Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Monaco in turmoil

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February 23, 1930 

 Prince Pierre of Monaco got into his automobile today for a drive to Paris. But before leaving Monte Carlo, the New York Times reported that the Prince filed for divorce against his wife, Princess Charlotte, the daughter of Prince Louis II. Princess Charlotte is the heir apparent to the throne. 

In his suit, Prince Pierre named Dr. Delmasso, head of the San Remo Sanitarium, as the correspondent. He has also demanded custody of the couple's two children, Princess Antoinette, and Prince Rainier. 

The Prince had already begun plans for a legal separation, but was hesitant about seeking a divorce as he "was uncertain how his son's status and rights would be affected." He was assured by the Monegasque Parliament, which discussed this "problem of dynastic succession," assured Prince Pierre that his son's "rights would be fully protected" if his parents "should divorce and remarry." The two children are now in the care of the Duchess of Vendome, at her home in Cannes. It is also expected that Prince Pierre will seek an annulment of the marriage after the couple is divorced. Princess Charlotte has stated that she is eager for an annulment. 

The AP is reporting that the marital problems between Prince Pierre and Princess Charlotte have thrown Monaco "into turmoil," and have indirectly resulted in the enriching of the casino at San Remo, Italy." Prince Louis II has "virtually declared marital law." 

He has mobilized Monaco's 80 man army. Dr. Delmasso is said to be a "stalking horse," as Princess Charlotte's "real ambition" is to marry "a certain prince of Bourbon-Parma," after she had gotten rid of Pierre.

She is unlikely to want to lose her title and position for a "mere doctor." The prince of Bourbon-Parma is said to be linked to the Spanish royal family. Prince Pierre is also concerned about his own status. As Prince Pierre of Monaco, he is a citizen of that tiny principality, but after a divorce, he would lose his status and return to being Prince Pierre de Polignac, a French national, which would mean he would again be a taxpayer.

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