Lamberto Grimaldi | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1420 |
| Died | 15 March 1494 |
| Noble family | Grimaldi |
| Spouse(s) | Claudine Grimaldi |
| Father | Nicolas Grimaldi di Antibes |
| Mother | Cesarina Doria d’Oneglia |
Lamberto Grimaldi (c. 1420 – March 1494) was Lord of Monaco from 16 March 1458. He was married to his seventh cousin Claudine Grimaldi in 1465, per the wishes and legal Will and testament of her late brother,[1] Catalan, and their father.[2] Lamberto was of the branch of the Grimaldi family which had settled in Antibes while Claudine was of the more powerful Monaco branch. Grimaldi had one brother, Jean-André, in the church and another brother, Louis, in the military.[2] Grimaldi found much help and support as a ruler from his brothers[2] and, following his feud with the faction headed by Claudine's mother, Pomellina Fregoso, Lambert secured his title and an "oath of fidelity"[1] from the population of Monaco. His marriage to Claudine ensured the continuity of Monaco's rule by a Grimaldi. Claudine was nominally her brother's successor, but all power as Seigneur of Monaco was in her husband's hands and their marriage legitimized the succession for their descendants.[3] The succession was legally secured to the children of Lamberto and Claudine, in order of birth, on August 14, 1483.[2] This new succession act was actually just a confirmation of the decrees drawn up by Claudine's father and brother.[2] If only female offspring would survive, then it was decreed that such female offspring must marry a Grimaldi in order to inherit the throne.[2]
Lamberto assumed the reins of power in Monaco at a difficult time in its often vulnerable history. Lamberto fought to preserve Monaco's independence, and is said to have "handled diplomacy and the sword with equal talent".[4] He also established the Grimaldi motto "With God's help."[5][2] He was religious and studious, according to Bernardy, and had "studied hard" at the University of Pavia.[2]
He and Claudine had at least six children:
After the defeat of Pommeline and her allies, Lambert Grimaldi, as Lord of Monaco, received an oath of fidelity from the population.
Claudia, a granddaughter of John, happened to have no brothers to ensure the succession. Following the succession rule, she therefore married (1465) her cousin Lambert Grimaldi of Antibes, which legitimately kept her dynasty on the throne. A younger son of the Grimaldi branch of Antibes, Lambert became lord of Monaco at a time of deep uncertainty. He was a noteworthy ruler who handled diplomacy and the sword with equal talent. Lambert bravely established the independence of Monaco, receiving widespread admiration to the point where his favorite expression, "Deo juvante" ("With God's help"), became a motto for many Grimaldis. The union proved to be a happy marriage. Politically, however, it was not an easy situation for Lambert, who had immediately to defend Monaco and nearby Menton from the tip of his sword. Taking advantage of the extinction of the first branch of Monaco, intrigues and coup attempts emerged against him. With the help of his brothers of Antibes — who rushed to Monaco's help as often as needed — Lambert repelled all attempts to destabilize or conquer Monaco. Graceful, Monaco always kept its doors open to the Grimaldi of Antibes.
he created an official motto to guide them. And it reflected a modesty flowing from sincere religious beliefs. Over 500 years later Monaco's official motto of the House of Grimaldi is Deo Juvante — «With God's help».