Prince Rainier 'has stabilised'
2005-03-27 12:32
Monaco - Prince Rainier III of Monaco is conscious and his heart, lung and kidney functions have stabilised, the royal palace said on Sunday. He is breathing with the aid of a respirator.
The announcement came a day after the palace said three doctors for the 81-year-old monarch, Europe's longest-serving ruler, had issued the most pessimistic report yet on his prospects for survival.
"The cardiac, lung and kidney functions that did not stop deteriorating have stabilised," a palace statement said. Rainier "is conscious, but under sedation, which allows him to withstand respiratory assistance that is absolutely indispensable."
Rainier's prognosis remains "very reserved," the statement said - apparently a notch less severe the "extremely reserved" judgment given by doctors on Saturday. His health "remains very worrisome," it said.
- AP