Prince Albert’s son Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste, 19, says it’s ‘insulting’ to be called illegitimate as his parents ‘did not commit adultery’ – and adds he has a ‘great relationship’ with his siblings
Prince Albert’s son Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste has stripped his title of ‘illegitimate’ and revealed he is ‘very close’ with his father and half-siblings.
The university student, who turns 20 this week, gave a comprehensive interview to the French magazine Point de Vue ahead of his birthday, where he described father Prince Albert of Monaco, 65, as “benevolent” and said he considers himself “lucky”.
Alexandre’s mother is Nicole Coste, 52, a former Air France flight attendant from Togo.
Although he is Albert’s eldest son, he is not in the line of succession to the Monégasque throne, as his parents were not married when he was born.
His father acknowledged his paternity as a child, and despite growing out of the limelight, he’s moved more and more into the royal circle in recent years – often spending time with his half-sister Jasmin Grimaldi, 31, whose mother is the American waitress. Tamara Rotolo is. , and his twin siblings Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, eight, whom Albert shares with his wife Princess Charlene.
Prince Albert’s son Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste (pictured) has stripped his title of ‘illegitimate’ and revealed he has a ‘very close’ relationship with his father and half-siblings (pictured with his mother and father)
The university student, who turns 20 this week, gave a telling interview to French magazine Point de Vue ahead of his birthday, in which he described father Prince Albert of Monaco, 65, as “benevolent” and said he considers himself “lucky” . . He is pictured with his half-siblings Jazmin and Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella
Since 2022, at the encouragement of his father, he has started to use the family name Grimaldi (although he also kept his mother’s, with the hyphen Grimaldi-Coste).
‘My father’s name is Grimaldi. It makes sense that I bear his name. My name would be Dochomel if my father had been Mr Dochomel!’ he told the magazine.
“Besides, I never called myself Coste or Coste-Grimaldi. On no ID, on school or on my diplomas. Those who call me that have a malicious attitude.’
He also hit back at being called “illegitimate.”
“When I was born, neither of my parents had another marriage, and they did not commit adultery. Using that word (unlawful) is offensive! I hope no one believes the lies on the internet. A person bears his father’s name if he has been recognized since birth. As a baby I received voluntary recognition from my father. Not from a judge or the press who forced him to do so,” he added.
Since 2022, at the encouragement of his father, he has started using the family name Grimaldi (although he also kept that of his mother, with the hyphen Grimaldi-Coste). Prince Albert is pictured with his wife Charlene and their children Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco and Princess Gabriella
“My mother, whom I love, is my rock, and she’s not jealous of my choice at all. If she never said anything about my last name, it’s to protect our privacy. I was two years old when I was revealed in the press.’
Alexandre, who studies Business Management and English, added that he lives with his mother and two older half-brothers from her previous marriage.
“Jazmin is my big sister, and I love her the way I love my two big brothers on my mother’s side,” added Alexandre.
“We all get along really well, and Jazmin is also very close to one of my two brothers, who shares the same birthday. We have a good relationship, even though we live in distant countries.’
He also joked that he has “tenderness” towards his younger siblings, but “doesn’t share their toys” because of the age difference.
The royal family has been spending time with the Monegasque side of his family and was recently photographed at the wedding of his cousin, Louis Ducruet.
Meanwhile, Princess Stephanie, his aunt, is also his godmother.
And despite his good looks, he said he has no plans to take up modeling, following in the footsteps of his grandmother Grace Kelly.
My father is a prince and head of state. Personally, I can’t imagine marching on stage.’
“On the other hand, if a prestigious brand asks me to be its ambassador and its image suits me, why not?”