Mesic wrote that during the long and successful period of His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III's rule, Monaco "has gained a respectable place in the international community and become synonymous with a modern and prosperous state, capable of preserving its specific features as well as its independence".
The 81-year-old Prince Rainier, Europe's longest-reigning monarch, died on Wednesday of the failure of vital organs. The funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 15, followed by Mass at Monaco's Cathedral.
Prince Rainier III is succeeded by his son Albert II.