Chevalier de Grimaldi
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Antoine Grimaldi, le Chevalier [de] Grimaldi, (Paris, October 2, 1697 - Monaco, November 28, 1784) was an illegitimate son of Antonio I of Monaco and the dancer Élisabeth Dufort (named Babé). He was the de facto ruler of Monaco between 1732 and 1784.
He was recognized by his father in 1715.
The Chevalier de Grimaldi became governor-general of Monaco on May 20, 1732, when his brother-in-law Jacques I, Prince of Monaco and his young nephew Honoré III, Prince of Monaco moved to Hôtel Matignon in Paris and remained there, even after the proclamation in 1734 of Honoré as Prince of Monaco.
This situation remained the same for half a century until Antoine's death in 1784, when Honoré III was already 64 years old.
Antoine Grimaldi was an able regent.
He for instance succeeded in keeping Monaco out of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748).
He died on November 28, 1784 and never married.
His remains were moved in 1966 to the Apse of the Monaco Cathedral.
