Prince's Palace of Monaco Prince's Palace of Monaco The Prince's Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, during its long and often dramatic history it has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers. Since the end of the 13th century, it has been the stronghold and home of the Grimaldi family who first captured it in 1297. The Grimaldi ruled the area first as feudal lords, and from the 17th century as sovereign princes, but their power was often derived from fragile agreements with their larger and stronger neighbours. Thus
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 ()