Albert of Monaco has a special relationship with scandals. Over the years, he has accumulated many of them, in different aspects. Lately, there has been a lot of discussion about the robustness ongoing dispute with what was actually his right arm for 20 years, Claude Palmero. Here’s what really happened between the two.
Who is Claude Palmero?
Those who are familiar with the figure of Albert of Monaco cannot fail to know who Claude Palmero is. He is 68 years old and has been working in the field for more than two decades royal family finances. From property management to that of the main building, to the different types of investments recommended, initiated and administered. A family tradition one could say, since his father André had done the same for Prince Rainier III of Monaco, 20 years before him.
A lasting working relationship from 2001 to 2023the year he was fired by Prince Albert. At the root of it all was the fact that he was targeted by a mysterious anti-corruption website. Within months the scandal had become huge, with the publication of the “secret notebooks» by Palmero. The French newspaper The World revealed the contents to the world, highlighting the description of the Royal family’s reckless spendingIn this sense, the focus is primarily on Princess Charlene.
A very complex story, also considering the recent arrest of the financial advisor, who was later released without charge. Police questioned him about the fact that lawsuit filed by Prince Albert against him. This led to an investigation for “breach of confidentiality, invasion of privacy and receiving the proceeds of two crimes.”
A trial against the royal family
Claude Palmero is more than ever concerned with restoring his honor. There is no more room for him in the palaceespecially since he had made it clear that he wanted his job, which was his whole life. However, the situation has degenerated too much to hope for a full recovery.
In fact, he did. file a complaint against the royal family. He is accused of abuse of weakness, attempted extortion and theft. He also contested his dismissal. However, he claimed to be facing an unfair system. In fact, he turned to the European Court of Human Rights, after the Supreme Court of Monaco. Indeed, according to him, it would not be possible to obtain a fair trial within the principality. The case is still ongoing But Prince Albert has denied all the accusations against him.
The expenses of Albert of Monaco and Charlene
As mentioned, they were published some pages from Palmero’s secret notebookswho denies having disseminated its contents. Two newspapers gave space to the information, detailing the Crown’s expenses.
Alberto spent millions of euros every year on a secret French bank account. The goal? Paying your ex-loverswho gave birth to illegitimate children: Jazmine Grimaldi (31 years old) and Alexandre Coste Grimaldi (20 years old) would each receive 410,000 euros per year.
The World claims that Jazmin, daughter of real estate agent Tamara Rotolo, would receive 87,000 euros every three months. As a gift for his 18th birthday, he would receive 5,000 euros and an apartment in New York worth 3 million euros 7 years later.
However, the rumors do not stop there. The palace is also said to be paying kidnapping and ransom insurance to protect Alexandre, the twenty-year-old he had with former hostess Nicole Coste. In 2015, Coste convinced the prince to invest in his boutique in Knightsbridge, London. An activity that is said to cost nearly a million euros per year.
While waiting for the Princess Charlene would receive 1.4 million euros per year as compensation. However, this sum was not enough to cover his expenses.