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Princess Caroline of Monaco

Princess Caroline of Monaco is the eldest child of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and actress Grace Kelly.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Princess Caroline of Monaco is the eldest child of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and actress Grace Kelly. Born Caroline Louise Marguerite Grimaldi in 1957, she is a member of the House of Grimaldi and, by marriage, Princess of Hanover.

Early life

Caroline Louise Marguerite Grimaldi was born on 23 January 1957 at the Prince's Palace in Monaco. She is the first of three children born to Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly.

Marriages and family

Princess Caroline has been married three times. Her children include three from her second marriage to Stefano Casiraghi and one daughter, Alexandra, from her marriage to Prince Ernst August of Hanover.

Role in Monaco

After Grace Kelly’s death in 1982, Caroline took on a more visible ceremonial role in Monaco. Sources describe her as performing duties linked to the principality’s public and charitable life.

Titles and succession

She became Princess of Hanover through her 1999 marriage and was at times heir presumptive to Monaco’s throne under the principality’s succession rules. Her position in the line of succession changed after the birth of Prince Albert’s children in 2014.

Key facts

  • She is the eldest child of Monaco’s former ruler Prince Rainier III and former actress Grace Kelly.
  • She was heir presumptive to the Monegasque throne before the birth of her brother Albert in 1958, and again from Albert’s accession in 2005 until his children were born in 2014.
  • She married three times: Philippe Junot, Stefano Casiraghi, and Prince Ernst August of Hanover.
  • She has four children: Andrea, Charlotte, Pierre, and Alexandra.
  • She has been associated with philanthropic and ceremonial roles in Monaco, including work linked to the Red Cross and the Princess Grace Foundation.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Princess Caroline of Monaco?
She is the eldest child of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly, and a member of Monaco’s princely family.
When was Princess Caroline of Monaco born?
She was born on 23 January 1957 in Monaco.
How many children does she have?
She has four children: Andrea, Charlotte, Pierre, and Alexandra.
Who is Princess Caroline married to?
She has been married to Prince Ernst August of Hanover since 1999.
Was she ever heir to Monaco?
Yes. She was heir presumptive from her birth until 1958, and again from 2005 until 2014.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Caroline_of_Monaco
    Supports: Birth name, date of birth, parents, siblings, title, and succession status.
  2. Who2 — https://www.who2.com/bio/princess-caroline-of-monaco/
    Supports: Marriages, children, and public role after Grace Kelly’s death.
  3. HELLO! — https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2014012316662/princess-caroline-monaco-birthday-facts/
    Supports: Education, family background, children, and charitable role.
  4. HOLA! — https://www.hola.com/us/royals/20250123809354/who-is-princess-caroline-prince-albert-monaco-sister/
    Supports: Birth details, siblings, languages, education, marriages, and role in Monaco.