Monaco Mourns Antoine de Massy as Funeral Arrangements Are Announced
The 29-year-old royal relative's father speaks out as investigations continue into the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.
The principality of Monaco is preparing to bid a final farewell to Antoine de Massy, a 29-year-old relative of the royal family who was found dead on October 25, 2026. His father, Baron Christian de Massy, announced that the funeral services will take place on the morning of Wednesday, November 4, at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée. A private wake is scheduled for the preceding Tuesday evening at the chapel of the Prince's Palace, reserved exclusively for the young man's closest circle.
Antoine de Massy was discovered dead in a park within the principality under circumstances that remain under investigation. Reports indicate he fell approximately 13 meters into a garden located near the Larvotto Promenade. His family raised the alarm and contacted local law enforcement after he failed to show up for a planned family meal. Prosecutor Stéphane Thibault confirmed that authorities are keeping all hypotheses open, including the possibility of an accident.
Following the discovery, a man was arrested and initially charged with manslaughter. According to local media reports, the individual was seen leaving the Sass' Café club with Antoine during the early morning hours. The suspect was later placed in pre-trial detention after declining to answer questions. However, authorities have emphasized that the legal status of the individual remains under review, noting he could ultimately be classified merely as a witness as the investigation proceeds.
In a recent interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Baron Christian de Massy broke his silence regarding the tragedy. Describing his son as a boy with a large heart who was his entire life, the 77-year-old father asserted that the death was suspicious. "It was absolutely not an accident, nor was it a suicide, nothing of the kind, but I cannot talk about it now because the investigation is still ongoing," he stated.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene expressed profound sorrow upon learning of the young man's passing. In an official statement released by the palace, the royal couple shared their condolences, stating that they were deeply saddened by the news. They noted that as a passionate tennis player, Antoine was part of a family history closely intertwined with sports in the principality, and they extended their heartfelt sympathy to the grieving family.
Antoine de Massy was the son of Baron Christian de Massy and Cécile Gelabale. Through his grandmother, Princess Antoinette—the older sister of Prince Rainier III—he was a cousin of Prince Albert II. Having spent a significant portion of his youth in Miami with his father to pursue a promising tennis career, which was later cut short by a wrist injury, he went on to study international relations and affairs at Florida International University before working as a technology entrepreneur.
As the investigation and autopsy continue, mourners from near and far are expected to gather in Monaco to pay their respects. Baron Christian noted that several friends from Miami, alongside Argentine tennis coach Leandro Gubler—who helped guide Antoine's athletic career—are traveling to the principality to attend the upcoming services and honor his memory.