A Little Out of Sorts

Your humble blogger is currently dealing with a nasty alergic attack -and the very strong meds that are supposed to be helping. Hopefully things will be back to normal before too long. Thanks for reading
Mad for Monaco

Happy St Valentine's Day!

Monaco and Vietnam

HIM Emperor Bao Dai and HSH Prince Rainier III

Although the countries are extremely dissimilar, Monaco and Vietnam do have some things in common and have had ties many may not be familiar with. Both, for quite some time at least, were part of the community of nations under French protection; albeit under very different circumstances. The first major meeting between the Monegasque and Vietnamese nations came about in an unofficial way when, following World War II and the start of the political wars in Indochina, the last Vietnamese Emperor, Bao Dai, came to France and resided mostly on the southern coast. Emperor Bao Dai, like his mother and many others, was very fond of gambling and was often to be seen at the grand casino of Monte Carlo where, it was said, his losses befitted someone of his exalted rank.

Did Emperor Bao Dai and Prince Rainier III ever meet? I could not say. One would presume such an illustrious visitor would have met with the Sovereign Prince and yet the Vietnamese Emperor was not visiting in an official capacity and was usually trying to keep a low profile so, perhaps not. It is also at least within the realm of possibility that Rainier III might have met the former Vietnamese Emperor Duy Tan in Germany where both served with the French army at the end of World War II. In any event, the Emperor was such a loyal patron of the roulette wheel in Monte Carlo that his mother, the Empress-Dowager Tu Cung, reportedly had to sell some family antiques to pay his debts (the Emperor in France later had to do the same for his mother in Vietnam).

In recent years AMADE, the charitable organization founded by Princess Caroline, has worked with other groups to establish schools in a number of locations around Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to most of the world, and once called the “Paris of the Orient” during the days of French colonial rule. The Prince Albert II Foundation has also been at work in Vietnam lately. In 2007 the Principality of Monaco and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam established formal diplomatic relations for the first time when Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Le Kinh Tai presented his credentials to HSH Prince Albert II at the Princely Palace on March 5.

Monaco and Vietnam have both been members of the community of French-speaking languages since 1970 and Vietnam is the 55th country accredited to the Principality of Monaco.

HSH Prince Albert II and HE Le Khinh Tai

Prince Albert; Winter Olympian

As a past winter olympian and member of the IOC, HSH Prince Albert II is heavily involved in preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. On the 7th he attended a curling event at the Port of Monaco (a first?) and while the games are in progress the "Challenge Albert II" sailing competition will also be held by the Nautical Society of Monaco. Jack Kelly, Prince Albert's grandfather, was also an Olympian and won 3 gold medals in rowing. John Kelly, the Prince's uncle, was also dedicated to the sport. Also, on the 5th, the Sovereign Prince met with business leaders from across Europe to discuss ways of including and expanding opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities and how to reach more adults and children across Europe and Central Asia with the Special Olympics.

Princess Alexandra on Ice

TRH Princess Caroline and Princess Alexandra were out enjoying the winter weather today, on skates and skis. Princess Alexandra is still a newcomer and learning how to skate.

Grimaldi Roots: The Guelphs and Ghibellines

The clash that brought about the Grimaldi seizure of Monaco was the longstanding feud in the Italian states between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. This feud lasted throughout most of the Middle Ages and achieved epic proportions. Even the feud between the fictitious families of Romeo and Juliette originated in the clash between the Guelph and Ghibelline factions. As readers of this blog probably know the Grimaldi family originated in the Italian city-state of Genoa and their involvement in the feud came with the clash between the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and Pope Innocent IV. Genoa split into Guelph and Ghibelline factions with the Guelphs supporting the Pope and the Ghibellines supporting the Emperor. The Grimaldis and the Fieschis were Guelphs but the Ghibellines were victorious and drove them out of Genoa.

It all came down to the doctrine that two powers govern the world; the temporal and the spiritual which Innocent III compared to the sun and the moon. The height of temporal power in old Christendom was the Holy Roman Emperor while the highest spiritual authority was the Supreme Pontiff. Both were to work in concert but it was, perhaps, inevitable that they would clash over who was finally supreme of the two. The Popes claimed that, as it was they who were given their authority by Christ himself (in the form of the keys to St Peter) and that Christian teaching stressed that the spirit was greater than the flesh and that it was they who crowned and anointed the emperor the popes were therefore superior. The Emperor, however, viewed himself as the viceroy of God on earth and thought he should confirm papal elections and appoint bishops himself. Did not the authority of the Emperor of Rome predate the authority of the Pope?

Naturally, the details that started the split were soon forgotten in favor of more practical rivalries. In large part the nobility supported the Emperor as it was he who granted them their titles and in whose name they finally exercised authority. The merchants and freemen of the Italian city-state republics tended to favor the Pope as he was content to let them govern themselves and did not interfere with their business. The Pope was also one of their own, someone they felt closer to than a distant German monarch. The names for the factions also come from Germany, originating in the rivalry between the House of Welf (Guelph) who were the Dukes of Bavaria and the Imperial House of Hohenstaufen (originally Dukes of Swabia) whose ancestral castle was Waiblingen (Ghibelline) in Franconia.

When the Grimaldis first seized the Rock at Monaco it was from a Ghibelline garrison for as Genoa was seized by one side or the other it was usual that the losing party was driven into exile. For aid the Grimaldis turned to Charles of Anjou, comte de Provence, whom they had served in the past and in appreciation he granted them the lands of Ventimiglia, Menton and Roquebrune to make up for their losses in Genoa. They lost when Charles of Anjou had to have the help of Genoa in a conflict with Sicily and as soon as his protection was withdrawn the Genoese pounced and recaptured Monaco. After a period of time the Guelph faction won and the Grimaldis took back Monaco but ten years later the Ghibellines were back. Robert of Anjou finally intervened to end the feud and it was through his mediation that Monaco was permanently returned to the House of Grimaldi and placed under the rule of Lord Charles Grimaldi, son of Rainier I.

