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Sovereign Prince of Monaco

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The Sovereign Prince of Monaco is the sovereign monarch and head of state of the Principality of Monaco. All Princes thus far have belonged to the House of Grimaldi; the current Prince is Albert II.

Powers of the Prince

Monaco, along with Liechtenstein is one of only two countries in Europe where the monarch still plays an active role in day-to-day politics.

The Prince exercises his authority in accordance with the Constitution and laws. He represents the Principality in all foreign relations and any revision, either total or partial, of the Constitution, must be jointly agreed to by the Prince and the National Council.

Legislative power is divided between the Prince who initiates the laws, and the National Council which votes on them. Executive power is retained by the Prince. The Minister of State and the Government Council are directly responsible to the Prince for the administration of the Principality.

Judiciary powers also belong to the Prince, the present Constitution states that the Prince has full authority in the courts and tribunals which render justice in his name.

Albert II, also grants amnesty and Monegasque citizenship, and bestows orders, titles and other ranks of distinction (see Awards and decorations of Monaco)

Titles and styles

Like all Monegasque royalty, the Prince is styled His Serene Highness (or, in the case of a ruling Princess, Her Serene Highness). Though they are rarely used, the Prince also bears a great many other hereditary titles, some of which are occasionally bestowed on his relatives or their spouses. Most of these titles have merged with the Crown of Monaco as a result of the Grimaldi family's acquisition of various duchies, counties, baronies, and other fiefs, though they are almost all extinct and carry no administrative power. The current Prince's complete titles and styles are:

His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco (princely title)

See also

 


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