Prince Albert to make emotional visit to childhood city without Princess Charlene
Prince Albert will travel to Philadelphia today
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Prince Albert of Monaco will visit Philadelphia today alone, albeit without his wife Princess Charlene.
The prince will stay at the home he purchased in the East Falls section of the city, which is where his late mother Grace Kelly grew up.
Later today, Albert will take part in a riverside ceremony honouring three Olympic heroes, who happen to be related to the royal.
Prince Albert in Philadelphia in 2018
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The prince, 65, is a third-generation Olympian who competed in five Winter Games.
His visit to the Boathouse Row will be a tribute to his maternal grandfather, John B. Kelly Sr., a three-time Olympic gold medal winner for rowing in the 1920s.
John B. Kelly's son John Jr. and his cousin Paul Costello will also be honoured by the Prince of Monaco, as they also took part in the Olympics.
Prince Albert II's grandfather was one of the best rowers of all time.
John Kelly Sr [R] was a famous rower
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He transformed the sport from an exclusive upper-class activity to a more inclusive one, as he was from a working-class family of Irish immigrants to Philadelphia.
The Monegasque royals have even more Olympic history, as Princess Charlene competed in swimming for South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Games.
The couple even went public with their relationship in 2006 at the Turin Games.
Next year's Olympic games will take place in Paris.
Grace Kelly grew up in Philadelphia
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Prince Albert and Princess Charlene are both former Olympians
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Prince Albert said: "I've already signed up to present the medals for the double sculls.
"And I've already asked my cousins to attend.
"We're thinking of doing a little photo exhibit of my grandfather and his cousin Paul to commemorate their wins in the 1920 and 1924 Games,” he told People Magazine.
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