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The Serene Principality of Monaco: Stylish Guelph Enclave in the
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The Principality of Monaco has the distinction of being the second smallest country in the world at 151 hectares, coming in just behind the State of Vatican City. However, this micro-nation is well known to many, many people around the world, particularly the less reputable "royal watchers" of the world for its style and glamour, which is largely that of it's ruling Princely House of Grimaldi. However, Monaco is also the last political remnant of the old Italian Guelph vs Ghibelline civil wars.
Although the history of Monaco goes back much farther, it was in 1342 that Charles Grimaldi, a family of well-known Genoese Guelphs, proclaimed himself Lord of Monaco. Later, the area became a Spanish protectorate, later handed over to France by the treaty of Peronne. The Grimaldi's were deposed during the French Revolution when Monaco was annexed by the Republic of France, but after the fall of Napoleon the princely house was restored under the protection of Piedmont-Sardinia. Eventually, Italy dropped all claims over the area and Monaco became independent, though certain arrangements were made with their powerful French neighbor. However, it was not until 1863, with the rise of the gambling industry that Monaco was noticed by the rest of the world. |
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Prince Charles I of Monaco |
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Much of what we consider when we think of modern day Monaco was built up during the reign of Prince Charles III. Monaco became wealthy and a favorite vacation site for the elites of the world who could afford the high stakes at Monte Carlo. The success of the principality did, and continues to set an example for the viability, and perhaps even superiority, of smaller locally governed states rather than massive, centralized 'empires', colonial or otherwise. Much like their fellow micro-nation Liechtenstein, Monaco is a survivor of the time when nationalism was rather unknown and when government was very much a local affair. A great deal of Monaco's success, and ability to survive the legalization of gambling in surrounding countries, is thanks to the current ruler, HSH Prince Ranier III. However, Monaco did not become a household word, known to little old ladies in south Texas for example, until Prince Ranier married the famous American actress Grace Kelly. Suddenly, the great big U.S.A. was obsessed with tiny little Monaco. |
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No one could ever have accused a Grimaldi of being dull, but the arrival of Princess Grace certainly caused more attention to be focused on Monaco than ever before. She proved to be just as big a success at being a princess as being an actress. Being one of the few monarchs with real political power, Prince Ranier handled the affairs of government while Princess Grace made Monaco a center for high culture and humanitarian charity work. There was also the job of raising a family, which was to prove to be no small task.
The couple eventually had three children: Princess Caroline, Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie, all of which have created more than their fair share of scandal since the tragic death of Princess Grace in a car accident. Prince Ranier III was lost without Princess Grace, and the family never seemed quite the same after her loss. Although groomed as the successor to the throne, Prince Albert has turned heads by his seeming refusal to marry and leave behind the playboy lifestyle he manages along with his duties for Monaco. |
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| Princess Grace of Monaco |
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The girls, on the contrary, have had no hesitation to marry, but seem to have a hard time staying that way. However, despite a great deal of criticism directed at the Monegasque princesses, it must be remembered how many terrible heartaches they have been subjected to over the years. The death of Princess Grace deeply hurt them both. Princess Stephanie was at, probably, the worst possible age for a child to lose a parent, and the fact that she survived the crash which killed her mother could not have but left a terrible scar on the young girl. Princess Caroline likwise had an unfair burden handed to her by being expected to "fill the shoes" of the legendary Princess Grace. Furthermore, both were to have marriages which ended in tragedy. Princess Caroline's first husband died in a speed-boat accident and Princess Stephanie's first taste of wedded bliss ended |
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with the very public revelation that her beloved husband was having an affair with an exotic dancer.
Despite the ample supply of ammunition, I refuse to be too critical of Princess Caroline or Stephanie. Both have had to deal with a life and circumstances with which few, if any, can possibly understand completely. Their own relationship has also often been troubled, particularly after Caroline's marriage "up" to the heir of Hannover HRH Prince Ernst August. The people of Monaco continue to debate if the Grimaldis should be treated as simply people doing a job (and thus up for an employee review) or as members of their own Monegasque family who are doing their best and trying to find happiness.
What no one can deny is the valuable services they have provided through their duties on behalf of the Principality of Monaco and for a multitude of charities and causes they have advanced over the years. Few people would have cause to complain as Monaco remains a fiscal paradise where taxation is almost entirely non-existant and the standard of living remains quite high. |
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Princess Stephanie of Monaco |
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Background music is the national anthem of Monaco (since I could find no midi file of 'ouragan' or 'flash' :-) |
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Go to the Grimaldi House site HERE |
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