Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince
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| Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince | |
|---|---|
 Badge of the Compagnie des Carabiniers |
|
| Active | 1817- |
| Country | Monaco |
| Type | Foot Guards |
| Role | Close Protection |
| Size | One company |
| Garrison/HQ | Monaco-Ville |
| Commanders | |
| Commander in Chief | HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco |
| Insignia | |
| Plume | Red over White |
The Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince (Prince's Company of Carabiniers) is the main ceremonial unit of the military force of Monaco. Although Monaco's defence is the responsibility of France, it maintains a small force for the protection of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. It was formed by Prince Honoré IV in 1817 for the protection of the Principality. The company numbers approximately 100 officers and men - while the NCOs and soldiers are local, the officers have generally served in the French Army. With the local fire service, the Caribineers form Monaco's total public forces. In addition to their guard duties, the company patrols the Principality's beaches and coastal waters, as well as other duties around the Palace in Monaco-Ville.
The Palace is guarded by two officers and eight carabiniers around the clock. The guard is changed every day at 12 o'clock, announced by the company's section of eight trumpeters.
The military has a band (Fanfare) consisting of 27 musicians; within the main band a small variety orchestra and a brass ensemble (for religious music) have been formed. The military band performs public concerts and also plays at official occasions, sports events and international military music festivals.
An antecedent of the Palace guards was the company known in the 19th century as the "Papalins", former soldiers of the Papal States who, upon the destitution of the Papacy's temporal authority at the time of the Italian Unification, were given a role in the Prince of Monaco's protection. A road in the Fontvieille suburb of Monaco is named after the "Papalins".
- See also: Military of Monaco
