10 countries where royalty still rules

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Life

5. Monaco

Monarchs-Monaco

Monaco is the second-smallest independent country on earth in terms of area. Its ruler, Prince Albert II, is the official head of state, and he holds a significant amount of political power. Albert is a member of the House of Grimaldi, a family that has ruled Monaco, on and off, for centuries. The prince is responsible for introducing new laws, which then have to be approved by the popularly elected National Council. Albert also has power over Monaco's judicial branch. He is the son of movie star Grace Kelly and Monaco's previous prince, Rainier III, whose tax policies made the country a haven for wealthy Europeans.

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