BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Frank Sinatra led movie stars and friends Wednesday night in a tribute to the 'angel' Princess Grace on the first anniversary of her death.
Sinatra called the former actress Grace Kelly the 'most incredible human being' he had ever known.
'She's just an angel among a lot of saints, and she belongs there,' said Sinatra, his voice faltering during the 50-minute memorial service attended by 125 friends at the Church of the Good Shepherd.
'She was a beautiful human being,' Sinatra said. 'She was never without strength, beauty and dignity.
'She was the most incredible human being I've ever known. Everything she touched came alive. It is obvious Prince Rainer is a very lonely man. I think we all are, those who have known her.'
The service was part of a worldwide memorial for the late monarch, who died in a car crash in Monaco a year ago.
A mass attended by her husband Prince Rainier and children Prince Albert and Princesses Caroline and Stephanie was said in the Monaco cathedral where she married and entombed.
Monsignor Peter Healy of the Beverly Hills church, who said the Mass of Resurrection, called the church her 'spiritual home,' noting it was where the princess worshipped when in Hollywood.
Among the mourners were Karl Malden, Ricardo Montalban, Cary Grant, Barbara Sinatra and Jane Wyatt. Rupert Allan, consul of Monacco in Los Angeles, also attended.
John Forsythe read from the scriptures during the service and Gregory Peck followed Sinatra in delivering a homily.
'Princess Grace always accepted people for what they were,' said Peck. 'She was unaffected for what was superficial. She was a full-blown star, an original. Foregoing a succession of Oscars, she chose to be a princess abroad. She was always a woman, first and foremost.'
Peck also quoted the princess, noting her words in an interview just before her death.
''I think I'd like to be remembered as a decent human being and a caring one,'' Peck quoted the princess as saying.
