 15, 2021: Launch of Grace de Monaco Luxury Brand and Fragrance

On July 15, 2021, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA launched Grace de Monaco, a luxury brand, along with their first fragrance named Promenade sur le Rocher.

2021: Elle Fanning's Golden Globes Gown Inspired by Grace Kelly

In 2021, actress Elle Fanning attended the 78th Golden Globe Awards wearing a mint-green Gucci gown designed by Alessandro Michele, inspired by Grace Kelly's gown worn at the 27th Academy Awards.

November 2022: Monnaie de Paris Issues Commemorative Coins

In November 2022, the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) issued silver and gold coins to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Grace Kelly's death, with Prince Albert II's consent.