Monaco · 200 years of Fürstliche Karabinierskompanie

The unit was established by an ordinance of Prince Honoré IV dated 8 December 1817. Its creation took place during a period of political reorganisation: Monaco had been annexed by France during the French Revolution and regained its independence after the end of Napoleonic rule. From 1815, the principality was under the protection of the Kingdom of Sardinia. In this context, an independent armed formation served to safeguard princely rule and the state order.

The present-day Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince is a military unit of Monaco. Its duties include protecting the Prince and his family, guarding the princely residence, and providing ceremonial and protocol services at state ceremonies. The ceremonial changing of the guard in front of the palace is part of the unit’s public image. Responsibility for guarding the palace was transferred to the Carabiniers in 1904 by Prince Albert I; previously, another guard had performed this duty. In addition to their security tasks, members of the company also participate in official and musical events.

The Prince’s Palace (Fürstenpalast) stands on the so-called Rock of Monaco (Felsen von Monaco). In the early 13th century, the Genoese initially built a fortress on this site. At the end of the 13th century, it came into the hands of the Grimaldi family for the first time, which later permanently consolidated its rule in Monaco. Through numerous alterations, the medieval fortification developed into a princely residence. To this day, the palace is the official residence of the head of state and the venue for official receptions and ceremonies.

The anniversary was suitable as a coin issue occasion because the Carabiniers are closely connected with the Monegasque monarchy and its state ceremonies. The combination of a uniformed guardsman and the palace also refers to the protection of the princely house, the military tradition of the small state, and the continuity of its institutions.