Jerónimo Grimaldi, 1st Duke of Grimaldi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
The Duke of Grimaldi
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Portrait by Francisco Javier Ramos
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| Chief Minister of Spain | |
| In office 9 October 1763 – 19 February 1777 |
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| Monarch | Charles III |
| Preceded by | Ricardo Wall |
| Succeeded by | José Moñino |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Pablo Jerónimo Grimaldi y Pallavicini
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| Nationality | Spanish |
Pablo Jerónimo Grimaldi y Pallavicini, 1st Duke of Grimaldi (born July 6, 1710, in Genoa – died October 1, 1789) was an important Spanish diplomat and politician. He came from a noble family in Genoa. After working as an ambassador for many years, Grimaldi became the Chief Minister of Spain. He held this powerful position from 1763 to 1778. During his time, he helped Spain become strong again after losing the Seven Years' War. King Charles III of Spain gave him the title of Duke of Grimaldi because of his great service to the country.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Pablo Jerónimo Grimaldi was born in Genoa, a city that was once an independent republic. He was the younger son of Francesco Maria Grimaldi, who was a Senator in Genoa. His mother was Maria Giovanna Pallavicini. Pablo's older brother, Raniero Grimaldi, also became a Senator in Genoa. This shows that his family was well-known and involved in politics.
Grimaldi's Political Career
Pablo Grimaldi worked for two Spanish Kings, Ferdinand VI and Charles III. He started his career as a minister plenipotentiary, which is a diplomat with full power to represent his country. He served in Sweden and Parma. Later, he became an ambassador to the Dutch Republic.
Working with France
King Charles III then made Grimaldi the ambassador to Paris, France. Here, he worked closely with the French Secretary of State, Étienne François, duc de Choiseul. Together, they arranged the third Family Compact. This was an agreement between the royal families of France and Spain. This agreement led to Spain joining the war against Britain. Grimaldi also signed the Peace of Paris in 1763, which officially ended the Seven Years' War.
Chief Minister of Spain
In September 1763, Grimaldi was chosen to be Spain's Minister of State. This was a very important job, similar to a prime minister today. He held this position until 1776. Grimaldi was known as a reformer. He was part of a group called golillas, who wanted to make changes to improve Spain.
One big challenge he faced was the 1766 riots. These riots happened because of reforms made by another minister, Leopoldo de Gregorio, Marquis of Esquilache. Grimaldi helped to stop these riots, even though his own house was attacked during the unrest. He was also part of the group that decided to remove the Jesuits from Spain in 1767.
Later Years and Honors
In 1776, Grimaldi was removed from his position as Chief Minister. This happened after some difficulties, especially a failed military expedition to Algiers in 1775. After leaving his top job, he became the ambassador to Rome.
For his many years of service, Grimaldi received several high honors. He was made a grandee of Spain, which is a very high rank of Spanish nobility. In 1765, he received the Order of the Golden Fleece, a prestigious award. On April 8, 1777, King Charles III gave him the title of Duque de Grimaldi (Duke of Grimaldi). His successor as Chief Minister was another reformer named José Moñino, 1st Count of Floridablanca.
See also
In Spanish: Jerónimo Grimaldi para niños
- List of French Ambassadors to Great Britain
