A princely birthday

Prince Albert II of Monaco waves as he arrives for a ceremony marking his 50th birthday in Monaco, Friday March 14, 2008. Sources said a private birthday party was planned at a Grimaldi family residence in northern France.

Prince Albert II of Monaco is seen in this 1966 childhood photo with his father, Prince Rainier III of Monaco; his older sister, Princess Caroline; and his mother, American film star Grace Kelly, who is holding his youngest sister, Princess Stephanie. When Prince Albert was born, a 101-gun salute was fired, all prisoners in Monaco's jail were released and the next day was declared a national holiday.

The crowd of more than 6,000 gathers on the Monaco Palace Square during a ceremony marking Prince Albert II's 50th birthday in Monaco, Friday March 14, 2008. Albert acceded to the throne on the death of his father in April of 2005.

Prince Albert II of Monaco waves as he arrives for a ceremony marking his 50th birthday in Monaco, Friday March 14, 2008. Other people are unidentified.

Prince Albert II of Monaco delivers a speech in the Monaco Palace Square during a ceremony marking his 50th birthday in Monaco, Friday March 14, 2008. He pledged to work for the protection of the environment, especially the Mediterranean Sea.

Prince Albert II of Monaco delivers a speech in the Monaco Palace Square during a ceremony marking his 50th birthday in Monaco, Friday March 14, 2008. The palace this week also denied reports of a September wedding between the bachelor prince and his companion, Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock.

Prince Albert II of Monaco, smiles as two pastry cooks bring his birthday cake, during the ceremony marking his 50th birthday, in Monaco, Friday, March 14, 2008.

Prince Albert II of Monaco, looks on, standing behind a birthday cake, as festivities take place marking his 50th birthday at Monaco Palace, Monaco, Friday March 14, 2008.

Prince Albert II of Monaco kisses his sister, Princess Stephanie Grimaldi, in Monaco, Friday, March 14, 2008, during a ceremony marking his 50th birthday.

Prince Albert II of Monaco stands at the Monaco Palace Square during a ceremony marking his 50th birthday in Monaco, Friday March 14, 2008.