Time magazine prematurely reports Prince Rainier's death

Time magazine prematurely announced the death of Monaco's Prince Rainier in its latest South Pacfic edition.

The prince, 81, was still in a serious but stable condition in hospital last night, but not dead as the latest South Pacific edition of Time reported.

Christchurch book merchant Beth Davies picked up the error, The Press newspaper said today.

The obituary said: "Monaco's beloved ruler... although credited with modernising the tiny Mediterranean principality during his 56-year reign, was best known for his storybook wedding to Academy Award winner Grace Kelly."

Time described the prince as a "playboy in his youth" who went on to clean up Monaco's reputation as a "sunny place for shady people".

Monaco palace press secretary Nicolas Saussier told The Press the royals were "very surprised and shocked that such information should be released by such a respectable magazine".

"It doesn't make any sense. I don't know on what basis they have printed such information," Mr Saussier said.

Time South Pacific editor Steve Waterson told the newspaper the company was very apologetic for the mistake.

It regretted any upset it may cause the royal family or its supporters.

Several members of the public had called the magazine to complain since it was distributed on Monday.

The blunder was published in copies distributed in Australia and New Zealand.

The explanation for the error was "embarrassingly simple", Waterson said.

Two obituary pages were prepared, one announcing the demise of the European leader.

The production manager was away on her honeymoon and her replacement selected the wrong page, he said.

An apology would be included in next week's issue, he said.

- NZPA