Alexandre Grimaldi Opens Up About Relationship with Dad Prince Albert — and Reveals When They Get Competitive

In a new interview, Alexandre also revealed a hot topic in a family group chat with his sister, Jazmin Grace Grimaldi

Alexandre Grimaldi is talking about his bond with his dad Prince Albert of Monaco in his first solo interview.

On Wednesday, the 20-year-old college student was revealed as the cover star of Tatler’s December issue, where he gave a wide-ranging conversation about his childhood, royal ties and his upcoming move to New York City.

According to Alexandre, his dad is naturally “more competitive” about sports — which is no surprise given Prince Albert's background as a five-time Olympic bobsleigh competitor!

“It starts off as a bit of a laugh, but once the score gets close, it turns a lot more serious and less comedy is involved,” Alexandre told Tatler.

Turning to the time they spend together, he continued. “With my dad it’s good, we’re starting to see each other a lot more. During the holiday season, we are spending a lot of time together. It’s a very good relationship.”

Related: Prince Albert of Monaco Is Coming to Mom Princess Grace's Hometown of Philadelphia! (Exclusive)

Alexandre is the son of Prince Albert and Togolese flight attendant Nicole Coste, who met in the skies in 1997. Alexandre was born in 2003 but did not arrive in the line of succession to the Monegasque throne, as his parents were not married.

Publicly acknowledged by his father as an infant in 2005, Alexandre was raised in privacy by his mother between France, New York, Geneva and London with Nicole’s two sons from her previous relationship. Prince Albert has been constantly involved in Alexandre’s care and upbringing, and he has been increasingly visible at public events as he’s come of age.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

The student also shares a close bond with his elder sister Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, who has similarly been encouraged to spend time in Monaco and involved with family there. The 31-year-old American actress (who’s pursuing the same career as her grandmother, Princess Grace) is the daughter of Albert and Tamara Rotolo — and even part of the group text with Alexandre and his brothers!

“I really liked growing up with my brothers, and my mum takes really good care of me. I couldn’t ask for more,” Alexandre told Tatler.

Related: Prince Albert of Monaco's Eldest Son Alexandre Grimaldi Speaks Out in Rare Interview Ahead of 20th Birthday

“We are all very close…We actually have a text message group. We’re having arguments about who’s better [at professional soccer]: Erling Haaland or Mbappé. My sister’s more Team Mbappé, but it’s more Haaland on the boys’ side. I like both,” he says.

Prince Albert is also a dad to 8-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella with his wife Princess Charlene. According to Alexandre, the school-aged twins haven’t entered the chat just yet!

“The little ones are too young to have a phone, so it’ll take them a few years,” he told Tatler with a laugh.

Looking ahead, Alexandre is gearing up for a transatlantic move from London to New York at the start of 2024, with plans to study business or international relations at NYU or Fordham. As he finds his footing in the Big Apple, he won’t be looking for love, as he’s already got a special someone!

“It’s going very well. We met in Monaco, I’m moving to New York, she’s already moving to New York,” he explained.

As he steps further into the spotlight, Alexandre said that he hopes to raise the profile of Monaco on the world stage.

“[I aspire to] work in a relationship with my dad and become this – let’s say – global ambassador for Monaco, and to bring business opportunities back to Monaco, which is what I’ve talked about with him,” he revealed.

Also on his mind is giving back, whether that be near his soon-to-be home base of New York with the Boys and Girls Club in Brooklyn or abroad in Togo, where his mother is from. The collegian credits his parents for his blended upbringing, explaining, “especially, with my mum being French-African and my dad being Monegasque. I’ve had the pleasure of being brought up in two cultures and having that be part of my identity.”

Over the summer, Alexandre’s family came together to celebrate his 20th birthday. As seen in a sunny snap Nicole shared to Instagram, the August birthday boy sat surrounded by his parents, Jazmin and other loved ones at a table with flowers and dessert plates. The proud mom also included a solo portrait and the red and white birthday cake (the shades of the Monaco flag!).

"Happy birthday Alexandre," Nicole captioned the collection with a heart emoji.

Before his birthday, the mother and son gave a rare interview to Point de Vue, where Alexandre spoke warmly of his relationship with his family and stressed that his focus is on his studies.

"One thing is certain: Today, I am a happy man being open and honest with you,” Alexandre told the French magazine.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.