4. House of Grimaldi
The current ruling family of Monaco are descendants of one Grimaldo Canella, a Genoese trader who rose to great prominence during his lifetime. His offspring went to became Doges of Genoa, admirals of the French Navy and Princes of Salerno and Monaco. Current Prince is Albert II, a son of Rainier III and Grace Kelly. Prince Albert, following the example of his father, also took a commoner for a wife. Princess Charlene was once an Olympic swimmer from South Africa. She is 20 years Prince’s junior and their marriage raised plenty of eyebrows among European royal families. Prince Albert also competed in the Olympics, as a member of Monaco’s bobsleigh team, although without much success. He is one of the wealthiest royals in the world, with estimated wealth of more than $1 billion to his name. He’s also the only head of state to reach the North Pole while holding the office.
