7 unfiltered questions

Why a prince and not a king?

This is largely due to the relations between Monaco and France that have been maintained over the past centuries. It is, in fact, a matter of historical tradition and has a political dimension: under the terms of various treaties, Monaco is placed under the protection of France. To avoid straining these diplomatic relations, the rulers are princes under the protection of a single king, the King of France. Although the Grimaldi dynasty took control of Monaco in 1297, the title of Lord of Monaco did not officially appear until Charles Grimaldi in 1342. However, it was not until 1612 that Honoré II officially adopted the title of Prince of Monaco, thereby marking a development in the principality’s sovereign status.

What are the ways to obtain Monegasque nationality?

The decision to grant or refuse Monegasque citizenship is the exclusive prerogative of the Prince of Monaco. There are, however, various ways of obtaining citizenship:

- Descent: direct descent through the father; subject to conditions for descent through the mother

- Marriage: the spouse of a Monegasque national may acquire Monegasque nationality by declaration, upon the expiry of a period of twenty years from the date of the marriage

- Naturalisation: any person who has had their habitual residence in Monaco for at least ten years after reaching the age of 18 may submit an application for naturalisation to H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince. This decision, however, is at the discretion of the Sovereign Prince.

What is the difference between Monaco and Monte-Carlo?

Monte-Carlo is often regarded as the ‘capital’ of Monaco. This is incorrect, as Monte-Carlo is one of the districts that make up the Principality. It accounts for 21 per cent of the territory and was known as the Plateau des Spélugues until the mid-19^th century, when it was renamed Monte-Carlo in honour of Prince Charles III.

Why are Monegasques not allowed to gamble at the casino in their own country?

Monegasques are not allowed to gamble at the casino in Monaco. This has been the case since the very beginning… This ban, enshrined in law, has never been called into question. The primary reason Monegasques are barred from gambling is economic: Prince Charles III did not want his subjects, who were already on low incomes, to ruin themselves. The second reason is more prosaic: to prevent fraud. In such a small territory, many Monegasques work as croupiers, and it is inconceivable that there should be any possibility of family members winning or losing money against one another.

Why a red and white flag?

This flag, as we know it, was adopted in 1881 by Charles III. It features the colours traditionally associated with the Grimaldi family, which in turn are reminiscent of the coat of arms of the Republic of Genoa, the cradle of the Princely Family. There is a more poetic explanation: the red is said to symbolise the blood of Monaco’s patron saint, Sainte-Dévote.

Is there a Monegasque language?

Monegasque is a regional language, closely related to Ligurian, which is spoken in Italy. Although French is the official language, Monegasque is taught in schools and can be seen on street signs. Keen to preserve their language, a group of Monegasques founded in 1924 what would become the National Committee for Monegasque Traditions and set about recording in writing what was then strictly an oral language, lacking any formal grammar or literature.

How does Monaco provide a peaceful and secure environment?

Security in Monaco is a top priority, a cornerstone of daily life. With an impressive ratio of one police officer for every 70 residents, the Principality implements exceptional measures to ensure the peace of mind of its residents and visitors. Although defence is provided by France, Monaco also has the Prince’s Carabiniers, an elite corps comprising 124 military personnel, responsible for the security of the Prince and the institutions. Their presence underlines the importance not only of protection but also of harmony, as demonstrated by the Prince’s Carabiniers’ Orchestra, a musical ensemble consisting mainly of brass and wind instruments, which has been a part of life in Monaco for 50 years.