Man charged over death of Prince Albert’s cousin

Monaco’s Prosecutor General, Stéphane Thibault, confirmed on Wednesday that a judicial investigation had been opened and the case assigned to an examining magistrate.

The suspect, who has resided in the principality for approximately three decades, denied the allegations and was remanded in custody. He is presumed innocent while proceedings continue.

Investigators established that the man had been in contact with Mr De Massy on Boulevard du Larvotto after reviewing CCTV footage from the area. He was detained on Monday morning for questioning.

During police custody, the suspect rejected the allegations put to him. When subsequently brought before the investigating judge on Wednesday, he declined to respond to any questions.

Mr Thibault indicated that the two charges, involuntary manslaughter and failure to assist a person in danger, relate to what prosecutors believe may have occurred at separate moments. The prosecutor has not disclosed the precise conduct alleged against the suspect, and the circumstances surrounding Mr De Massy’s death remain under investigation.

According to People, Mr De Massy’s family had contacted police after being unable to reach him, triggering a search that ultimately led officers to his body in the park.

Autopsy results indicated that Mr De Massy most likely died as a result of a fall of approximately 13 metres from Boulevard du Larvotto onto ground behind a building, according to the Prosecutor’s Office. His body was found in a park close to the Villa Sauber museum.

Forensic examinations and further enquiries are continuing as investigators work to piece together precisely what happened in the lead-up to the fatal fall.

Mr Thibault told Monaco Life that the inquiry would seek to determine “the precise sequence of events that led to Antoine de Massy’s fall,” though he offered no further detail on what specific actions or omissions the suspect is alleged to have committed.

The investigation remains active, with additional witness interviews and technical analysis expected in the coming days.

Mr De Massy was the grandson of Princess Antoinette, the elder sister of Prince Rainier III, which made him a first cousin once removed of the reigning sovereign.

His father was Baron Christian de Massy, and his mother was Cécile Gelabale.

An enthusiastic tennis player, Mr De Massy had followed in the footsteps of his paternal grandfather, the international tennis player Alexandre-Athenase Noghes, and had harboured ambitions of representing Monaco at the Olympic Games.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène issued a statement on Monday expressing their sorrow.

“Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène were saddened to learn of the death of Antoine de Massy, aged 29, the grandson of Princess Antoinette, the elder sister of Prince Rainier III,” it read.

“Their Highnesses share in the grief of his family and loved ones and offer them their sincere condolences at this painful time.”

GB News has contacted the Directorate of Judicial Services in Monaco for comment.