Palace: My Life in the Royal Family of Monaco

The late Princess Grace is among the few members of Monaco's sovereign family who escape De Massy's harsh criticism. With Higham's help, the baron relates accounts of the attempted constrictions placed on his life by a cold, demanding mother, Princess Antoinette, Prince Rainier's sister. The story abounds with machinations as seen from De Massy's perspective: Grace's wedding, and the bride's harassment by palace intrigue and slights to her American family; Antoinette's attempts to usurp her brother's throne. Of more interest are details on daily life in the principality, Grace's contributions to its flourishing amenities and the political climate. But such data are merely background for the baron's main topic: rejection by his mother and uncle. Apparently, the royal nephew doesn't link his sorry status to the rakehell career he recalls with more relish than rue. Photos not seen by PW. First serial to New Woman and the Star. (November)