The GrimaldiPrincelyFamily represents one of the oldest dynasties on the European continent and worldwide, with more than seven hundred years of history. The Sovereign Prince and all PrincelyFamily members belong to the third branch within the GrimaldiFamilyTree. On the basis of the traditional agnatic genealogy which takes into consideration male heirs the HouseofGrimaldi had direct descendants from Goyon (Jacques 1er de Monaco, Duc de Valentinois, 1731) and Polignac (Prince Rainier III de Monaco, 1949) noble lineage. The current members are:
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Sovereign Prince
H.S.H. Princess Charlène of Monaco (wife of the Sovereign Prince)
H.S.H. Jacques, Crown Prince, Marquis of Baux (son of the Sovereign Prince)
H.S.H. Gabriella, Countess of Carladès, (daughter of the Sovereign Prince)
H.R.H. Princess Caroline, spouse of Prince Ernst August of Hanover (sister of the Sovereign Prince)
H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie (sister of the Sovereign Prince)
Following the above-mentioned assumptions, the bloodline of Princess Caroline and Princess Stéphanie are respectively Casiraghi’s and Ducruet’s.
History/heritage:
The House of Grimaldi family tree originated from Genoa, being one of the most powerful Guelf (partisan of the Pope) families for their successful maritime expeditions. François Grimaldi, named “Malizia”, took possession of Monaco’s rock in 1297 thanks to a ruse (monk disguise) and gave birth to MonacoFamilyTree. After an initial consolidation period, Charles Grimaldi is appointed as the Lord of Monaco (1342), including Roquebrune and Menton. The bond with the Kingdom of France and the Comtat of Provence is soon very close.
Soon after (1454) Jean 1er introduces the rule of succession for males only.
Curiosity: the Normand Ancestor of Prince Albert II of Monaco.
After a temporary Spanish protectorate until 1641, Honoré 1er is the first to assume the title of Prince of Monaco, trigging a long-lasting period of prosperity. In 1678, Prince Louis Ier introduced the first comprehensive Monegasque corpus iuris, named after him (Code Louis).
After the annexation to France during the French Revolution, the Principality (“Fort Hercules”) had a difficult time which luckily lasts little. Finally, Napoleon III recognized the independence to the Principality within the signing of the French-Monegasque Treaty (1861), except for Roquebrune and Menton that voted to be annexed to France.
Charles III encouraged the creation of the Société des Bains de Mer and Monte-Carlo Casino, commissioning the Opera House to the famous architect Charles Garnier. The Principality begins to increase revenues and build its fame as we know it today.
Prince Albert 1er (Charles’ son), named the ‘Prince Navigator’ or the ‘Learned Prince’ for his personal commitment in boosting science explorations, continues the enlightened policy of his father founding several topical scientific and cultural institutions like the Paris Oceanographic Institute (1906) and Monaco Oceanographic Museum (1911). He is the first to promulgate a Monaco’s constitution.
Prince Louis II was called the “Soldier Prince” since he committed himself in the French Army within World War I and pushed the Principality to join World Health Organisation.
Prince Rainier III (reigning from 1949 until 2005) was definitely the Prince who contributed most to the transformation and modernization of the Principality, notably: implementation of tourism, urban expansion on the sea, new Constitution, accession of the Principality to the United Nations Organization and Council of Europe. His marriage with the American actress Grace Kelly, future Princess Grace of Monaco, held on the 19th April 1956, converts the Principality in one of the most glamorous capitals at international level. It is definitely the ‘Marriage of the last Century’ followed by more than 30 million TV spectators and 100,000 visitors gathered in the Principality for that occasion, including 1,800 international journalists to report about the event.
Curiosity: description of Monaco coat of arms:
HelloMonaco
Heritage/History:
Grimaldi Family: legacy of Prince Honoré V
Prince Jacques I of Monaco: Prior Owner of Matignon, the French Prime Minister’s Residence in Paris
Charles III: Golden Pages in the History of Monaco
Charles II and the Miracle of Saint Devote
Hercule I, Doctor of Law and Father of The First Prince of Monaco
Prince Louis I of Monaco, friend and close ally of Louis XIV, Grand Monarch of France
The Military History of Prince Louis II
The House of Grimaldi: Louis II
Honoré II, Monaco’s First Ruler Formally Titled «Sovereign Prince»
The house of Grimaldi: Prince Albert I: Explorer, scientist, reformer and pacifist
Lucien and Augustin, the Grimaldi brothers: Strategy and Prowess at the Service of Monaco
Prince Honore III: one of the longest reigns in European history
Game of fiefs: lands and titles of the Grimaldi dynasty
Seigneur Lambert & Claudine Grimaldi: the pen is mightier than the sword
The Pinnacle of Chivalry: Honours, Decorations and Medals of the Principality of Monaco
Between past and present times:
History of Monaco: from the ancient times to Prince Albert II
Seven centuries of the Grimaldi Family history
The history of Monaco: from Casino to the Prince of our days
The Grimaldi Dynasty Secured by a Unique 100 Year Birthday in 2020
Current members:
Princess Charlene of Monaco: “I am African and this is my heritage”
