Princess Caroline of Hanover grew up as the daughter of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III. with many privileges. In an interview, however, she admits that she also had to struggle with prejudice and discrimination.
In an interview with her daughter Charlotte Casiraghi, 34, for the French magazine "Madame Figaro", Princess Caroline of Hanover, 63, speaks about her life as the daughter of Prince Rainier III. († 81) and Hollywood legend Grace Kelly († 52) at a time when feminism was a big issue. "I belong to a generation for whom it was a lively discussion. Still, I remember my mother saying to me with good intent, 'You don't have to go to school'", explains Princess Caroline in the conversation.
"You are stealing a student's place"
Even during her studies, her status seemed to have not only brought her advantages, as she admits: "I also remember a university professor who said to me with incredible cruelty: 'You are taking the place away from a student who deserves it' ". So it's hardly surprising that Princess Caroline always felt she had to compete with boys. "I wanted to be better than her, in school or in sports," admits the 63-year-old.
Charlotte Casiraghi: "It's a fight"
But even a generation later, feminism is still an issue, as her daughter makes clear. "Being a woman and wanting to express your uniqueness is a struggle, no matter what position you are in. It is a struggle, not a war, but it is not an easy thing," says Charlotte Casiraghi about being a woman in the world fixed today. "Under the guise that women have emancipated themselves, that they can have a career and children while remaining desirable, we see less and less the part of sacrifice as women," explains the daughter of Princess Caroline and the entrepreneur and speedboat driver who died in 1990 Stefano Casiraghi († 30).
Strong women shape the history of the Grimaldis
There have been a number of strong women in the history of the Grimaldis. In addition to Grace Kelly and Princess Charlotte, Princess Alice was one of them. The first American princess married Prince Albert I in 1889 and brought culture and glamor to the principality. Charlotte's cousin, Pauline Ducruet, is the founder of a gender-neutral fashion brand. Charlotte Casiraghi is an entrepreneur herself. "I feel blessed with all these family stories, all the contrasts, all these women who had a clear path," enthuses the 34-year-old. "My unusual great-grandmother. My grandmother who decided to leave Hollywood."
Grace Kelly had a tragic accident
Grace Kelly ended her acting career in Hollywood in 1955 when she fell in love with Prince Rainier. The two married in 1956 and had three children, Caroline, Prince Albert II and Princess Stephanie. The then 17-year-old Stephanie was sitting in the car with her mother in 1982 when she missed a corner and had a serious accident. While her daughter survived the accident with serious injuries, the 52-year-old died the next day.
Sources used: Madame Figaro, Tatler, Daily Mail
This article was originally published on Gala.de.