There is something genuinely lovely about spending time with Louis Ducruet and Marie Ducruet. No performance. No need for grand declarations. Just warmth, humour, and the kind of honesty that immediately makes you understand why so many people see them as a grounded couple.
Between family breakfasts, daycare drop-offs, football matches with the Barbagiuans of Monaco — founded more than forty years ago by Louis’ uncle, H.S.H. Albert II, Prince of Monaco, during his student years in the United States — work meetings, and evenings fully dedicated to their daughters, the couple are building a life that feels quite normal despite the public attention around them. Together, they speak about Monaco, parenthood, love, and the small moments that matter most with sincerity and ease. Today, Louis is proud to continue that family legacy while carrying forward the spirit of friendship and solidarity that have always defined the association.
HM: Today, how would you describe this moment in your life as a couple and as a family?
Louis Ducruet: I think we are very busy at the moment. We are both working on many projects together, which is wonderful because it allows us to spend time together even while working. But of course, our daughters take a lot of our time too. We work late, even at home sometimes, so balancing everything can be challenging.
Marie Ducruet: It’s difficult sometimes because there is our life as a couple, our life as parents, and also our professional life. We really try to be present for the girls ourselves. That’s extremely important for us. We want to give them as much time and attention as possible and create a real family life together.
Louis Ducruet: Every morning we take the girls to daycare ourselves, and every evening we pick them up around 5 p.m. From then until bedtime, it’s family time only. Those moments are precious.
Marie Ducruet: You can try calling us during those hours, but honestly, we are busy with them — and happily so. Those moments belong to our family.
HM: Louis, growing up in Monaco and within the Princely Family, what does that mean to you today as a father? And Marie, how do you balance your personal projects with your family life?
Louis Ducruet: Monaco means everything to me. It’s my home, my country, and now, as a father, I realise even more how special it is to raise children here. It was never really an option for me to live anywhere else. We feel safe here, and family life is very important in Monaco.
Marie Ducruet: Becoming a mother completely changed my priorities. Before children, you think mostly about yourself — your plans, your schedule, your work. Now everything begins with them. Even when planning a weekend or a holiday, the first thought is always: “What would make the girls happy?”
Louis Ducruet: Parenthood changes every routine. As they grow, every year becomes different. Next year, Victoire will begin school, so we will enter another new chapter as parents.
HM: What does a perfect family day look like for you? Are there small routines or moments you especially enjoy together? And how do you keep your family life simple and private?
Louis Ducruet: A perfect day starts when the girls sleep a little longer — maybe until 9 a.m. That’s already a gift. Then we all have breakfast together, spend the day outdoors, and do activities with the girls.
Marie Ducruet: We love simple things. Going to the park, seeing friends, taking Pancake for a walk, or going to Little Wonders together. After naps, we usually head back outside again. We really try to enjoy every small moment.
Louis Ducruet: Family time is our priority. We protect it. Even if work is busy, we always try to keep evenings for ourselves and the children.
HM: Your dog Pancake seems to be a very important part of the family.
Louis Ducruet: Pancake is our first child. Truly. He’s like the girls’ big brother.
Marie Ducruet: The girls adore him. They hug him constantly, kiss him, talk to him all the time.
Louis Ducruet: And he’s very protective of them. Victoire always says, “Pancake protects me.” It’s very sweet.
HM: What values are most important for you to pass on to your children? Are there traditions from your own childhood you would like to continue?
Marie Ducruet: Respect is extremely important for us. Respect for others, respect for each other, honesty as well. They are still very young, but we already try to teach them kindness and truthfulness every day.
Louis Ducruet: Respect, honesty, and family are very important for us. And through everyday life — including sport and simple activities — we want them to understand the importance of being together and enjoying those moments.
Marie Ducruet: One tradition I really love from Louis’ family — especially from Louis’ mother, Princess Stéphanie — is spending evenings together playing board games after dinner. I didn’t grow up with that, but I love it and would love for our girls to keep those memories too.
HM: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about? And what would you like your children to remember most about their childhood?
Louis Ducruet: We try to take life day by day. Mostly, we want our daughters to grow up with strong values and beautiful memories of family life.
Marie Ducruet: I hope they remember that we were always present. That we spent time together, laughed together, and truly enjoyed being a family.
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And finally, a few fun questions to finish.
HM: Who is the more patient parent?
Marie Ducruet: Me. Definitely me.
Louis Ducruet: It depends on the day… but yes, probably Marie.
HM: Who is the fun parent?
Louis Ducruet: Me. (laughs)
Marie Ducruet: Absolutely not. Me.
HM: Who wins most of the small arguments?
Louis Ducruet: Marie. Men usually surrender for peace at home. (laughs)
HM: Morning person or night owl?
Louis Ducruet: I’m the morning person.
Marie Ducruet: And I’m definitely more active at night.
HM: Coffee first… or straight to the children?
Louis Ducruet: Straight to the children.
Marie Ducruet: Always.
HM: Beach or mountains for a family day?
Louis Ducruet: Both. Beach in the summer, mountains in the winter.
Marie Ducruet: And sometimes mountains in summer too — especially when it’s too hot for Pancake.
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Behind their busy schedules and public roles, Louis and Marie Ducruet remain, above all, devoted parents focused on creating a warm and grounded family life. What stands out most is the simplicity of what matters to them: time together, shared values, and being fully present for their children.
Hello Monaco sincerely thanks Louis and Marie Ducruet for welcoming us into their family world and for sharing these moments with such openness and kindness.
