Page 137 - (DK) Complete Flags of the World

Europe

Monaco

Ratio: 4:5 Adopted: April 4, 1881 Usage: National and Civil

The bicolor design Red and white are the
is common on other heraldic colors of the
national flags, for Grimaldi family
example San Marino.
It is often used as
a background for
heraldic livery

Europe
)TALY The Grimaldis, a Genoese family, have ruled
&RANCE
Monaco since the 13th century. Until 1860, the
-/.!#/
principality was considered part of Italy.
The present bicolor design was and consists of a shield supported
adopted in 1881 under Prince by two monks bearing swords.
Charles III. It is identical to the far The device alludes to the legend
younger Indonesian national flag of 1297, in which the Grimaldis
except in its statutory proportions conquered Monaco after entering
which are 4:5, compared to 2:3. the city with soldiers disguised as
The Grimaldi coat of arms, which monks. Earlier Monegasque flags
appears on the state flag, is the incorporated the Grimaldi shield
traditional one of the princely family and crown on a white field.

ARMS OF GRIMALDIS A princely crown

The Grimaldi motto—
The collar of the
Deo Juvante
(“With God’s Help”) Order of St. Charles
surrounds a shield of
red and white (or silver)

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