Honoré II, Prince of Monaco

Prince of Monaco Honoré II reigned from 1604 until 1662. However, he started off as the Lord of Monaco before being given the title Prince in 1612.

Monaco's history has always been marked by the construction of an autonomous route alongside the interaction of powerful competitors. Monaco had to skillfully navigate the enormous rivalry between Spain and France between the reigns of Honoré I in 1523 and Honoré II a little over a century later. The reign of Honoré II may be viewed in many respects as a victory over the turbulent times. In addition to defending Monaco's independence, he also succeeded in gaining the country more official diplomatic recognition by granting it the title of Prince and the authority to produce its own coins in 1640.

Honoré II born on December 24, 1597. He was the child of Maria Landi and Hercule, the Lord of Monaco. When he was 6 years old, his father was killed, and he took over as regent from his uncle, Frederico Landi, the 4th Prince of Val di Taro. Landi, a devoted Spanish supporter, ordered the country's occupation by the Spanish in 1605. As a result, carrying weapons was outlawed in Monaco, and the Prince and his two sisters were sent to Milan. The Council of Monaco made an effort to curtail Spanish dominance, but the occupation persisted until 1614 and there was still significant Spanish influence in the region in 1633 when it accepted Honoré as emperor.

The Spanish hosts were duped by Honoré II into thinking that their policy of restraining power was effective. They were ecstatic to witness him engrossed in a position devoted to cultural activities and entertainment for foreign visitors. While protecting themselves with their manned garrisons on the Rock, the Spaniards maintained strict control over the government. To the dismay of the Monegasque populace, they also limited several of the Governing Council of Monaco's functions. Honoré, meantime, used his role as the Principality's cultural protector to its advantage. Poets, singers, painters, and sculptors began to flock to Monaco. Princely Palace joins Paris and Florence as a significant hub of study and culture in Europe. The caliber of Prince Honoré's art collection, in fact, became a hot subject across Europe.

Prince Honoré II also negotiated the Treaty of Péronne with Cardinal Richelieu of France, who was speaking on behalf of King Louis XIII (1641). This agreement specifically stated that Monaco would become a protectorate of France. But most crucially, the Prince's independence was ensured. To make up for the losses that a break with Spain would inevitably bring, Monaco was also given territory in France. It was anticipated that French troops would be stationed in Monaco and that their officers would report directly to the Prince of Monaco rather than the French State. The preservation of Monegasque independence is also crucial.

Honoré II carried out his plan to remove the Spanish garrison on November 17, 1641. He promptly put those in prison who were thought to support Spanish control. The Spanish army's leaders were then treated to a lavish luncheon that he had planned. Prior to the Spanish garrison surrendering, records show that just five persons were killed and 10 were injured. Once they were legally banished from Monaco, Honoré forfeited his Order of the Golden Fleece honorific title, which was bestowed to him by Spain. All of the Prince's belongings in Spain were seized by the Spaniards as planned.

For the loss of his lands and titles, the French gave Honoré compensation. Honoré II received territories, the title of St-Rémy, and the titles Duke of Valentinois, Count of Carladès, Baron of Buis, and Clavinet from Louis XIII. The French and Monaco royal families are now very close. Therefore, when the British Royal Family requested that a fleet be housed in Monaco in order to remove Cromwell from office, Honoré consulted Cardinal Mazarin of France, who was looking to form an alliance with Cromwell against Spain. On Mazarin's guidance, he skilfully opposed the British Royal Family's plans and maintained Monaco's independence.

Prince Honoré II passed away on January 10, 1662, at the age of 64. His passing was well-deserved and he is remembered for his numerous accomplishments. He removed Monaco from under Spain's dominion. He created a new alliance with the mighty French while preserving Monaco's independence, and he even gave his people tips from Nice monks on cleanliness and hygiene to help them survive a plague that was in remission. Because of his love of nature and the fame he attained, as a result, Louis XIV of Monaco is remembered today for his cultural accomplishments.

In sum, Prince Honoré II:

• was the first ruler of Monaco to be officially granted the title of Prince of Dominion.
• negotiated with France to help Monaco become an independent country under the French protectorate.
• The Treasury of Monaco has released a silver coin featuring Honoré II in honor of the 400th anniversary (1612 - 2012) of the usage of the title "Sovereign Prince". The silver coin has a face value of 10 euros.