Crowding Not a Problem in Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is the most densely populated country in the world and yet has one of the highest standards of living anywhere across the globe. On the other hand, the most sparsely populated country in the world, the Republic of Mongolia, is in pretty poor shape. A new study looks at why no one should be freaking out about over-population and over-crowding. It does not seem to be bar to prosperity. Personally, I would also point out that Monaco is a stable, strong constitutional monarchy whereas Mongolia is a socialist republic still largely controlled by the old communist party. I am certain that plays a part as well.

Busy Days for the Grimaldis

The last few days have been busy for the Sovereign Prince. On February 2 in the courtyard of the Princely Palace, HSH Prince Albert II attended the ceremonious change of leadership of the Monegasque fire brigade. Tony Varo took command of the "sapeurs-pompiers" and said becoming commander was a lifelong dream since he became a cadet at age 12 (Varo is now 44). A faithful Monegasque, upon his elevation he was quoted as saying, "I am proud to serve the Sovereign".

From February 3-5, the Grimaldi Forum hosted an international 3D Market for professionals called "Imagina 2010". HSH Prince Albert II visited, looking over the exhibits, talking to the people involved and trying things out for himself on February 4. The same day the Sovereign Prince also presented a film to the children of the St Charles school about his expedition to Antarctica. He even wore his special suit from the journey and brought some of his gear to show the students. Before departing he left a film about ecology; "Il faudrait qu'on devienne tous écolos (We all have to become ecologists)".

Also on the 4th Prince Albert and big sister Princess Caroline toured a special photograph exhibit, one of the first times the Princess of Hanover has been seen lately on 'Princely Family business'. As expected, she looked like her usual glamorous self, displaying again how Princess Caroline always rises to the occasion in spite of adversity.

Shameless Plug

King Louis XIII of France

King Louis XIII of France occupies a special place in Monegasque history. Louis was born on September 27, 1601 to King Henri IV and Queen Marie de Medici and became King of France and Navarre in 1610. At this time the Principality of Monaco was within the sphere of influence of the Kingdom of Spain. However, the Monegasque monarch, HSH Prince Honore II, was planning to change that situation in the biggest political turnaround in the history of Monaco. His aim was to take Monaco from the Spanish camp to the French camp.

During the reign of King Louis XIII, thanks in large part to his cunning minister Cardinal Richelieu, the star of France was on the rise. This was a momentous time for such a decision as France and Spain were then on opposite sides of the Thirty Years War. Although usually generalized as a war between Catholics and Protestants things were not really that simple and Catholic France joined the Protestant side as a way to advance French power at the expense of their greatest continental rival the Catholic Hapsburgs of Austria.

Louis XIII saw the French nobility brought into line with the Crown, rescinded the privileges of the Protestant Huguenots (though their freedom of religion was maintained), modernized the ports and put France on the road to becoming a major naval power again. He also was a great patron of the arts and expanded French influence in North America. The framework was being laid for the unsurpassed greatness France was to achieve during the future reign of the “Sun King” Louis XIV. Prince Honore II of Monaco had already been going in a very French direction. He redecorated the Princely castle, making it more of the palace we know today, favoring French styles and even wearing his hair in the fashion of Louis XIII.

Everything had to be done in secret and Honore II succeeded so well in this that the Spanish never suspected a thing. On September 14, 1641 King Louis XIII signed the Treaty of Péronne which reestablished formal diplomatic relations between France and Monaco. Louis XIII wrote to Honore II saying, “I assure you that you will discover in me such sincere good will toward you and all your House that you will never come to regret the decision you made known to me”.

King Louis XIII recognized the sovereignty of Monaco and agreed to be the protector of the principality. He promised to send a garrison of 500 French troops which he would pay for but who would answer to the Prince of Monaco who would also be party to all future treaties signed by France. To make up for the estates in Italy the Spanish had granted to the Prince of Monaco Louis XIII promised to pay an annual pension of 75,000 livres from three French fiefdoms; a duchy, a marquisate and a comté. This was the foundation of the special relationship between France and Monaco that has endured, with few interruptions, to this very day.

Once Honore II pulled off his coup and subdued the Spanish garrison in Monaco he hurried to King Louis XIII who granted him several noble titles and decorated him with the Order of the Holy Spirit. As for King Louis XIII, he had some trouble producing an heir to the throne but when that day came he dedicated his kingdom to the Blessed Virgin Mary in thanks for her intercession. He died on May 14, 1643 leaving a stronger kingdom than the one he had inherited and with a foundation for further future greatness that would come during the long reign of his famous son.

The Funeral of Prince Louis II

Happy Birthday Princess Stephanie!

Today HSH Princess Stephanie of Monaco celebrates her 45th birthday. The youngest child of TSH Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, she has had to face a great deal of adversity over the years but has never lost her zest for life and adventurous spirit. Whether working as a model, fashion designer, pop singer or a number of other challenges she has always been ready to try new things and show her creativity. In recent years her primary focus has been her children and her tireless work for Fight AIDS Monaco, a chartiable organization she established. Over the years probably no other member of the Princely Family has caused more tongues to wag and yet she Princess Stephanie is, according to many, the most popular member of the family with the Monegasque people. This is mostly a result of her down-to-earth style and a fun but compassionate and always sympathetic attitude. Mad for Monaco wishes Her Serene Highness a very happy birthday with many, many more to come. Keep smilin' Steph!