Albert I, Prince of Monaco

Albert I (November 13, 1848 – June 26, 1922) was the reigning Prince of Monaco from September 10, 1889 – June 26, 1922).

Early life

Born Albert Honoré Charles Grimaldi on November 13, 1848 in Paris, France, the son of Prince Charles III (1818-1889), and Countess Antoinette Ghislaine de Merode-Westerloo (1828-1864).

Related Topics:
November 13 - 1848 - Paris, France - Prince Charles III - Antoinette Ghislaine

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As a young man, Prince Albert served in the Spanish navy, but during the Franco-Prussian War he joined the French Navy where he was awarded the Legion of Honor. He was only 22 years old when he began to develop an interest in the then relatively new science of oceanography. After several years of study, Albert showed his ingenuity by devising a number of techniques and instruments used for measurement and exploration (http://www.bookmine.org). Accompanied by some of the world's leading marine scientists, he recorded numerous oceanographic studies, maps and charts. He then founded what would become the world renowned "Oceanographic Institute" in Monaco that included an aquarium, a museum, and a library plus research facilities in Paris.

Related Topics:
Spanish - Franco-Prussian War - French Navy - Legion of Honor - Oceanography

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In addition to his interest in oceanographic studies, Albert had an keen interest in the origins of man and in Paris, he founded the "Institute for Human Paleontology" that was responsible for a number of archeological digs. Albert's intellectual achievements gained him worldwide recognition and in 1909, the "British Academy of Science" made him a member. In 1920, the "American Academy of Science" awarded Prince Albert its gold medal for his achievements.

Related Topics:
1909 - 1920

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Despite his heroic military service, the Prince became a pacifist, establishing the "International Institute of Peace" in Monaco as a place to develop a peaceful settlement to conflict through arbitration. In the tension filled times leading up to World War I, Prince Albert made numerous attempts to dissuade Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II from war. When war came, Monaco declared its neutrality but in fact provided the Allied forces with hospitals, convalescent centers, and soldiers, including Prince Albert's own son, Louis II.

Related Topics:
World War I - Kaiser Wilhelm II - Louis II

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