Albert II, Prince of Monaco

Prince of Monaco since 2005 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Albert II[1][2] OLY[3] (Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi; born 14 March 1958) is the Sovereign Prince of Monaco, reigning since 2005. He is the second child and only son of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco and Grace Kelly.

Quick facts: Albert II, Prince of Monaco, Reign, Predecess...
Albert II
A photo of a balding Prince Albert, 58, smiling
Albert II in 2019
Prince of Monaco
Reign6 April 2005 – present
PredecessorRainier III
Heir apparentJacques
Ministers of state
Born (1958-03-14) 14 March 1958 (age 65)
Prince's Palace of Monaco, Monaco
Spouse
(m. 2011)
Issue
Names
Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi
HouseGrimaldi
FatherRainier III, Prince of Monaco
MotherGrace Kelly
ReligionRoman Catholicism
SignatureSignature of Albert II, Prince of Monaco
Military career
AllegianceFlag_of_Monaco.svg Monaco
Service/branchCoat_of_Arms_of_Carabiniers_du_prince.svg Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince
Years of service1986–2005
(end of active service)
RankCommander-in-chief
Close

Born at the Prince's Palace of Monaco, Albert attended the Lycée Albert Premier before studying political science at Amherst College. In his youth, he competed in bobsleigh during Winter Olympic finals before retiring in 2002. Albert was appointed regent in March 2005 after his father fell ill, and became sovereign prince upon his death a week later. Since his ascension, he has been outspoken in the field of environmentalism and an advocate of ocean conservation,[4] and adoption of renewable energy sources to tackle global climate change,[5][6] and founded The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in 2006, to directly raise funds and initiate action for such causes and greater ecological preservation.

With assets valued at more than $1 billion, Albert owns shares in the Société des Bains de Mer, which operates Monaco's casino and other entertainment properties in the principality.[7][8]

In July 2011, Prince Albert married South African Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock.[9] He has four children, American-born Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, French-born Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste and the twins Princess Gabriella, Countess of Carladès and Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco.