Claude Palmero, the former financial advisor to HSH Prince Albert, was taken into custody on the morning of Wednesday, September 11 following complaints filed by the prince himself, including allegations of defamation and abuse of trust. Palmero, once a key figure in the principality and the trusted manager of the prince’s real estate assets, was questioned by Monaco investigators until 14:00 and released later that day without charges.
This interrogation stems from complaints filed by the royal family a year ago, following Palmero’s abrupt dismissal in June 2023 over alleged misconduct, including abuse of trust, theft of documents, and falsification of invoices. A second investigation has also been initiated regarding statements Palmero made to the press, with allegations of violating professional secrecy and privacy rights.
The Monaco authorities are particularly interested in how the French newspaper Le Monde obtained Palmero’s work journals, which fuelled a series of articles earlier this year. Although Palmero’s detention was lifted, his lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, condemned the spread of “false information” aimed at pressuring the police and damaging her client’s reputation.
Palmero, who managed the royal family’s assets for nearly 20 years under both Prince Rainier III and his successor, Prince Albert II, was a member of a close advisory group known as the “G4.” This group included key figures like the Prince’s lawyer Thierry Lacoste and the Supreme Court President Didier Linotte. However, leaked emails in 2021 led to allegations of collusion and potential conflicts of interest, prompting a series of dismissals and legal battles.
Following these revelations, Prince Albert has made several changes to his inner circle, including appointing new judicial and security chiefs. Meanwhile, a legal standoff continues, with multiple cases underway in Monaco and Paris as the prince’s camp battles Palmero in court.
Featured image captured from france.tv: Claude Palmero
