Albert to inherit lion's share

2005-04-06 20:40

Monaco - The lion's share of the assets of the late Prince Rainier of Monaco is to be divided between crown prince Albert and Rainier's oldest daughter Caroline, sources said on Wednesday.

Though considered a state secret, Rainier's wealth is estimated by by various sources to be worth as much as $2.5bn, consisting of mainly of real estate.

According to US biographer J Randy Taraborrelli, Rainier's will as of the year 2000 grants the 47-year-old Prince Albert the title of "His Most Serene Highest" as well as the royal palace with 235 rooms, the castle of Marchais near Paris with extensive hunting grounds, private jet, yacht, collection of antiquities including 180 vehicles and a stamp collection considered one of the most valuable in the world.

Albert will also receive, says Taraborrelli, the shares of the Monte Carlo casino, worth millions.

The cash inheritance is to be divided between Albert and Caroline, who retains in addition the family villa La Vigie in the French town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and most of her mother's jewelry.

Rainier's youngest and most rebellious daughter Stephanie, 40, is to receive only $17m, to be paid out in monthly instalments of $50 000, as well as a six-room chalet in the French alps and a New York City apartment. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA