Why is Prince Albert of Monaco not King Albert?

Question

With the succession to the throne of Monaco, why isn't Prince Albert given the title King? Clearly that isn't the title given because his father was Prince Ranier. So how come they aren't entitled King?

Answer 1

Monaco was originally a lordship.  The King of Spain gave the reigning lord the title "Prince", and the Grimaldi family have used it ever since.  It was originally a larger country, including neighboring towns.  However, Monaco was never large enough to be considered a Kingdom.

Answer 2

Monaco is a principality, not a kingdom.  His Serene Highness is the reigning monarch.  He is accorded all the rights and privileges of a head of state.  Read more about Monaco and what a principality is:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monaco

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principalit...  

Answer 3

Previous answer spot on in that Monaco is a principalty not a Kingdom.

However, must correct the very last line.

"in the British system the head it's the prime minister"

No it's not !

The United Kingdom has a "King" as it's head (or Queen as it is at present). That's why it's a KINGDOM, in keeping with all the rest of the answer ....lol

So close...... dropped it at the last. T

The answer to the Q itself was correct though so a thumbs up from me !

Answer 4

Because Monaco is a principality, not a kingdom. In a principality the head of state is a prince, just as in a kingdom the head of state is a king or queen. In the United Arab Emirates the guy in charge is the Emir, hence the term "emirates". In a republic the head honcho is a president and in the British system it's the Prime Minister.  

Answer 5

Monaco is a PRINCIPALITY,reigned over by a prince regent.The Grimaldi family,who have been seigneurs,and land owners of Monaco for ages(they've been in Monaco since the 1200's) were given the reign through their connections with the French monarchy.

Answer 6

Monaco is a principality and therefore has a Prince, he is differentiated from other princes and princesses of Monaco by the number designation, he is Prince Albert II of Monaco.

There are currently no other Princes of Monaco but both Albert's sister are princesses and his oldest sister, Caroline, is his heir (if she ascends the throne it is likely her eldest three children will become titled as they are currently untitled)