June / July 2005

The official month-long mourning period is past, but Monaco continues to grieve for its well-loved sovereign, Prince Rainier III. Although cruise ships full of tourists are anchored offshore, the harbour is full of yachts and the usual noisy crowds of motor racing enthusiasts crowd into town for the 63rd Grand Prix, the gaiety seems somehow inappropriate; the spirit is missing; the man whose enthusiasm and support made it such a success is no longer here to cheer on the drivers, hand out the prizes and celebrate the victories. …