Princess Ghislaine of Monaco: Life at the Princely Court Revealed

Princess Ghislaine of Monaco, the former consort of Prince Louis II, shared her candid insights on life at the Princely Court in a rare interview in 1962. Her experiences, spanning from her marriage in 1946 to her eventual departure from Monaco, offer a unique glimpse into the life of a royal consort, a role that Princess Ghislaine described as often "stuffy and frequently painful"1. In the interview, Princess Ghislaine spoke about the challenges she faced as the Princess Consort of Monaco, including the pressure to maintain a perfect image and the isolation that came with being part of the royal family. Her recollections, which were later published in her memoirs in 1964, provide a fascinating perspective on the life of a royal consort, highlighting the difficulties that Princess Ghislaine faced in balancing her personal desires with her duties as a member of the Monegasque royal family1.

Prince Louis II of Monaco, King Gustav V of Sweden, and Princess Ghislaine of Monaco in 1947. Photo (c) Getty Images / Keystone-France.

In 1946, Ghislaine Marie Françoise Dommanget (1900-1991) married Prince Louis II of Monaco (1870-1949). Before her marriage, Ghislaine was an actress. She had been married once before her union to the grandfather of Prince Rainier. The Dowager Princess of Monaco weighed in on what it was like being the consort of the Monegasque sovereign in an interview she gave in 1962. In 1964, Princess Ghislaine published her memoirs; a move that did not go over well with the princely family. The Dowager Princess of Monaco resided in Paris after the death of Prince Louis. She died there in 1991.

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Following are some of the recollections of Princess Ghislaine on her experience of being the Princess Consort of Monaco:

"I can understand why Princess Grace wants to return to motion-picture work. It's no fun to be the reigning princess of Monaco. Life as I lived it and as Princess Grace must be living it now in the Grimaldi Palace is often stuffy and frequently painful. Most of the time I dreamed of the day when I would leave there. I recall a morning soon after my marriage to Prince Louis when I woke with a high fever. I told my husband that I wouldn't be able to attend a state lunch that had been planned." Louis II's reply was straight to the point: "'Madame, one doesn't become ill here until after lunch.' I can understand what she's going through. A few weeks of movie work would be such a relief from her terrible bondage of rank and position. What a heartbreak to have a contract in your hands and then have to give it up or put it off." 

As we conclude our exploration of Princess Ghislaine of Monaco's life at the Princely Court, it is clear that her experiences offer a unique perspective on the challenges faced by a royal consort. Her candid insights into the pressures and isolation that came with being part of the Monegasque royal family serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in balancing personal desires with the demands of royal duty. Princess Ghislaine's story, though marked by difficulties, also highlights the resilience and adaptability required of those who choose to serve in such roles. It is a testament to her strength that she was able to navigate the challenges she faced and ultimately find a sense of fulfillment in her life.

For those interested in learning more about the lives of royal consorts, Princess Ghislaine's memoirs, published in 1964, provide a fascinating account of her experiences. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the personal struggles that often accompany the public image of royalty. As we reflect on Princess Ghislaine's life, we are reminded of the value of empathy and compassion in our interactions with others, regardless of their station in life. It is our hope that this article has provided a thought-provoking exploration of Princess Ghislaine's life at the Princely Court, and that it will inspire readers to consider the complexities of royal life from a new perspective.