History of Monaco Grimaldis, descended from Otto Canella and taking their name from his son Grimaldo, were an ancient and prominent Guelphic Genoese family. Members of this family, in the course of the civil strife in Genoa between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, took refuge in Monaco, accompanied by various other Guelphic families, most notably the Fieschis. Francesco Grimaldi seized the Rock of Monaco in 1297, starting the Grimaldi dynasty, under the sovereignty of the Republic of Genoa. The Grimaldis acquired Menton in 1346 and Roquebrune in 1355, enlarging their possessions. In 1338 Monegasque ships under the command of Carlo Grimaldi participated, along with
Monarchy of Monaco remain remotely in the line of succession for the French dukedom of Polignac). The current Prince's complete titles and styles are, in precedent order of rank: "Prince(ss) of Monaco" is a title also given to legitimate members of the princely family of Monaco. It is distinct from the ruling Prince's title "Sovereign Prince of Monaco", currently Albert II, or with the title of the heir apparent or presumptive to the throne, currently Hereditary Prince Jacques. Charlene, Gabriella, Caroline, and Stephanie, are given Princess titles, as the wife and daughters of a sovereign prince. Monarchy of Monaco The Sovereign Prince ()