The central shield is "blazoned" (described in the technical language of heraldry), fusily (or lozengy) argent and gules.

The monks supporting the shield in the coat of arms allude to the conquest of Monaco in 1297, when François Grimaldi entered the city with soldiers dressed as monks, with swords hidden under their cassocks.

The collar surrounding the shield represents the Order of St. Charles.

Motto

The Grimaldi motto, Deo Juvante, is Latin for "With God's help".