The Prince’s Palace of Monaco has officially announced the death of Antoine de Massy, a 29-year-old member of the principality’s extended royal family. Antoine, who was a first cousin once removed of the reigning sovereign, Prince Albert II, was found in a public garden on Sunday following an urgent search by local authorities.
In a formal statement, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène expressed their profound grief, stating they “learned with sadness of the death of Antoine de Massy” and offered their “sincere condolences” to the family during this difficult period.
The circumstances surrounding the discovery began on Sunday afternoon when relatives grew concerned after Antoine failed to appear for a scheduled family lunch. A relative contacted Monaco’s Public Security department to report his absence, sparking a search. Hours later, his body was located in a garden situated behind Villa Sauber, a prominent cultural landmark and one of the last remaining Belle Époque-style villas in the principality.
An investigation into the death is currently being overseen by Monaco’s prosecutor general to determine the exact cause. While official findings have not yet been released, authorities have already taken investigative steps, including a comprehensive review of security camera footage from the area surrounding Villa Sauber. This review led to the identification and subsequent arrest of an individual who remained in custody as of Monday evening. Officials have not specified whether the individual is considered a suspect or is being held as a witness to help establish a timeline of the young royal’s final hours.
Antoine de Massy occupied a unique place within the House of Grimaldi. He was the grandson of the late Princess Antoinette, the elder sister of the late Prince Rainier III. His family has been deeply entwined with the history and sporting life of the principality for generations.
A dedicated athlete, Antoine was particularly known for his lifelong passion for tennis, a sport he began playing at the age of three under the tutelage of his father. He eventually moved to Florida to pursue high-level training while completing his education, frequently expressing his desire to represent Monaco on the Olympic stage. In a 2012 interview, he shared his ambitious goals for the sport, noting his dream of reaching the top of the world rankings and his determination to succeed in the professional circuit.
The de Massy family remains a cornerstone of Monaco’s tennis infrastructure. Antoine’s aunt, Elizabeth-Ann de Massy, presided over the Monte-Carlo Country Club and the Monegasque Tennis Federation until her death in 2020. That leadership role is now held by her daughter, Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, who also oversees the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
As the investigation continues, the principality remains in a period of mourning for a young man the Palace described as being deeply linked to the family’s historical commitment to Monegasque sport.
