Princess of Hanover Chooses Historic Grimaldi Estate for Summer Retreat

The Château de Marchais, a historic estate deeply rooted in the heritage of Monaco's Princely Family, continues to serve as a serene retreat for its members, with the Princess of Hanover recently choosing it for her vacation. The property, situated in the quiet commune of Marchais in northern France, spans 1,500 hectares and has been part of the Grimaldi legacy for 170 years. The château itself, dating back to 1535 and constructed by Nicolas de Boussu, a Superintendent of Royal Finances under François I, occupies a site steeped in history, allegedly including ties to Berthe au Grand Pied, Charlemagne's mother.

Acquired in 1854 by Countess Antoinette de Mérode, wife of Prince Charles III of Monaco, the estate has since bridged the geographical gap between Paris and Belgium, serving as a venue for significant familial milestones. This includes the early environmental studies of Prince Albert I and family vacations under Prince Rainier III. Notably, it was at this château where Prince Albert I married Mary Victoria Hamilton in 1869, further cementing its place in the annals of Grimaldi family history.

Beyond serving as a personal haven, the Grimaldi family has historically contributed to the surrounding community of Marchais. Initiatives led by Princess Antoinette de Mérode and subsequent infrastructure developments by Prince Charles III, including the establishment of a modern school and a presbytery, have left an indelible mark on the local area, demonstrating the family's enduring commitment to their ancestral retreat and its inhabitants.