The couple wed in a civil ceremony on April 18, 1956, followed by a celebrated religious wedding the next day. Kelly retired from acting, moved to Monaco, wore a Helen Rose gown she later donated to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, honeymooned on a seven-week cruise, and became mother to Princess Caroline, Prince Albert and Princess Stéphanie.
Princess Grace took on public duties, led charity efforts including the Monaco Red Cross and inspired museums and the Princess Grace Foundation. In September 1982 she was seriously injured in a car incident and died the following day from a brain hemorrhage at 52; her passing profoundly affected Prince Rainier and left a lasting cultural legacy.