Do You Act Like a Child of the King?

Recently, I watched the movie, Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. Kelly holds a special place in my memory. Although too young in 1956 to see the live footage of the royal marriage to Prince Rainier, I do remember the replays, from our 21-inch, Magnavox black and white television console. For me, mom, and all of America, it felt like a member of our family received a crown, giving us a shirttail foot in the door, if we happen by the palace someday.

The movie didn’t live up to my black-and-white childhood memories of a handsome, fairy tale prince, driving his Rolls Royce up to St Nicholas Cathedral, to wed his bride. Or the vision of Grace Kelly in her flowing gown, made from 300 yards of lace and 150 yards of silk. Nevertheless, the story, confessing to being fiction based on true events, left me thinking.

Kelly spent years learning to be a princess. She practiced the royal walk, talk, and demeanor. Eventually, she mastered the expectation to “become” what royalty stands for. To “be” the Princess of Monaco, inside and out. She sacrificed her acting career and studied the French language, mannerisms, and history.