This was much more than a simple official visit – it was a return to their own roots. On April 9, 2025, Prince Albert II of Monaco, accompanied by his wife Princess Charlene and their twins Jacques and Gabriella, embarked on an emotional journey of discovery through Brittany and Normandy. For the young members of the royal family, it was their first time abroad – and what an experience it was.
The departure took place in Matignon, a small commune in Côtes-d’Armor, deeply linked to the family history of the Goyon de Matignon. There, they were warmly welcomed by Mayor Jean-René Carfantan. To the sound of traditional Breton music, in costumes and with great warmth, a commemorative plaque was unveiled – and it was palpable: these moments touched not only the princely couple but also the inhabitants, who proudly displayed their culture.
What occasion? The 300th anniversary of the death of Jacques III de Goyon de Matignon, father of Jacques I of Monaco – a direct ancestor of Prince Albert II. A page of family history brought back to life.
Then, they went to Plévenon. There stands the impressive Fort La Latte, a medieval fortress perched above the sea. Built in 1350 by Étienne III de Goyon – another ancestor of the Grimaldis. Wind, waves, stone – this setting could not be more emblematic of the interaction between history and nature. For Jacques and Gabriella, it must have been a truly magical experience.
But this journey was not only nostalgic; it was also looking toward the future.
In Moyon-Villages in Normandy, Prince Albert inaugurated the new “Grimaldi Library.” A symbolic gesture that not only emphasizes the connection to the region but also signals a commitment to education and cultural exchange. In Saint-Lô, it then became digital: Monaco’s archives are now accessible via the website of the Manche department archives – a big step for historical research, but also for the interested public.
The next day offered another moving stop: in Percy, a historic bell was blessed, already donated by Honoré III of Monaco in 1751. Between the sacred wine and the market stalls with local products, there was not only food and drink here – it was a celebration of the fact that history continues to live.
And then there was Torigni-les-Villes. A rather quiet moment, but no less significant. In the Saint-Laurent church, where the prince’s ancestors rest, the atmosphere was solemn. There, Albert II spoke at a conference about Jacques III de Matignon – a man who undeniably laid a solid foundation for the princely house.
Why was all this so special?
Because it was not just about the past, but also about the future. The visit of the young twins, the pause at historical sites, the sharing of memories with the French population – all of this sends a strong signal: the history of the Grimaldi family is not over. It continues to be written, from generation to generation, one foot in Monaco and the other deeply rooted in French soil.
And with an open heart – when was the last time a prince was seen at a local market stall in Normandy?
By Andreas M. Brucker