Ex-manager of Monaco's Prince hopes to sue for defamation in 2027

Claude Palmero, the former administrator of Prince Albert II of Monaco's vast fortune, expressed optimism about his defamation lawsuit against the sovereign proceeding to trial in France in 2027. Palmero, alongside his lawyer and former close friend of the Prince, Thierry Lacoste, held a press conference to counter accusations of corruption and influence peddling that led to his dismissal in 2023.

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This is nothing more than the normal application of general jurisprudence, both from the European Court of Human Rights and what we find in France. Therefore, in the statements he made to Le Point, he spoke in a private capacity by uttering ignominious comments towards me. He will have to answer for it.

The scandal, dubbed 'Dossier du Rocher,' involved anonymous online leaks alleging corruption against Palmero and other members of the Prince's inner circle. Palmero, who managed the Grimaldi family's private and public assets for two decades, believes his defamation complaint is admissible in French courts because the Prince's alleged comments were made in a private capacity, not as head of state exercising governmental prerogatives. This distinction, he argues, means sovereign immunity should not apply.

Palmero is referencing remarks Prince Albert II made in a 2024 interview with the French weekly Le Point. In the interview, the Prince accused Palmero of conducting his work "under the most absolute opacity, behind which were hidden conflicts of interest, abuse of trust, and document forgery." Palmero vehemently denies these accusations and stated that the Prince will have to account for his claims before a French tribunal, which he anticipates will be less accommodating than Monaco's courts.

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We will see if he is capable of proving what he claims. And we will see it before a French court that will probably be less permeable than the Monegasque courts.

While Palmero cannot provide a specific trial date, he remains hopeful for a 2027 hearing, acknowledging that the Prince is likely to employ delaying tactics. Palmero, a Monegasque national, is able to bring his case in France due to the scandal's extensive coverage by French media. Concurrently, Palmero faces his own legal challenges in Monaco, with the Grimaldi family having filed lawsuits against him for alleged breach of trust and misappropriation of funds.

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We know very well that the Prince will gain time and will multiply dilatory actions.