Monaco's Royal Family: What We Know About the Famed House of Grimaldi

1. When Was the House of Grimaldi Established?

The House of Grimaldi—the reigning house of the Principality of Monaco—was founded in 1160 by Grimaldo Canella, but it became the ruling house of Monaco in 1297, when Francesco Grimaldi captured Monaco. In 1956, the royal family gained even more fame when Prince Rainier III married Grace Kelly, who retired from acting to become the Princess of Monaco. The couple welcomed a son, Albert (65), and two daughters, Caroline (66) and Stéphanie (58). 

2. Who Currently Represents Monaco's Royal Family?

Prince Albert II is the current head of the House of Grimaldi. He’s married to Charlene, Princess of Monaco, who was formerly an Olympic swimmer (more on this later).

3. Who Is Albert II, Prince of Monaco?

Albert II of Monaco is the only son of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. He succeeded his father and became sovereign prince in 2005. But before he ascended the throne, Albert had a successful sports career. He competed in the bobsleigh at the Winter Olympics for Monaco, and he even earned a black belt in judo in 1985.

During his reign, Prince Albert has overseen several projects and initiatives, like building new railways and housing for low-income communities. He has also spearheaded judicial and legal reforms to promote the protection of privacy, freedom of the press and gender equality.

Additionally, the prince has a passion for environmentalism, which inspired him to launch the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. According to his official biography, the organization "encourages sustainable and fair management of natural resources and places man at the center of its projects. It supports the implementation of innovative and ethical solutions in three broad areas: climate change, water and biodiversity.”

4. Who Is Princess Charlene of Monaco?

Princess Charlene (formerly Charlene Wittstock) was born to Michael and Lynette Wittstock in Bulawayo, Rhodesia. She was a successful Olympic swimmer with three gold and two silver medals to her name before she retired in 2007. Three years later, she met her husband-to-be, Prince Albert, at a swimming competition in Monte Carlo. In July 2011, the pair tied the knot in a religious ceremony that was attended by over 3,500 guests.

Since then, the princess has worked closely with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and became a global ambassador for the Special Olympics. She is also a co-patron of Giving Organisations Trust, a partnership between ten of South Africa's well-known charities.

5. How Many Children Do They Have?

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene have two children: Princess Gabriella, Countess of Carladès (8), and Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco (8). Prince Albert also has two children from his previous relationship with Tamara Rotolo: Jazmin Grace Grimaldi (31) and Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste (19).

6. Who Is Next in Line to the Monegasque Throne?

There are currently 17 family members in line, but Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco, is the heir apparent to the crown of Monaco. It’s worth noting, however, that only descendants of the reigning monarch, the monarch's siblings and their descendants are eligible. But if a child is born outside of marriage or due to adultery, they're permanently excluded. Here, a full list of all the royals in line to the Monegasque throne:

1. Hereditary Prince Jacques 
2. Princess Gabriella, Countess of Carladès  
3. Caroline, Princess of Hanover  
4. Andrea Casiraghi  
5. Alexandre (Sasha) Casiraghi 
6. Maximilian Casiraghi  
7. India Casiraghi  
8. Pierre Casiraghi  
9. Stefano Casiraghi 
10. Francesco Casiraghi 
11. Charlotte Casiraghi 
12. Balthazar Rassam 
13. Princess Alexandra of Hanover  
14. Princess Stéphanie  
15. Louis Ducruet  
16. Victoire Ducruet  
17. Pauline Ducruet