Prince Albert of Monaco’s firstborn son Alexandre Grimaldi is speaking out in a rare interview.
Alexandre — the son of Prince Albert, 65, and Nicole Coste, 51 — spoke to French magazinePoint de Vueahead of his 20th birthday on August 24 about his “benevolent” parents and how he considers himself “lucky.”
Alexandre, who is studying business management at an English university, told the outlet that although he is the son of a monarch, his focus is on his academics. “The commitment which takes precedence in my life today is finishing my university studies,” he said.
He added that he feels he’s arriving at “the age when you make choices. These can be good or bad depending on the background you have and those around you. I think I’m certainly a reasonable person.”
Foc Kan/FilmMagic; Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
Though constitutionally barred from succession to the Monégasque throne, both Alexandre and his half-sister Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, 31, have been involved with family members and encouraged to spend time in Monaco. Both have been increasingly visible at public events.
The college student still lives at home with his mother and two older half-brothers from her past marriage — a situation he said he likes.
“It’s a chance when you study and you don’t have to worry about anything,” he said.
“As a teenager, I thought about it,” he said of modeling. “The idea of being photographed in nice clothes and looking elegant amused me. But COVID happened, and I ended up losing interest.
“I was also a minor,” he added. “My father is a prince and head of state — I personally cannot imagine myself marching on a podium.”
Having agrandmother who modeled— Oscar winner Grace Kelly, the American actress who became Princess Grace with her marriage to Albert’s father Prince Rainier — and cousinswho currently represent fashion houseslike Chanel and Dior, he noted, “On the other hand, if a prestigious brand asks me to be its ambassador and its image suits me, why not?”
Alexandre’s mother, Nicole, toldPoint de Vuethat she has her opinion about his current style.
“I pray every day that he cuts his braids off,” Nicole said with laugh. “This hairstyle pleases him, but I’d prefer to see his hair natural. He’s promised me he’ll take them off soon. I’m waiting.”
Alexandre told the magazine he remains undecided about his future but notes, “My education has taught me to love my neighbor and to help him if necessary.
“Climate and environmental issues preoccupy me like everyone else and any young person in the 21st century. We must preserve nature,” he continued. “The friends of my older brothers who have entrepreneurial parents collaborate with their fathers or with their family, and they are quite happy about it. So I don’t have any concerns about that.”
Nicole Coste and Alexandre Grimaldi in 2021.Foc Kan/FilmMagic
Foc Kan/FilmMagic
Being the “recognized” son of a prince, Alexandre explains, has not been the burden some might imagine. “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. But maybe I’m still too young to discern this. I appreciate my friends very much, and I hope they’ll never disappoint me.”
“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!” Alexandre says. “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.”
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Alexandre says, “One thing is certain: Today, I am a happy man being open and honest with you.”
Prince Albert, Princess Charlene, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques of Monaco in April 2023.Pascal Le Segretain/SC Pool - Corbis/Corbis via Getty
Pascal Le Segretain/SC Pool - Corbis/Corbis via Getty
Sources previously told PEOPLE that Prince Albert’s wife,Princess Charlene,encouraged the Princeto develop closer relationships with his recognized children. Though there were rumors that Charlene wasn’t supportive of Albert’s relationships with his older children, sources close to the royal couple said, on the contrary, “Charlene was really the one that was trying to pull the whole family together.”
Without hesitation, Alexandre says Jazmin Grace “is my big sister, and 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.”
As for Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, Alexandre acknowledges approaching his role with caution. Asked what he shares with the 8-year-old royals, he suggests “tenderness.” He adds with a smile, “Not their toys. That’s for sure given our age difference.”
source: people.com
