All Of The Royals In Line For The Throne In Monaco

The third in line for the throne in Monaco is Prince Albert II's older sister, Princess Caroline. Born in January 1957, Princess Caroline may be the eldest of the late Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly's children, but the laws of male succession ensured that the throne would pass to her younger brother instead of her. However, this has not kept Princess Caroline from establishing herself as a significant royal figure. The stunning transformation of Princess Caroline from a young royal to a multilingual philanthropist and fashion icon is one full of glamour, success, and tragedy.

When her mother, Princess Grace, died in a car crash in 1982, Princess Caroline assumed the responsibilities left unfulfilled by her mother's tragic passing. At only 25 years old, Princess Caroline embraced the duties of Monaco's first lady, which included attending events and representing the royal family. In 1983, Princess Caroline married Stefano Casiraghi, an Italian boat racer and businessman. She had three children with Casiraghi before he tragically died in a boating accident in 1990. In 1999, Princess Caroline married Prince Ernst of Hanover, with whom she had her youngest child, Princess Alexandra of Hanover.

During all of this, Princess Caroline carried out her royal duties with ease and only stepped back when her brother Prince Albert II married Princess Charlene in 2011. Though rumors have since hinted at Princess Caroline's disappointment in losing her first lady responsibilities, the senior royal never made an official statement addressing the speculation.