Tearful Goodbye For Prince Rainier

Dignitaries And Citizens Remember Monaco's Monarch

(CBS/AP) 
The service began when members of the 170-member staff carried his coffin from the palace's 17th-century Palatine Chapel where he had lain in state since his death April 6 of heart, kidney and breathing problems.

In accordance with Rainier's wishes, soldiers from the Prince's Company of Carabineers, red and white plumes on their blue hats shuddering slightly in the breeze, then carried his coffin out of the palace via the Gate of Honor. They beat drums covered with black cloth.

Albert, flanked by his sisters who wore headscarves of black lace, as well as some of Rainier's grandchildren and other members of his close family, walked behind the coffin as it was carried to the nearby cathedral.

Rainier's 6½-year-old dog Odin, a present for the 50th year of his reign, formed part of the funeral cortege, limping slightly. The Gate of Honor was closed symbolically after Rainier's body was carried out.

Some of the VIPs bowed as the coffin was carried up the aisle. Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld's white hair made him easy to spot.

The coffin rested in the center of the cathedral, below a golden crown from which hung purple strips of cloth. A sword was placed on the coffin.

Barsi, opening the service, said Rainier had "entered into the sleep of death" and had been a father "both loving and loved."

In the streets outside, residents stood to watch the funeral procession - and say a last farewell to their beloved prince, reports CBS News Correspondent Elaine Cobbe.

For many in Monaco, the day marked the end of a golden era that began with the marriage to Princess Grace. Rainier often cut a lonely figure in his latter years.

"I like this family. ... It's thanks to Rainier that Monaco became what it did," said Arthur Alves, 60, who works in the thriving building sector. "It's a bit the soul of Monaco, its image around the world that we are saying goodbye to today."

Security was at a maximum in this enclave usually devoted to fun and making, spending and banking money. Some 1,300 police were on hand, and even funeral wreaths were scanned for bombs.

Parked cars were removed from the streets, where only black-garbed mourners and white-gloved policemen were seen. Matches at the Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament were delayed until the afternoon out of respect.

The crypt in the cathedral also holds the remains of Rainier's three immediate successors: Prince Charles III, who ruled from 1856 to 1889; Prince Albert I, who ruled from 1889 to 1922; and, Rainier's grandfather, Prince Louis II, who ruled from 1922 to 1949.