Background
She was born in Paris of French and Mexican ancestry.
She was born in Paris of French and Mexican ancestry.
Her parents were Count Pierre de Polignac and Princess Charlotte, Duchess of Valentinois. She circulated rumours that Rainier"s fiancee, actress Gisèle Pascal, was infertile. This led to the breakup of the relationship.
Rainier"s marriage to Grace Kelly in 1956 and the arrival of his heirs, Princess Caroline in 1957 and Prince Albert in 1958, effectively scuttled Antoinette"s plans.
She was known to be somewhat eccentric, even having been described as "completely mad" by her servants. Having been banished from Monaco in the late 1950s, she lived down the coast from Monaco at Èze, with a large collection of dogs and cats.
She was the president of Monaco"s Society for the Protection of Animals. The Princess Antoinette Park in Monaco"s Louisiana Condamine district was named in her honour.
On 18 March 2011 Princess Antoinette died at The Princess Grace Hospital Centre, aged 90.
Her funeral took place on 24 March 2011. and honours.
Titles 28 December 1920 – 15 November 1951: Her Serene Highness Princess Antoinette of Monaco 15 November 1951 – 18 March 2011: Her Serene Highness Princess Antoinette of Monaco, Baroness of Massy Honours Monaco: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles Monaco: Knight of the Order of Grimaldi.
