5 Shocking And Inspiring Secrets Of Princess Stéphanie Of Monaco: Her Life In 2025

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Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, the youngest and arguably most rebellious child of Prince Rainier III and the legendary Grace Kelly, continues to captivate the world with her unconventional life. As of late 2025, the Princess has been firmly in the public eye, not only continuing her decades-long humanitarian work but also receiving one of the highest cultural honors in the Principality. She recently addressed speculation about withdrawing from public life, reaffirming her commitment to her causes and her role within the Monégasque royal family. This deep dive explores her latest activities, her incredible career pivots from pop star to fashion designer, and the family she raised that is now carrying her unique legacy forward.

The Princess’s life has been a tapestry of high glamour, personal tragedy, and a fierce independence that has earned her the title of Monaco’s *enfant terrible*. Her journey is a testament to resilience, transforming personal struggles into powerful advocacy, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, a cause close to her heart.

Princess Stéphanie of Monaco: Complete Royal Profile and Biography

Princess Stéphanie Marie Elisabeth Grimaldi is a unique figure in European royalty. Her life has been marked by a relentless pursuit of personal freedom and a deep commitment to philanthropy.

  • Full Name: Stéphanie Marie Elisabeth Grimaldi
  • Born: February 1, 1965, in Monaco-Ville, Monaco
  • Parents: Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and Grace Kelly (Princess Grace)
  • Siblings: Caroline, Princess of Hanover, and Albert II, Prince of Monaco
  • Titles: Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, Countess of Polignac
  • Children: Louis Ducruet (b. 1992), Pauline Ducruet (b. 1994), and Camille Gottlieb (b. 1998)
  • Grandchildren: Victoire Ducruet (b. 2023)
  • Key Roles: President of Fight AIDS Monaco, UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador, President of the Monaco Youth Center.
  • Notable Career Highlights: Fashion design intern at Christian Dior, model, pop singer (international hit "Ouragan/Irresistible").

The Latest Royal Updates: High Honors and Denying Retirement (2024-2025)

Despite a life lived largely in the spotlight, Princess Stéphanie remains incredibly active, with her most recent activities underscoring her importance to the Principality’s cultural and social fabric.

A Commander of Cultural Merit

In a significant and recent event, Princess Stéphanie was honored with the rank of Commander in the Ordre du Mérite Culturel (Order of Cultural Merit). This is the highest distinction of its kind in Monaco, recognizing her decades-long commitment to the nation's cultural life. The honor was presented by her sister, Princess Caroline, and her brother, Prince Albert II, highlighting a moment of family unity and public recognition for her contributions beyond her royal duties.

The Truth About Her Public Life

In a recent interview with *Gala* magazine, Princess Stéphanie directly addressed rumors that she was planning to retire from public life. The Princess firmly denied the speculation, stating, "I never said I was retiring". She reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to her charitable causes, particularly her work with Fight AIDS Monaco and her role as a UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador. This clarification ensures that the Princess will continue to be an active and visible presence in the royal family’s charitable sector well into 2025 and beyond.

Active Philanthropic Engagements

Princess Stéphanie's humanitarian efforts remain her primary focus. She is the founder and president of Fight AIDS Monaco (FAM), a non-profit organization that works tirelessly with people living with HIV. Her commitment was recently celebrated when she received the Global Gift Philanthropist Award for her work. In 2024 and 2025, she has been actively involved in several high-profile events, including the "Yes Women" gala in June 2024 and the Global Gift Gala in October 2025, continuing to raise crucial awareness and funds for public health and social welfare initiatives.

From Pop Star to Circus Life: Her Unconventional Career Path

Princess Stéphanie’s professional life has been anything but traditional for a royal. Her early passion for fashion saw her intern at Christian Dior Couture under Marc Bohan. She then transitioned into a brief but successful career as a model.

The International Pop Sensation

Perhaps her most unexpected pivot was her foray into the music industry. In 1986, Princess Stéphanie released the single "Ouragan" (French for "Hurricane"), which was released in English as "Irresistible". The song became an international smash hit, reportedly selling over 2 million copies worldwide. It soared to No. 1 on the French charts and became a No. 1 hit in Sweden. This success led to a full album, *Besoin*, and several other hit singles, making her the royal with the most hit records globally.

The Controversial Relationships and Circus Chapter

Princess Stéphanie’s personal life has often been scrutinized by the media, earning her a reputation as Monaco’s "rebel princess." Her romantic relationships were unconventional and frequently made headlines, demonstrating a fierce independence from royal protocol.

  • Her most significant relationship was with her former bodyguard, Daniel Ducruet. They had two children, Louis and Pauline, before marrying in 1995. The marriage was short-lived, ending a year later, but it legitimized their children and secured their place in the line of succession.
  • A few years later, in a move that shocked the European royal houses, Princess Stéphanie became romantically involved with an elephant trainer, Franco Knie, and famously ran away to live with the circus for a period. This unconventional phase included living in a caravan and touring with the nomadic circus life, embracing a freedom few royals ever experience.
  • Her second marriage in 2003 was to a Portuguese acrobat, Adans Lopez Peres, whom she met through the circus. This marriage was also brief, dissolving after less than a year.

The Next Generation: Stéphanie's Children and Grandchildren

Princess Stéphanie is a proud mother of three and, more recently, a proud grandmother. Her children, Louis Ducruet, Pauline Ducruet, and Camille Gottlieb, are now carving out their own successful careers, often reflecting their mother's blend of creativity and dedication.

Louis Ducruet: The Sports Professional and New Father

Her eldest son, Louis Ducruet, is deeply involved in the sports management sector, having graduated with a degree in the field. He is often seen at sporting events in the Principality, continuing the Grimaldi family's strong connection to athletics. Louis married his college sweetheart, Marie Chevallier, in 2019. In 2023, the couple welcomed their daughter, Victoire Ducruet, making Princess Stéphanie a first-time grandmother. Victoire’s christening was a significant, recent family event.

Pauline Ducruet: The Sustainable Fashion Designer

Following in her mother's footsteps in the fashion world, Pauline Ducruet launched her own successful gender-neutral and sustainable fashion label, Alter Designs, in 2018. Her brand focuses on upcycling and non-gendered clothing, embracing self-expression and promoting a more ethical future for the industry. Pauline's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability reflect the modern relevance of the Grimaldi grandchildren.

Camille Gottlieb: The Fight Against Drunk Driving

The Princess’s youngest daughter, Camille Gottlieb, is also a prominent figure in Monaco's social scene and a dedicated humanitarian. She has founded her own association, Be Safe Monaco, which campaigns against drunk driving, demonstrating the family's shared commitment to social welfare causes.

Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, now in her sixties, remains one of the most compelling figures in European royalty. Her life, marked by tragedy, scandal, and immense personal growth, has culminated in a powerful legacy of philanthropy. Her recent honors and renewed commitment to her public duties in 2025 prove that the rebel princess has transformed into a respected royal advocate, with her unique spirit living on through her talented and dedicated children.

princess stephanie of monaco
princess stephanie of monaco

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