Albert’s Triumph

His personal triumph, yes, but also, in a way, the principality strikes back

Recently, Point de Vue did a cover story on the accountant Claude Palmero who is countersuing Sovereign Prince Albert II. The Prince fired Palmero after many years of service, accusing him of embezzlement. Palmero is fighting back in the European courts. The whole scandal is being followed in the press under the tag of Dossiers du Rocher–notebooks of the Rock, leaked by Palmero into the press via two French journalists who are interviewed for that article. In the past week, Paris Match (Issue 3907) did a story under the byline of longtime and steady Grimaldi ally Stéphane Bern. Bern sat down to speak to the Prince about everything that has been going on in his life and in the life of the Principality. Bern begins with fond acknowledgement of Albert’s 66th birthday, Pi Day 2024, when Monegasques gathered in the Place du Palais to wave their red and white flags and sing the national anthem: “We have the honor of always having the same princes and no one can make us change.” As we saw that day in the pictures, the Prince was surrounded by family–wife, Princess Charlène, their children, nine-year-old twins, Jacques and Gabriella, Albert’s sisters, Charlene’s brother Gareth Wittstock, various in-laws, nieces, nephews, etc. Bern used the happy day as a glorious contrast against the negativity that shadows Albert. Albert says that he was betrayed by people he trusted–accountants and lawyers in charge of his finances. He merely waits for justice to be carried out in the courts. “It’s never easy to feel betrayed by trusted people,” he said. “Now we must see it to the end. Justice will prevail.” Albert never once utters Palmero’s name in his interview with Bern. It’s clear that he is very upset about the whole thing. “But we have to move forward,” he says. “This is not the first test I am going through, and there will be others. But you know, this expression that says that annoyances fly in the squadron is quite apt.” Annoyances fly in the squadron. In other words, when it rains, it pours. And pours and pours. This particular annoyance (the notebooks, which, like everything else it seems, have a substack) has taught him much about false faces, and hidden faces, which present themselves before a sovereign. He had observed such things as an onlooker many times (people deceiving his parents, he said for example) in his life, but in this case found himself on the receiving end. “Since I took over the responsibilities of the Principality,” he told Bern, “I have realized that being in the proximity of the Prince changes behavior. You have to know how to adapt, constantly stay on your guard, be more suspicious and keep your clairvoyance.” His choice of that word (clairvoyance) is fascinating. Albert must be a bit of a psychic, perhaps even a mind reader, and think always of how a moment might shape the future. Bern refers to “Monaco Fever,” in others words, the phenomenon of ambitious and corrupted courtiers. In such turmoil, Albert knows he can count on his friends and family. Emmanuel Macron is mentioned. Macron expressed official and yet personal solidarity with him on the occasion of his birthday. It reminds Albert to be grateful for Monaco’s proximity to such an important and longstanding ally as France. He knows he can count on his sisters, Princesses Caroline and Stéphanie, and his nieces and nephews. The article then turns to mention the most important ally, his wife, Princess Charlène. Recovered at last from her own medical difficulties, she is now helping him in his time of need. Everyone in Monaco, he says, is happy to see her out and about more, taking on more commitments. It delights both of them to see their children blossom. They delight in noticing how Princess Gabriella only grows more outgoing. She has a strong streak of independence and is now becoming remarkably ladylike. Albert says that they all perceived Prince Jacques to be more introverted, but he too is growing in assurance and coming out of his shell. Where Gabriella used to be a little bossy with him, Jacques is increasingly confident enough to be her match. “They are very close, very fusional,” their father says fondly. He is teaching them the ropes of public life little by little–not overwhelming them, but giving them a taste of things. They especially love the Feast of Saint Devote (patron saint of Monaco) because “they are still fascinated by fire!”

The Prince and Bern talked about the Centenaire Rainier III, which ran from May 31st, 2023 through the circus festival in January of this year. Several events marked the passing of 100 years since the birth of the Builder Prince. Then the conversation turned to the works that are expanding what Rainier ignited (building projects, making Monaco’s skyline taller) whilst respecting principles of biodiversity, sustainability, and the protection of oceans. The Prince is frustrated that the protection of oceans and the climate are not priorities with everyone, let alone every nation. How can Monaco, a micro state with only 40,000 residents, make a dent in this daunting environment? The Prince says that Monaco’s influence is potentially greater than its diminutive physical size. It shines and has influence far beyond its borders. Its size can also be its strength, he says. Things can be micromanaged effectively in ways that larger units cannot.

Finally, the interview ends on a note of peace and sport. Literally, Peace and Sport, a charitable organization of which Prince Albert is honorary president. With the aid of such organizations, the Prince sees Monaco as a place where dialogues can happen for the benefit of war torn regions. He mentions Ukraine and the Middle East. Finally, the five-time Olympic bobsledder (husband of Olympic swimmer Charlène) is excited about Paris 2024! The Prince mentions that 100 years ago, his grandfather Jack Kelly won his third and final gold medal in double sculls with his cousin Paul Costello. The Prince, in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee, is planning an exhibit of his collection of Olympic torches. They will dedicate a space in the exhibition to Jack Kelly. The Prince feels strongly that sports help recovery, build bridges, and open doors. Bern writes that it’s his mantra to “always look forward, look to the future….From any new crisis, new opportunities are born….” He was talking about the Principality, but it applies at a personal level. It’s an old adage, nevertheless always true, that we emerge stronger, reinforced, from the obstacles that test us.

You can read the article (the cover feature for Issue 3907) at the Paris Match website, the Paris Match app, or the Libraries (Libby) app.