The Grimaldi Family came from Italy towards the end of the 13th Century and seized Monaco by dressing up as Franciscan monks. Hence the Supporters carrying Swords.
The Shield is a very simple diamond design described as Fusily which is a pattern of slim Lozenges in the national colours of white and red. As it is an equal pattern across the Shield, the first colour in the top left-hand corner is mentioned first. It may look like red diamonds on white, but the first colour is white.
There are then the usual Continental Crown and Pavilion along with the Chain of the Order of Saint Charles and the Motto Deo Juvante, which means With God's Help.
Again, as with much of Continental European Heraldry, there appears to be no differencing or cadency. This means that, should Coats of Arms be required, the same Shield is used by the whole family. This is the case with HRH The Princess of Hanover, Princess Caroline, who has previously twice served as Hereditary Princess or Heiress Presumptive. It will be interesting to note in the years to come what heraldry will be assigned to HSH Prince Albert II's children, namely Hereditary Prince/Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. The question actually is whether people use Coats of Arms nowadays. Many modern Royals use monograms instead. |