It's not uncommon for the spotlight of the tabloid press to point toward Monaco. Since the days of Grace Kelly, the elegance and mystery surrounding the principality have captured worldwide attention. But now, the figure starting to eclipse the rest doesn't wear a crown, although he does have illustrious surnames: Pierre Casiraghi.
This weekend, the youngest son of Princess Caroline was in the spotlight at the Formula E E-Prix. Not for his passion for motors, known for years, but for the impeccable image he projected during the trophy ceremony. His presence, attire, and attitude once again positioned him as the natural heir to the glamour once embodied by his grandmother Grace Kelly.
However, behind the flash's shine, there is a concern beginning to make noise within the walls of the Prince's Palace. According to sources close to the family, Prince Albert and his wife, Charlene, are reportedly considering with some unease Pierre's growing media role.
His niece Charlotte has also been a regular in the tabloid press. In Pierre's case, the situation is becoming more visible on the institutional level.
The most recent trigger wasn't just his exposure at Formula E. Weeks ago, his absence at the Rose Ball, one of the principality's most iconic events, caused a wave of rumors. The event, organized by his mother Caroline, is a symbol of family unity and commitment to the Principality's public image. Pierre, on the other hand, preferred to focus on his preparation for the Admiral's Cup, an important sailing competition in the United Kingdom.
Although his wife, Beatrice Borromeo, did attend the event alongside Charlotte Casiraghi, the absence of the businessman and sailor was seen by some as a gesture of distancing. In the public's eyes, it might seem minor, but within the royal core, it has raised questions.
Albert of Monaco's Nephew, Increasingly Famous
Pierre, 37, has never occupied the center of the institutional scene. Despite having succession rights, he doesn't hold noble titles nor shows interest in the family's traditional functions.
His life has been more focused on his businesses, sailing, and environmental causes. Many remember his journey with Greta Thunberg in 2019 to cross the Atlantic in an emissions-free vessel.
However, what seems like a life away from palace politics is taking an unexpected turn. Pierre and his wife's popularity is causing a shift in the perception of who represents the spirit of the Grimaldi family today.
From the more conservative circles of the Royal House, some believe this prominence could blur Albert's institutional figure. The monarch has opted in recent years for a more austere image. Additionally, Charlene, who has been at the center of much speculation about her health and public presence, sees how the press shifts focus to other family members.
For now, there are no signs of internal rupture. But in Monaco, everyone is watching closely. Pierre Casiraghi doesn't want a leading role, but his magnetism, inherited from his grandmother, is unintentionally bringing him to the center stage.