By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-01-20 22:36:24 | Updated at 2025-01-21 01:27:37
2 hours ago
Prince Albert of Monaco has expressed his grief over the sudden death of close friend Didier Guillaume, the principality's minister of state, who passed away last week aged 65.
The 66-year-old monarch described Guillaume, who died on January 17, as "a man of commitment and heart" in a heartfelt tribute.
"I am losing a friend, someone I appreciated very much and on whom I counted," the prince told Monaco-Matin on Sunday.
Guillaume had been hospitalised in Nice on January 10 with an undisclosed illness, passing away a week later.
Prince Albert of Monaco has expressed profound grief over the sudden death of his friend Didier Guillaume, the principality's minister of state, who passed away last week aged 65.
Getty
The French-born minister had only taken office on September 2, 2024, replacing Pierre Dartout for what was meant to be a four-year term.
His sudden death comes less than a month after his wedding to Béatrice Frecenon-Guillaume, which took place at Monaco Town Hall on December 21, 2024.
Monaco has entered a period of national mourning following Guillaume's death.
Prince Albert has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast on all public buildings throughout the principality until the funeral.
Prince Albert has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast on all public buildings throughout the principality until the funeral of Didier Guillaume (Right).
Getty
The state funeral will take place on January 23, just days before Monaco's national holiday, Sainte Devote Day, on January 27.
The principality traditionally marks Sainte Devote Day with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene attending a church service before greeting crowds from the Prince's Palace balcony with their twins.
In an official statement, Prince Albert said: "The Principality of Monaco has lost an exemplary servant, whose action and loyalty will remain engraved in our memories."
The principality traditionally marks Sainte Devote Day with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene attending a church service before greeting crowds from the Prince's Palace balcony with their twins.
Getty
The monarch extended his "sincere condolences to his family, as well as my warmest thoughts to all those who mourn him today."
Speaking to Monaco-Matin, Albert praised Guillaume's personable nature: "He had a very human side, very friendly, close to everyone.
"Over the years, we had forged bonds of trust and mutual esteem."
