Rare Photos of Grace Kelly Through the Years

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 3 May 21

She may have been the Princess of Monaco, but Grace Kelly still reigns as one of America's original sweethearts—and the epitome of classic, old Hollywood style. Ahead, get a glimpse of rare photos from the actress's life.

1/40

1953: Birthday on Set

The young film star is treated to a birthday celebration on the set of Rear Window in 1953. The actress was presented a cake on the Paramount lot in honor of her 24th birthday.

2/40

1953: On Set in Africa

Kelly rides horseback on location in Equatorial Africa in 1953 for her film, Mogambo. The picture earned her an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress.

3/40

1954: Her First Hitchcock Film

The actress reads through the final script for Hitchcock's thriller, Dial M for Murder, with co-star Robert Cummings, in 1954. Naturally, the starlet looks impeccably chic in a sleeveless polka dot dress.

4/40

1954: On the Set of 'The Country Girl'

Kelly studies her script on the set of The Country Girl. The actress costarred with Bing Crosby and William Holden in the film as the female lead, Georgie.

5/40

1954: A Prized Autograph

While costarring on The Country Girl together, Kelly receives a signed record from her costar, iconic singer-turned-actor, Bing Crosby.

6/40

1954: Behind the Scenes

Kelly looks chic in a casual black sleeveless turtleneck and tan pants in her dressing room on set in 1954.

7/40

1954: A Festive Photoshoot

Kelly poses in a bright green ballgown and white fur stole for a St. Patrick's Day photoshoot in 1954.

8/40

1954: Another Day on Set

Kelly wears a chic belted beige dress and matching sunhat as she films a scene on a boat for Green Fire in 1954.

9/40

1954: At Home with Grace Kelly

In between the star's busy filming schedule—the actress released four films in 1954 alone—Kelly finds time to relax at home with a friend and read magazines.

10/40

1954: Getting Camera-Ready

Kelly fixes her brows in her dressing room on set in 1954. The actress was known for her understated and polished beauty, and used two shades of blush to achieve her signature high cheekbones.

11/40

1955: An Off-Duty Look

While Kelly was known for her red carpet glamour, she could typically be found in casual clothing when she was off-duty. Here, the actress reclines on a rock wearing a cardigan sweater with a bow collar.

12/40

1955: Arriving in New York

In 1955, Kelly hops off of a TWA airplane upon her arrival in New York City. The actress flew from Los Angeles with fellow film stars Elizabeth Taylor and Lorraine Day.

13/40

1955: A Personal Touch

Kelly added a touch of personalization to her dressing room in 1955, plastering black and white photographs on the wall.

14/40

1955: Leaving for the Academy Awards

Kelly chats with guests in her home before departing for the the 1955 Academy Awards. That night, she won the Best Actress Oscar for The Country Girl, beating Judy Garland.

15/40

1955: Posing With Her Award

Kelly smiles for the cameras backstage at the Academy Awards after winning her Oscar on March 30, 1955. Despite a prior nomination, this was Kelly's only recognition from the Academy.

16/40

1955: An Academy Award Win

Kelly smiles as William Holden admires her Academy Award. Kelly and Holden costarred in The Country Girl together.

17/40

1955: Tea Time on Set

Kelly and Alfred Hitchcock enjoy afternoon tea on the set of To Catch a Thief. The actress shared a close relationship with Hitchcock, starring in three of his most notable films.

18/40

1955: An Iconic Outfit

Kelly shooting a scene for To Catch a Thief. The star, who played an oil heiress staying at a luxury hotel in Cannes, is wearing one of her most famous costumes from the film, a strapless chiffon ball gown and diamond bib necklace.

19/40

1955: Getting Notes on Set

Kelly receives notes from her To Catch a Thief director, Alfred Hitchcock, as she films a scene on the beach in 1955.

20/40

1955: Filming in Water

Kelly is photographed with her co-star, Cary Grant, in the water while filming To Catch a Thief. The heavy equipment used to film the actors in the ocean is seen behind them.

