Claudine, Lady of Monaco

Claudine was the daughter of Blanche del Carretto and Catalan Grimaldi. She was the only child of her father, and thereby his heir. The succession of Monaco was regulated by her paternal grandfather Jean I, who allowed for female succession provided that a female heir kept her own name Grimaldi after marriage and passed it on to her children, and that her husband should take the name and arms of his wife. Claudine died in 1515 during Lucien's reign. In her will, she stated that her rights to the three provinces of the Lordship of Monaco were to be passed on to her children in accordance with the succession order stated in the will of her father and grandfather, securing female succession on condition that it did not result to a change in dynasty. She also reinstated her granddaughter Marie Grimaldi (daughter of Jean II) in the succession, despite Lucien having forced her to renounce her claims upon her marriage. As Claudine was not regarded as a ruler since 1458, the fact that she could make a will of her rights to the throne, regulating succession, is a curious fact in regards to her legal position. == Issue ==