Prince Albert and rarely-seen son Alexandre Grimaldi, 22, attend tennis tournament separately

On 11 April, at the prestigious Monte Carlo tennis tournament, an unprecedented and, to say the least, somewhat strange situation unfolded. It wasn’t unusual to see Prince Albert at the Country Club enjoying one of the matches played on clay, but it was truly surprising that his son, Alexandre Grimaldi, was also there.

They weren’t seen together at any point, so it’s understood that they arrived separately, and it’s also unknown whether they had any contact while at the venue.

Prince Albert attends Monte Carlo tennis tournament

The only thing known for certain is that the Monegasque sovereign, 68, watched the semifinals of this Masters 1000 from the VIP box, accompanied as usual by his cousin Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, 41, who is also president of the Principality’s tennis federation and the head of the organization of an event that brings together the best players on the ATP circuit each year. 

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The 22-year-old, for his part, first posed for photographers upon his arrival at the venue, and later reportedly watched the match from the stands.

Inside Prince Albert’s family life

It’s worth remembering that Albert II is the father of twins Jacques and Gabriella, 11, from his marriage to Princess Charlene, but he also has two older children from his single days. His eldest daughter, Jazmin Grimaldi, 34, was born in Palm Springs, California, USA, the result of his brief romance with Tamara Rotolo in 1992, although he didn’t acknowledge her until 2006. 

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Alexandre was born in Paris more than a decade later, after the Monegasque head of state’s short-lived relationship with Nicole Coste, a former Togolese flight attendant for Air France. 

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The young man, who has recently become more integrated into the social and public life of the Principality, maintains a very good relationship with his aunt, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, and his cousin, Pauline Ducruet. 

Alexandre Grimaldi’s budding passions

He also shares a passion for fashion with the latter. 

In fact, although he studies business administration in the United Kingdom, he has already been an ambassador for luxury brands in various advertising campaigns. 

Alexandre crosses paths with royal cousin

This time, his presence at the tennis tournament was particularly noteworthy, and he also crossed paths with Charlotte Casiraghi and her boyfriend, the writer Nicolas Mathieu ( who had already visited the sports complex a few days prior).

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Interestingly, both sides knew exactly who they were going to support this afternoon, and that was none other than their compatriot Valentin Vacherot, 27. The Monegasque player, ranked 17th in the world, has shone on clay throughout the competition and was fighting against all odds today to reach the final. Unfortunately for him and for the Princely House, he was thwarted by the best tennis player in the world, none other than the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, 22.

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On the center court, named after Rainier III, the player from Murcia defeated his opponent in two sets, 6-4, 6-4, and this Sunday, he will fight for the title against Italian Jannik Sinner, 24, in the highly anticipated final. 

The star from El Palmar, who was crowned champion last year in Monte Carlo, wants to regain his best form for what lies ahead. Thus, after the disappointment of the recent American tour in Indian Wells and Miami, he now has his sights set on arriving in peak condition for the next Grand Slam, which, after Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome, will begin on 24 May at Roland Garros.