It was not just an official visit: it was a journey back to their own roots. On April 9, 2025, Prince Albert II of Monaco, together with his wife Princess Charlene and the twins Jacques and Gabriella, embarked on an emotional tour of Brittany and Normandy. For the young members of the royalty, it was their first time abroad, and what an experience it was.
The journey began in Matignon, a small town 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. Accompanied by traditional Breton music, typical costumes, and much cordiality, a commemorative plaque was unveiled – and you could feel it: these moments moved not only the princely couple but also the residents who proudly displayed their culture.
The reason? The 300th anniversary of the death of Jacques III de Goyon de Matignon, the father of Jacques I of Monaco – a direct ancestor of Prince Albert II. A piece of family history that came to life.
Afterwards, they went to Plévenon. There stands the impressive Fort La Latte, a medieval stronghold perched above the sea. Built in 1350 by Étienne III de Goyon – yet another ancestor of the Grimaldi. Wind, waves, stone – this setting could not have been more symbolic for the interaction between history and nature. For Jacques and Gabriella, it must have been a true fairy tale adventure.
But the journey was not only nostalgic, but also forward-looking.
In Moyon-Villages in Normandy, Prince Albert inaugurated the new „Bibliothèque Grimaldi“. A symbolic event that not only emphasizes the connection with the region but also represents a commitment to education and cultural exchange. In Saint-Lô it went 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 brought another emotional moment: in Percy a historic clock was blessed, which was donated back in 1751 by Honoré III of Monaco. Between mass wine and market stalls with local products, here not only was there eating and drinking, but a celebration that history lives on.
And then there was Torigni-les-Villes. A quieter moment, but no less significant. In the church of Saint-Laurent, where the prince’s ancestors are buried, it was a reserved moment. Here Albert II spoke during a conference about Jacques III de Matignon, a man who undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for the princely house.
Why was all of this so special?
Because it was not only about the past, but also about the future. The visit of the young twins, the reflection in historic places, sharing memories with the French population – all of this sends a very strong signal: the history of the Grimaldis is not closed. It continues to be written, from generation to generation, with one foot in Monaco and the other deeply rooted in French soil.
And hand on heart – when was the last time a prince was seen at a local market stall in Normandy?
By Andreas M. Brucker