Three main official flags fly in Monaco: the national flag, the state flag and the Prince's banner.
Officially adopted on April 4, 1881 by Prince Charles III and confirmed in article 7 of the 1962 Constitution of Monaco, the flag of Monaco is composed of two horizontal stripes of equal dimensions: one red, one white.
The current design of the national flag dates back to the 19th century, but its colors were chosen as early as the 14th century by the Grimaldi family. They are the colors of the Grimaldi coat of arms, which in turn recall the colors of the coat of arms of the Republic of Genoa, cradle of the Princely Family. (A more romantic interpretation links the flag's red to the blood of Saint Devote, a 4th-century martyr and Saint Patron of the Principality).
The state flag, white with the Principality's coat of arms, flies over the Prince's Palace, government buildings and police stations.
The Principality's coat of arms features a red ermine-lined mantle, topped by the Prince's Crown. On top of this mantle is a shield, fused silver and gules, surrounded by the Collar of the Order of St. Charles and two monks, each armed with a raised sword. The friars stand on a banner bearing the Principality's motto: DEO JUVANTE (with God's help).
The Prince's banner changes with each new prince, and is used only when he is present.