The following is a list of rulers of Monaco. Most belong to the House of Grimaldi; exceptions, which consist primarily of the principality's administrators under periods of foreign occupation, are noted.
Monaco Overview[]
The Grimaldi Family is one of the oldest and most prominent noble families in Europe. The Grimaldi family's history is intertwined with Monaco's own development, and their enduring reign has shaped the principality's identity and prominence in the modern world. Here's an overview of their origins and history:
Origins[]
The Grimaldi family traces its roots back to the medieval era. According to tradition, they originated from the city of Genoa in present-day Italy. The family's name is believed to be derived from "grimaldo," meaning "grain of wheat" in the Genoese dialect.
The Guelphs and Ghibellines[]
During the 12th century, the Grimaldis were actively involved in the political conflicts between the Guelphs (supporters of the Pope) and the Ghibellines (supporters of the Holy Roman Emperor). The family aligned with the Guelph faction.
Acquisition of Monaco[]
In 1297, Francesco Grimaldi, known as "Il Malizia" (The Cunning), led a successful expedition to capture the fortress of Monaco. Disguised as a Franciscan monk, he and his men seized control and established the Grimaldi rule over the territory. This event is considered the founding moment of the Grimaldi dynasty.
Early Rivalries[]
Over the centuries, the Grimaldis faced numerous challenges to their rule in Monaco. They confronted rival noble families, including the Spinolas and the Doria family from Genoa, as well as internal power struggles within the family itself.
House of Grimaldi[]

Great coat of arms of the House of Grimaldi.
The Grimaldi Family, with few exceptions for enemy occupations, have been primary rulers of Monaco since the 13th Century. Their family ancestry can be easily traced to many of the great noble families of Europe. See Also:
- House of Grimaldi
- Grimaldi in Monaco
- Rulers of Monaco
- Grimaldi Family
List of Rulers of Monaco[]
Name (Birth–Death) |
Portrait | Reign start | Reign end | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
François Grimaldi (?–1309) |
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8 January 1297 | 10 April 1301 | |
Rainier I, Lord of Cagnes (1267–1314) |
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Under Genoese control from 10 April 1301 to 12 September 1331 | ||||
Lords of Monaco | ||||
Charles I (?–1357) |
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12 September 1331 | August 1357 |
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Rainier II (1350–1407) |
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29 June 1352 | 15 August 1357 |
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Under Genoese control from 15 August 1357 to January 1395 | ||||
Louis (?–1402) |
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January 1395 | 19 December 1395 |
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Jean I (1382–1454) |
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Under Genoese control from 19 December 1395 to 11 May 1397 | ||||
Louis (?–1402) |
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11 May 1397 | 5 November 1402 | |
Under Genoese control from 5 November 1402 to 5 June 1419 | ||||
Jean I (1382–1454) |
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5 June 1419 | 8 May 1454 |
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Ambroise (?–1433) |
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1427 | ||
Antonie (?–1427) |
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Catalan (?–1457) |
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8 May 1454 | July 1457 | |
Claudine (c. 1451–1515) |
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July 1457 | 16 March 1458 |
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Lamberto (c. 1420–1494) |
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16 March 1458 | March 1494 | |
Jean II (1468–1505) |
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March 1494 | 11 October 1505 |
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Lucien (1487–1523) |
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11 October 1505 | 22 August 1523 |
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Honoré I (1522–1581) |
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22 August 1523 | 7 October 1581 |
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Charles II (1555–1589) |
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7 October 1581 | 17 May 1589 |
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Ercole (1562–1604) |
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17 May 1589 | 29 November 1604 |
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Honoré II (1597–1662) |
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29 November 1604 | 10 January 1662 |
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Sovereign Princes of Monaco | ||||
Louis I (1642–1701) |
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10 January 1662 | 2 January 1701 |
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Antonio I (1661–1731) |
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2 January 1701 | 20 February 1731 |
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Louise Hippolyte (1697–1731) |
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21 February 1731 | 29 December 1731 |
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Jacques I (1689–1751) |
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29 December 1731 | 7 November 1733 |
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Honoré III (1720–1795) |
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7 November 1733 | 19 January 1793 |
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French occupation (19 January 1793 – 17 May 1814) | ||||
National Convention | ![]() |
19 January 1793 | 24 February 1793 | President: Joseph Barriera |
Annexed by France | 24 February 1793 | 17 May 1814 | Governed by:
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Allied occupation (17 May – 17 June 1814) | ||||
Honoré IV (1758–1819) |
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30 May 1814 | 16 February 1819 |
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Honoré V (1778–1841) |
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16 February 1819 | 2 October 1841 |
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Florestan (1785–1856) |
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2 October 1841 | 20 June 1856 |
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Charles III (1818–1889) |
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20 June 1856 | 10 September 1889 |
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Albert I (1848–1922) |
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10 September 1889 | 26 June 1922 |
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Louis II (1870–1949) |
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26 June 1922 | 9 May 1949 |
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Rainier III (1923–2005) |
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9 May 1949 | 6 April 2005 |
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Albert II (born 1958) |
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6 April 2005 | Incumbent |
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References[]
- ^ Saige, Gustave (1897). Monaco: Ses Origines et Son Histoire. Imprimerie de Monaco. https://archive.org/details/monaco00saiggoog.
- Burke's Royal Families of the World, Vol. 1: Europe and Latin America. London: Burke's Publishing Co., 1977. ISBN 0-85011-029-7
- Cahoon, Benjamin. "Monaco". World Statesmen. http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Monaco.htm.
- Velde, François. "Monaco". Heraldica. http://www.heraldica.org/topics/national/monaco.htm.