Maria Caroline Gibert de Lametz (18 July 1793 – 25 November 1879) was a French stage actress who became Princess Consort of Monaco by marriage to Florestan I, Prince of Monaco. She served as the de facto regent of Monaco during her husband's reign (1841–1856).
Early Life
She was born in Coulommiers, France, as the daughter of Charles-Thomas Gibert, a lawyer, and Marie-Françoise Le Gras de Vaubercey. Her parents divorced, and she became the adopted stepdaughter of Antoine Rouyer de Lametz (1762–1836), Chevalier de l'Empire and Knight of the Legion of Honour.
Marriage and Family
Maria Caroline worked as a stage actress, as did her future spouse, Florestan. She married Prince Florestan of Monaco in Commercy on 27 November 1816. The couple had two children:
- Charles III, Prince of Monaco (later sovereign prince)
- Princess Florestine, Duchess of Urach
She was described as a skilful businesswoman who managed the family's economy and successfully handled the fortune her husband inherited from his mother in 1826.
Princess of Monaco and De Facto Regent
Florestan ascended to the throne of Monaco in 1841, but he had never been prepared for the role, having spent his career as an actor. Real power during his reign lay in the hands of his wife, who reportedly possessed great intelligence and social skill. According to historian Gustave Saige, Princess Caroline's intelligence was required to manage state affairs, which her predecessor Honoré V had handled alone without trusting advisors.
She introduced tax reforms to alleviate the difficult economic situation resulting from the Congress of Vienna, which had assigned Monaco as a protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia rather than France. Her involvement in state politics, however, generated negative publicity for Florestan. When their son once reproached her for her de facto regent position, she replied that she ruled simply because she wanted to take responsibility for the welfare of the family.
The couple attempted to meet local demands for greater democracy by offering two constitutions, but these were rejected, particularly by the people of Menton, who received a better offer from King Charles Albert of Sardinia. The Prince and Princess then handed over power to their son Charles. Encouraged by the Revolutions of 1848, the towns of Menton and Roquebrune revolted and declared independence. Florestan was dethroned, arrested, and imprisoned. He was restored to the throne in 1849, but Menton and Roquebrune were lost permanently.
Later Life
After Florestan's death in 1856, her son Charles III assumed full control of the throne, having been well prepared by his mother. Together, they worked to lay the foundation for Monaco as a major resort destination. She died on 25 November 1879 and is interred in the Cathedral of Monaco.
