MAY 19, 2002

Prince Rainier out of hospital

MONACO's Prince Rainier went into hospital last week because of bronchial problems but he is expected to be out of hospital again before the start of the city's biggest week of the year: the Grand Prix week.

The 78-year-old ruler of the tiny Principality has been attending Monaco GPs since the 1930s and has known many of the great racing drivers. His car collection is one of the big tourist attractions of Monaco. Rainer's son Prince Albert is also a big fan of racing and he is expected to be much in evidence during the GP next weekend.