The title of the monarch who "rules" monaco is called a Prince. If he's the highest level of royal in that country, why isn't he a king? I understand that Monaco is a "Principality", with a Prince as monarch, but why can't they declare themselves a Kingdom and give the Prince a promotion? Does it require a pass from the vatican or what?
2006-07-06 09:37:16 · 5 answers · asked by Viceroy 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Royalty
This is very difficult to answer,because the history of Monaco is so convoluted.Here's a shortened answer: Monaco and France have close political ties;Monaco officially became part of the French Alpes-Maritimes departement March 4,1793.Monaco had been a principality since the 1100's and was able to stay as a separate principality,but just barely. During the French Revolution,when the Monarchy was abolished,Monaco had actually reverted to French control( in the 1790's),but through the machinations of Honore V,the principality was able to regain it's independence from France and Sardinia,and Italy(countries that had invested money in Monaco,which was then a very poor country).Monaco can again revert back into French control if the Grimaldis produce no heirs;luckily Caroline is considered an heir and her children are all in the line of succession.There was a time,very recently,that only male Grimaldis could rule,but the Grimaldi family hammered out a new agreement with France.
The Vatican has nothing to do with the ruling of Monaco.
For a more complete history read The Grimaldis of Monaco by Anne Edwards
2006-07-06 15:27:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
It's a Principality thing and they probably like it. Absolute power is lonely, so the idea could be to mentally level the hierarchy out, although Prince Albert is the 'Chief Prince', so to speak.
Another reason could be that Monaco isn't considered a proper nation, but that's politics... e.g. Wales is a principality and not-so bonny Prince Charlie is the Prince of Wales, although the title is just symbolic
2006-07-06 12:18:09 · answer #2 · answered by hasina_ghani 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Monico is a Principality so the Ruler is a prince. In a Kingdon you have a King and in an Empire you have an Emporer. Or at least that is how it usually works. In Europe there used to be lots of little Principalities and Dukedoms that made up countries like Italy, France and Germany. Now it is mostly traditional anyway.
2006-07-06 09:43:31 · answer #3 · answered by Constant_Traveler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were the monarch I don't suppose you'd have any more power whether you were the Duke of a duchy, Prince of a principality or King of a kingdom, providing you didn't have anyone further up the hierarchy. It doesn't really matter, if it did they probably would want to change it.
2006-07-06 10:46:30 · answer #4 · answered by Rotifer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's known as a principality and not a kingdom.
2006-07-06 12:17:45 · answer #5 · answered by bellegurl17 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because he is the artist formerly known as king.
2006-07-11 01:30:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