21/40

1955: Sitting With the Director

Kelly chats with director Alfred Hitchcock and his wife, Alma Reville, in between takes on set in 1955.

22/40

1955: Serving as Maid of Honor

Kelly returned to her family home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1955 for her sister Anne's wedding. The film star took a step back from the spotlight and dutifully helped with her sister's veil, as they left for the church ceremony.

23/40

1955: Mingling in Hollywood

Kelly clinks glasses with French actor Jean-Pierre Aumont while attending a Hollywood event in 1955. The actress looks gracious as ever in a long-sleeve lace dress and pearls.

24/40

1955: At the Cannes Film Festival

Kelly explores the docks in France as she arrives in Cannes for the annual film festival. The actress looks polished in a ruffled button-down shirt and black printed cigarette pants.

25/40

1955: A Young Admirer

Kelly, dressed in a white silk bow scarf and black dress, is stopped by a young fan on her way to an event. The actress gracefully accepts a kiss from the young admirer.

26/40

1956: With Louis Armstrong

Kelly looks on at famous trumpeter Louis Armstrong while on the set of High Society in 1956. The musician appeared in both the beginning and end of the film, performing songs in both scenes.

27/40

1956: On Set With Frank Sinatra

Kelly and Frank Sinatra ride in a convertible while filming a scene for High Society. The actress shared a duet with the famous crooner in the film, which earned her a gold record.

28/40

1956: With Her Costars

Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Celeste Holm join their High Society costar, Kelly, in a promotional shoot for their film in 1956.

29/40

1956: Photos for 'The Swan'

Kelly poses with a swan in a promotional photo for her 1956 film, The Swan. The actress, dressed in a white muslin dress, mimics the movement of the animal for the shot.

30/40

1956: Backstage at the Oscars

Kelly and Audrey Hepburn wait in the wings of the 1956 Academy Awards as they prepare to present on stage. Kelly presented the Oscar for Best Actor to Ernest Borgnine.

31/40

1956: A Royal Engagement

In 1956, Kelly announced her engagement to Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Here, the couple arrives at their engagement party.

32/40

1956: The Engagement Ring

Prince Rainier and Kelly staged a photo-op in her family home in Philadelphia, alongside her parents, in January 1956. The actress shows off her engagement ring, a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond from Cartier.

33/40

1956: Retiring From Hollywood

At the height of her career, Kelly retired from Hollywood to take on a new role as Princess of Monaco. Here, she clears out her closet from the studio lot ahead of her upcoming nuptials in 1956.

34/40

1956: Saying Goodbye to Hollywood

Kelly waves goodbye to her film career and tenure in Hollywood as she boards her flight from Los Angeles to New York, and begins her journey to Monaco to become Princess Grace.

35/40

1956: A Countdown to the Wedding

Leading up to the royal wedding, Kelly was seen shopping and running errands in New York City as she prepared to move across the Atlantic.

36/40

1956: Final Days in America

Kelly is joined by her poodle, Oliver, as she packs up her belongings and sorts through her closet before her move to Monaco.

37/40

1956: A Transatlantic Journey

The actress wears a life preserver as she endures the transatlantic voyage to Monaco. The actress was accompanied by her parents and French poodle, Oliver, who was a wedding gift from Cary Grant.

38/40

1956: Wedding Rehearsals

Kelly organizes the children in the wedding party at rehearsals for her ceremony in 1956.

39/40

1956: A Ceremony Before the Wedding

The day before the wedding, Kelly and Prince Rainier had a ceremony for receiving wedding gifts. Here, the couple is given a white dove by a young girl.

40/40

1956: The Wedding Day

After their religious ceremony, Princess Grace and Prince Rainier enjoy a wedding lunch. The bride wears her iconic lace collared wedding dress and headpiece veil, and the couple sits in front of their elaborate multitiered wedding cake.

Charlotte Chilton