Hello Monaco magazine Winter 2018 - issue HM02 | Page 92

dynasty T ENG hanks to their status, the family became known as Grimaldi, bringing forth the legendar y Francesco Grimaldi. He earned the nickname «The Sly» after deceivingly conquering the fortress, the mainstay of the Monaco princely family. Sadly, Francesco turned out to be childless. After his death, his first cousin, and step-son, Rainier I, became the first ruler of Monaco. This is where we continue the story... Not many people today know what a legendary character Rainier I of Monaco used to be. He brought glory to the Grimaldi family thanks to his courageous sea and land campaigns. During the Fifth Crusade, Rainier I was the commander of the fleet that brought the Ki