Lambert

Lambert Grimaldi (1420-1494) was named by will as the husband of Claudine, daughter of Catalan, who himself was son of Jean I and Lord of Monaco from 1454 to 1457. Thanks to this union with a cousin from the Antibes branch of the family, the Grimaldi of Monaco recovered, through their legacy, almost all of Menton, which had remained undivided since 1378. All of this was provided for in the stipulations of Jean’s will.

Nevertheless, Catalan’s actions caused a family conflict. His mother, Pomelline Fregoso, who was named legatee, was obliged by Lambert to share authority and leadership. In 1458, Lambert foiled a dark plot, hatched by Pomeline, and secured the loyalty of the inhabitants of the lordships of Monaco, Menton and Roquebrune. Withdrawing to Menton, Pomelline persuaded the inhabitants to revolt in 1466. Lambert exerted his authority, thanks to the intervention of the Duke of Milan, who seized the town for himself in 1468.

Menton was recovered in 1477. Lambert drew closer to Savoy and France for diplomatic reasons. This two-way protection had the effect of freeing Monaco from the influence of Genoa, with the help of God (“Deo juvante”). This maxim, which was introduced by Lambert, henceforth became the motto of the Grimaldi dynasty.