Monaco’s Princely Family, relatives and friends of Antoine de Massy gathered at Monaco Cathedral on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, to pay their final respects. The young man, who died tragically at the age of just 29, leaves behind a deeply grieving family and memories of a warm-hearted and much-loved individual.
An Emotional Funeral Ceremony on the Rock
Monaco Cathedral hosted the funeral of Antoine de Massy on Wednesday morning. He was the son of Cécile Gelabale and Baron Christian de Massy, a first cousin of Prince Albert II.
The young man, who would have celebrated his 30th birthday at the end of December, died during the night of 24 to 25 October 2026 following a fall of approximately 13 metres near Avenue Princesse Grace.
The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain the subject of a judicial investigation.
On the evening before the funeral, his body had been transferred to the Palatine Chapel at the Prince’s Palace. From there, the funeral procession made its way to the cathedral for the religious ceremony.
The Princely Family United in Grief
Several members of Monaco’s Princely Family attended the funeral alongside Antoine de Massy’s parents and siblings, sharing in their profound sorrow.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, together with Princesses Caroline and Stéphanie, joined relatives and friends in paying their final respects.
A small crocheted stuffed animal had been placed on the coffin, recalling Antoine’s particular affection for dogs. It was a deeply personal and touching gesture chosen by his family to honour his memory.
The cathedral was also filled with friends, acquaintances and prominent figures from Monaco who had come to express their affection and support.
Personal Memories and Moving Tributes
The ceremony began with heartfelt tributes from family members and friends, who shared their memories of Antoine de Massy.
One cousin recalled his smile, which could light up an entire room, and his infectious laughter. A former friend spoke of the precious moments they had shared, memories he would cherish forever.
Their words painted a portrait of a warm, kind-hearted young man who was deeply loved and appreciated by those around him.
Alexandre Grimaldi: “I Love You Now and Forever”
One of the most emotional moments of the funeral came when Alexandre Grimaldi, the son of Prince Albert II, addressed the congregation.
After helping carry the coffin into the cathedral, he delivered a tribute first in English and then in French to the cousin he affectionately regarded as his older brother.
Alexandre recalled shared experiences, including Antoine teaching him how to drive in the car park of the Monte-Carlo Country Club. He also spoke of holidays they had spent together in the Caribbean, describing them as some of the happiest moments of his life.
Visibly overcome with emotion, he concluded his tribute with the words:
“I love you now and forever.”
The deeply personal declaration moved those gathered in the cathedral.
A Message of Love and Hope
During his homily, Vicar General Guillaume Paris spoke of the immense pain caused by the premature loss of a loved one.
Faced with such a tragedy, he reminded mourners that some losses are beyond human understanding and that love endures beyond death.
His words offered a message of comfort and remembrance to Antoine de Massy’s family and friends during their final farewell.
A Final Farewell to the Voice of Ray Charles
The funeral concluded with a particularly personal musical tribute.
Antoine de Massy loved music and admired the American singer Ray Charles. In his memory, the artist’s song The Sun Died was played at the end of the ceremony.
As the funeral procession left the cathedral in wind and rain and made its way towards Monaco Cemetery, the singer’s unmistakable voice accompanied the final moments of an exceptionally moving farewell.
In an atmosphere of quiet reflection, the Principality said goodbye to a young man whose memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.