“There are difficult times”. Albert II of Monaco’s sincere confidence in the Paris game.

He just celebrated his 66th birthday^e birthday. The opportunity to report in the context of an exclusive interview for Albert II is a given Paris game , Wednesday, March 20. From his wife’s support to the fallout from the Claude Palmero case, the prince spoke to Stephane Bern about the latest controversies targeting the Monaco palace. Among them are findings from the notebook of Albert II’s former estate manager Claude Palmero, which was cited during the investigation; world signed by Gerard Davet and Fabrice Lohm.

“Justice will decide”

Since his dismissal in June 2023, the former accountant has been accused in particular of corruption and illegal embezzlement, which he categorically denies. During his decades at the palace in Monaco, he kept five notebooks of scathing content which world. These contain the smallest details of his actions, but also Albert II’s responses to his requests. They also reveal feuds between some of the Grimaldis, alleged excessive spending by Monaco princesses and the alleged existence of secret payments to illegitimate children and the prince’s ex-mistress.

A controversy to which Albert II responded Paris game. “These are tough times,” he explained. You know, it’s never easy to feel betrayed by people you trusted in the beginning, and who, when you look a little more closely, you realize that the job wasn’t done well and in some opaque way, with complex editing…” Before adding: “It leaves a very unpleasant impression, which is reinforced by these unnecessary media coverage. When someone does not accept that he is asked to retire quietly, and this person, frustrated, comes to threaten you in your office, it is very unpleasant in human terms and, first of all, it makes no sense. Now we have to see the process to the end, justice will decide.”

“Accumulation of small problems”

The prince, however, confirmed that over the years he had “acquired a certain shell” and expressed a desire to “move on”. “This is not the first ordeal I have gone through and there will be others,” he said. But you know, this saying that annoying people fly in squadrons is pretty accurate. The accumulation of small problems here, in the House, in the government or more personally, adds to this problem. And the prince continues. “And this multitude of difficulties certainly complicates everything, but at the same time it makes me stronger. We never stop learning.”

This saying that annoying people fly in squadrons is quite accurate.

Albert II

Albert II was also surprised to “see the behavior and reaction of some”, while refusing to name Claude Palmero. “Revealing hidden sides is both exciting and disturbing, especially when it comes to people we think we know well who reveal themselves in a less than flattering light,” she laments. I had already been able to observe this phenomenon throughout my life, even if it was mostly with my parents.” Circumstances which would cause some caution in His Majesty.

“Princess is fine”

“Since assuming the responsibilities of power, I have noticed that being close to the prince changes behavior,” he said. You have to know how to adapt, stay alert, be more suspicious and keep your clairvoyance.” Albert of Monaco, however, enjoyed the valuable support of those around him during this ordeal. “Fortunately, my whole family is present around me and surrounds me with their warmth, the immediate family but also the extended Monegasque family,” he enthused. We are all one family, united and supportive. It helped me a lot during this time.”

His wife, Charlene, in particular, would have sympathized with him. “The princess is fine now, but she was also very affected by me and upset by some of the things that appeared in the media,” he assured. We supported each other. True, he has resumed many activities, more public engagements, and everyone is happy about it. He also wants to be more involved.”

Father of twins

Albert II also spoke about his relationship with his children, Jacques and Gabriella of Monaco. “The twins will be 10 at the end of the year, and I see how much each one’s temperament changes or asserts itself,” she said. Gabriella is rather a continuation of what she used to show when she was younger. She is a little lady who has her own personality and is quite free to express herself.” As for Jacques, “he’s been gaining confidence for some time now,” confided the prince. “He’s kind to his sister, but he doesn’t let his sister control him anymore,” she said. He knows how to hold her back and say no. Very nice to see. They are very close, very close.”

Have Jacques and Gabriella of Monaco assessed their future commitments? “Both of them have understood what a special role they will play and their obligations, even if I don’t insist too much on the subject so as not to traumatize them,” the prince said. Some obligations do not amuse them much, but they like to participate in the festival of Saint-Devot, the patron saint of Monaco, during which a boat is lit. Probably because they are still fascinated by fire. They also begin to appreciate sports or charity events. And I try to make them understand that it’s not always so fun.”

“There are hard times”

Asked about his role as sovereign, Albert II admitted he was a little disappointed. “If I told you that I enjoyed my role as sovereign 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, I wouldn’t be being honest with myself,” he admitted. There are difficult moments and other extraordinary, tense moments, moments of joy and sharing, interesting encounters with interesting personalities and moments of great satisfaction when we manage to initiate projects and new ideas. Sharing your visions with everyone is the hardest part. (…) Sometimes it’s disappointing to realize that it’s not always a priority for everyone,” he added. »

Albert II finally expressed his desire to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris. “The history of my family and my relationship with Princess Charlene is obviously connected to the Games,” he concluded. I will be there for those from Paris, and with the princess we will cheer on the athletes of the Principality and watch the swimming and athletics competitions. The prince’s mantra, his 20^e reign year? “We always come out stronger from the challenges we go through.”