The eldest son of Prince Albert of Monaco, Alexandre Grimaldi, appeared in a rare interview ahead of his 20th birthday, which falls on August 24. He spoke with French outlet, Point de Vue, about his relationship with his father, what his half-royal life is like, and his relationship with his stepmother and half siblings.
Prince Albert had Alexandre with his former girlfriend, Nicole Coste, who he dated from 1997 to 2003. Nicole gave birth to Alexandre in August 2003. This was two years before Prince Albert formally assumed the throne on July 12, 2005.
Over the years, Alexandre has remained out of the spotlight. But recently, he has become more visible at public events. In 2022, he took on using the Grimaldi name publicly, with the blessing of his father.
"My father's name is Grimaldi. It makes sense that I bear his name. I would have been called Dochomel if my father had been Mr. Dochomel!" he explained. "Besides, I never called myself Coste or Coste-Grimaldi. On no ID, at school, or on my diplomas. Those who call me that have a malicious attitude."
More from LittleThings: Princess Charlene Reportedly Made Prince Albert's Biracial Son Sleep In The Employee Wing
Alexandre also said that being called the "illegitimate son" is offensive. "Nor am I 'illegitimate' since when I was born, neither of my parents was in another marriage, and they did not commit adultery. Using that word is insulting!"
"I hope no one believes the lies conveyed on the internet. One bears the name of one’s father when one has been recognized since birth. I had voluntary recognition from my father when I was a baby," he continued. "Not from a judge or the press who have forced him to. My mother, whom I adore, is my rock, and she is not jealous at all of my choice. If she never said anything about my surname, it’s been to protect our privacy. I was 2 years old when I was revealed in the press. One thing is certain: Today, I am a happy man being open and honest with you.”
Prince Albert met Princess Charlene in 2000. They publicly debuted as a couple in 2006, and then later married in 2011.
Alexandre went on to speak about his relationships with his half siblings. He called Jazmin Grace Grimaldi his big sister, adding, "I love her like I love my two big brothers on my mother’s side. We all get along very well, and Jazmin is also very close to one of my two brothers with whom she shares the same birthday. We’ve a good relationship despite the fact that we live in distant countries.”
Alexandre acknowledges his role as an older brother figure in his relationship with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene's children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. He said that he shares "tenderness" with the 8-year-old twins, and added, “Not their toys. That’s for sure given our age difference.”
As far as being the son of a prince, Alexandre claims that he's led a good life so far. “I’ve had some rather happy times, to tell the truth, and I’ve never had the feeling that the way others, my friends in particular, change their views of me and who I am," he said. "But maybe I’m still too young to discern this. I appreciate my friends very much, and I hope they’ll never disappoint me.”
