Grace Kelly was a star on the cusp of a brilliant career when, on May 4, 1955, she met Prince Rainier III. As it turns out, the meeting was partially arranged by another actress, Olivia de Havilland. The star and the couple's son, Prince Albert, later explained to People that de Hallivand was on a train to Cannes with her husband, Pierre Galante, editor of a Parisian paper. When the couple heard that Kelly was also on the train, Galante thought it would be great if the pair met.
Kelly agreed to a meeting before stepping off the train. However, the following day — the day of the meeting — didn't exactly go to plan. Kelly slept in, then, after showering, discovered Cannes had no electricity due to a strike. She swept her damp hair up into a bun, decorated it with flowers and pulled on a wrinkled gown. Rainier was also held up, so she was given a tour of the palace before he arrived. The prince showed her the estate's gardens and private zoo. "The atmosphere changed," Prince Albert said. "The couple relaxed." On the drive back, Kelly reportedly said he was "charming."
