Caroline, Princess of Hanover
Princess Caroline Louise Marguerite of Monaco, born on 23 January 1957, is a prominent figure within European royalty and holds a significant place in the venerable Grimaldi family. As the eldest child of two iconic figures, she embodies a unique blend of historical lineage and modern celebrity. Her father was His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III, who reigned as the Prince of Monaco for over 55 years, overseeing a period of significant modernization and economic development for the principality. Her mother was the internationally renowned American actress Grace Kelly, who became Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco upon her marriage, bringing an unprecedented level of global attention and glamour to the small Mediterranean state.
Beyond her birthright, Princess Caroline also bears a significant title through her marriage. She is known as Princess of Hanover, a title she acquired upon her marriage to His Royal Highness Prince Ernst August of Hanover. Prince Ernst August is the current head of the House of Hanover, a German noble house that historically ruled the Kingdom of Hanover and, notably, provided monarchs for Great Britain and Ireland from 1714 until 1901. Although Princess Caroline and Prince Ernst August are separated, she retains the title Princess of Hanover, reflecting the historical depth of her marital connection.
Princess Caroline is also the elder sister of the current reigning monarch, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, and her younger sister, Her Serene Highness Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. This familial structure is crucial to understanding her historical and present role within the Monégasque line of succession, which is governed by male-preference primogeniture.
Princess Caroline's Historical Role in the Monégasque Succession
Her position in the line of succession to the Monegasque throne has shifted significantly throughout her life, reflecting both the birth of her siblings and the subsequent children of her brother, Prince Albert II. Understanding these changes provides key insight into the unique succession laws of Monaco, which prioritize male heirs over their elder sisters.
- From Birth (1957) to 1958: Upon her birth on 23 January 1957, Princess Caroline was immediately designated as Hereditary Princess of Monaco. This meant she was the direct heir presumptive to her father, Prince Rainier III, as he had no legitimate male heir at that time. Her status as heir presumptive was fundamental to the stability of the Grimaldi dynasty.
- 1958 to 2005: This period saw a significant change with the birth of her brother, Prince Albert (now Prince Albert II), on 14 March 1958. According to Monaco's succession laws, which prioritize male heirs, Albert's birth meant he immediately became the Hereditary Prince and heir presumptive, effectively moving Caroline's position in the line of succession downwards.
- 2005 to 2014: Following the passing of her father, Prince Rainier III, in April 2005, Prince Albert ascended to the throne as Prince Albert II. At this time, Prince Albert II had no legitimate children, making Princess Caroline once again the heir presumptive to the Monégasque throne. This marked her second tenure in this significant position, underscoring her vital role in safeguarding the continuity of the Grimaldi line until a direct heir to the reigning prince was born.
- From 2014 Onwards: The birth of Prince Albert II's legitimate twins, Her Serene Highness Princess Gabriella and His Serene Highness Prince Jacques, on 10 December 2014, once again altered the line of succession. Under Monaco's male-preference primogeniture law, Prince Jacques, born two minutes after his twin sister Princess Gabriella, is the Hereditary Prince and heir apparent to the throne. This means Princess Caroline moved further down the line of succession, now behind Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. Currently, she stands third in line to the throne, after her nephew Prince Jacques and her niece Princess Gabriella.
Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Caroline
- Who are Princess Caroline's parents?
- Princess Caroline Louise Marguerite of Monaco is the eldest child of His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco (formerly the acclaimed American actress Grace Kelly).
- Why is she called Princess of Hanover?
- She holds the title Princess of Hanover through her marriage to His Royal Highness Prince Ernst August of Hanover, who is the head of the House of Hanover, a prominent historical German noble house. Although separated, she retains this title.
- Has Princess Caroline ever been heir to the Monégasque throne?
- Yes, Princess Caroline has been heir presumptive to the Monégasque throne on two separate occasions. First, from her birth in 1957 until her brother Albert's birth in 1958, and again from her brother Albert's accession as Prince Albert II in 2005 until the birth of his twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, in 2014.
- Where does Princess Caroline currently stand in the line of succession to the Monégasque throne?
- Currently, Princess Caroline is third in the line of succession to the Monégasque throne, following her nephew, Hereditary Prince Jacques (the direct heir), and her niece, Princess Gabriella.