Biography & Early Wealth Journey

Caroline spent part of her early adulthood as Monaco's de facto first lady following her mother's death in 1982 and has devoted much of her public life to children's welfare, the arts, literature, dance, and cultural preservation.

She serves as president of AMADE Mondiale, the children's charity founded by Grace Kelly, and chairs the Prince Pierre Foundation, which supports literature, music, and contemporary art. She has also played an important role in Monaco's ballet, orchestra, and cultural institutions.

Caroline is the mother of Andrea Casiraghi, Charlotte Casiraghi, Pierre Casiraghi, and Princess Alexandra of Hanover. Her younger brother, Prince Albert II, has ruled Monaco since 2005.

Early Life and Education

Primary Income Streams & Multi-Million Contracts

Caroline Louise Marguerite Grimaldi was born on January 23, 1957, at the Prince's Palace in Monaco. She was the first child of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.

Until the birth of her brother Albert in 1958, Caroline was heir presumptive to the Monegasque throne. Their younger sister, Princess Stéphanie, was born in 1965.

Caroline received a cosmopolitan education befitting Monaco's royal family. She earned her French baccalauréat with honors in 1974 and went on to study philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris, along with psychology and biology.

She also studied ballet, piano, and flute and became fluent in several languages.

Grace Kelly's Death and Public Role

Caroline's life changed dramatically in September 1982 when her mother died following a car accident in the hills above Monaco.

At 25, Caroline assumed many of the social and cultural responsibilities that Grace had previously performed as Monaco's first lady. She became an increasingly important representative of the principality and helped continue her mother's charitable and artistic legacy.

That role continued even after her brother Albert succeeded their father as Prince of Monaco in 2005.

Marriages and Family

Caroline married French banker Philippe Junot in 1978. The couple divorced in 1980, and the Catholic Church later annulled the marriage.

In 1983, she married Italian businessman and offshore powerboat racer Stefano Casiraghi.

They had three children: Andrea in 1984, Charlotte in 1986, and Pierre in 1987.

Stefano was a successful businessman whose interests included construction and real estate. He also became a world champion offshore powerboat racer. In October 1990, he was killed at age 30 while competing in a race off the coast of Monaco.

Caroline was left to raise three young children. Seeking to shield them from the intense press coverage surrounding the tragedy, she moved the family to the French countryside, first to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and later to Fontainebleau.

In 1999, Caroline married Prince Ernst August of Hanover, head of the former royal House of Hanover. Their daughter, Princess Alexandra, was born later that year.

Caroline and Ernst August have lived largely separate lives for many years but have not divorced. Through the marriage, Caroline holds the title Princess of Hanover.

VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images

Royal Duties and Philanthropy

Caroline's most enduring public work has centered on children and the arts.

She serves as president of AMADE Mondiale, or the World Association of Children's Friends, which Princess Grace founded in 1963. The organization works internationally on children's health, education, protection, and development.

Caroline has also chaired the Prince Pierre Foundation since 1988. Founded by Prince Rainier in memory of his father, the organization presents awards in literature, music, and contemporary art and supports intellectual and artistic life in Monaco.

She has been closely involved with Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo and other Monegasque cultural institutions and has spent decades supporting dance, classical music, literature, and the visual arts.

Caroline has also served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, focusing particularly on education and the welfare of women and children.

Cultural Influence

Princess Caroline has long occupied a distinctive place in European royal life.

As the daughter of Grace Kelly, she grew up at the intersection of Hollywood celebrity and European monarchy. During the 1970s and 1980s, she became one of the world's most photographed young royals and was frequently covered for her fashion, social life, and relationships.

Over time, her public identity shifted toward cultural leadership and philanthropy.

Caroline was a longtime friend of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld and became closely associated with Chanel. That relationship helped continue Monaco's longstanding connection with European fashion and haute couture.

Her influence can also be seen in her children. Charlotte has pursued philosophy, publishing, equestrian sport, and fashion; Pierre has taken leadership roles in sailing and family businesses; and Andrea has focused more heavily on private and philanthropic pursuits.

Family Wealth

Caroline's $100 million net worth reflects a combination of inherited Grimaldi family wealth, private investments, property, and other assets accumulated over a lifetime at the center of one of Europe's wealthiest ruling families.

The finances of Monaco's princely family are highly private, and the family's personal wealth is separate from state-owned properties and assets belonging to the principality.

Caroline's children also benefited from wealth on their father's side. Stefano Casiraghi came from a prosperous Italian business family and owned interests in construction, real estate, and other companies before his death.

As adults, Caroline's children have developed financial lives of their own. Pierre became a major owner of businesses associated with his father, while Charlotte has earned significant income through luxury-fashion contracts and other ventures. Andrea's marriage to Tatiana Santo Domingo connected the family to one of Latin America's largest private fortunes.

Despite the glamour surrounding Monaco, Caroline has spent much of her later life maintaining a relatively discreet public presence while continuing her mother's legacy in philanthropy, culture, and the arts.

Princess Caroline Net Worth

Caroline

Charlotte Casiraghi Net Worth

Casiraghi