Charles III, Prince of Monaco Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Charles III

Prince of Monaco

Reign

20 June 1856 – 10 September 1889

Predecessor

Florestan I

Successor

Albert I

Born

8 December 1818
Paris, France

Died

10 September 1889 (aged 70)
Château de Marchais

Burial

Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Monaco-Ville, Monaco

Spouse

Antoinette de Mérode

Issue

Albert I, Prince of Monaco

Full name
Charles Honoré Grimaldi

House

Grimaldi

Father

Florestan, Prince of Monaco

Mother

Maria Caroline Gibert de Lametz

Charles III (born Charles Honoré Grimaldi; 8 December 1818 – 10 September 1889) was the Prince of Monaco. He ruled from 20 June 1856 until his death. He is best known for creating the famous casino in Monte Carlo. The name Monte Carlo means "Mount Charles" in Italian. Charles was born in Paris, France. He was the only son of Florestan, Prince of Monaco, and Maria Caroline Gibert de Lametz.

Becoming Prince and His Rule
- Creating Monte Carlo
- Growing Monaco's Connections
Honors and Legacy
Later Life and Death
Coin Commemoration
In Books
Images for kids
See also

Becoming Prince and His Rule

Royal Monogram of Prince Charles III of Monaco

Charles married Countess Antoinette de Mérode-Westerloo on 28 September 1846. This happened while he was still the "Hereditary Prince," meaning he was next in line to become ruler.

He became Prince of Monaco in 1856. He took over after his father, Prince Florestan I, passed away.

During his rule, two towns, Menton and Roquebrune, became part of France. These towns made up about 80% of Monaco's land. There had been many problems and fights in these towns. Giving them to France helped Monaco get official recognition of its independence.

Creating Monte Carlo

Monaco needed money. So, Prince Charles and his mother, Princess Caroline, had a big idea. They decided to build a casino.

The Monte Carlo Casino was designed just as the Prince wanted. It was built in a place called Les Spélugues. The area was later named Monte Carlo, which means "Mount Charles," after him.

Charles also started a company to run the casino. This company is still very important in Monaco today. It is called the Société des bains de mer de Monaco.

Growing Monaco's Connections

Under Charles III, Monaco became more involved with other countries. For example, in 1864, he signed a special agreement with the leader of Tunis. This agreement helped with trade and shipping between Monaco and Tunis.

Honors and Legacy

The famous city of Monte Carlo is named after Prince Charles III. It means "Mount Charles" in Italian.

He also created a special award called the Order of Saint-Charles. This award was started on 15 March 1858.

Later Life and Death

As Charles got older, his eyesight became very weak. By the last ten years of his life, he was almost completely blind. He had started losing his sight as early as 1860.

Prince Charles III died on 10 September 1889. He passed away at his home, the Château de Marchais. His son, Albert I of Monaco, became the next Prince.

Coin Commemoration

On 1 June 2016, Monaco released a special 2 euro coin. This coin celebrated the 150th anniversary of Monte Carlo's founding by Charles III.

In Books

Charles III is mentioned in a fictional book called The Fall of Prince Florestan of Monaco. This book was written by a British politician named Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke. The story is a funny look at politics. It imagines a new prince, "Florestan II," who tries to make Monaco more democratic.