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India Casiraghi and her mother, Tatiana Santo Domingo, recently made headlines after appearing in new photos for Muzungu Sisters, the ethical fashion brand co-founded by Tatiana in 2009. In a widely circulated image, the mother-daughter duo poses hand in hand, dressed in coordinating printed ensembles, capturing significant public attention.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesAs the only granddaughter of the legendary Princess Caroline of Monaco, India carries a remarkable lineage. She is also the great-granddaughter of both Hollywood icon Grace Kelly and Colombian billionaire Julio Mario Santo Domingo, who ranked 108th on the Forbes list at the time of his passing. Despite this formidable heritage, India—like her siblings and cousins—was born in a new era. The days when Monaco’s princesses were global media sensations, particularly under the widowed reign of Prince Rainier III, have passed. Today, under the leadership of Prince Albert II, the younger Grimaldi generation prioritizes discretion, recognizing privacy as an invaluable legacy.
A love story rooted in aristocratic circles
Princess Caroline’s eldest son, Andrea Casiraghi, met Tatiana Santo Domingo through his sister, Charlotte Casiraghi. By then, Andrea had already built a reputation as a rebellious, free-spirited aristocrat, known for his enfant terrible style and laid-back demeanor.
© WireImageMuch like his contemporary, Prince William, Andrea experienced the tragic loss of his father at a young age, with the world watching. However, unlike William—destined to be King of the United Kingdom—Andrea, not holding a princely title, had the freedom to carve out a different path. With the unwavering support of his mother and uncle, Prince Albert opted for a more private life, carefully balancing his presence in Monaco’s public sphere while contributing to his late father’s legacy and the principality’s development.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesWhen Andrea and Tatiana were first photographed together, many noted her distinct style, which stood apart from the traditional "Grimaldi lady" aesthetic often inspired by Princess Grace. Instead of the classic elegance associated with Monaco’s royal women, Tatiana embodied a bohemian, almost hippie-like aura, effortlessly blended with an unmistakable old money sensibility—marked by discretion, authenticity, and a cosmopolitan upbringing. Educated at elite institutions in Geneva, Paris, London, and New York, she mastered the art of aristocratic etiquette, speaks five languages, and valued privacy long before entering European royal circles, despite her deep connections with international heiresses.
India Casiraghi: A Grimaldi without a title
India Casiraghi made her first public appearance in 2016 during Monaco’s National Day celebrations at just a year and a half old, dressed in a red coat—one of the principality’s national colors. The event, held in the inner palace courtyard where her parents had posed for their official wedding photos, provided the first glimpse of her in Monaco’s public life. As her parents enjoyed the festivities, India remained composed before being lifted onto the iconic Grimaldi Palace balcony by Prince Albert, waving to the people of Monaco. It was a symbolic moment that set a precedent for her role in the years to come.
© Getty ImagesAt the 2023 Monaco National Day festivities, India was spotted enjoying time with her cousin Beatrice Borromeo, while her aunt, Princess Alexandra of Hanover, played nearby. Also present was Stefano Casiraghi, the son of Pierre Casiraghi and Beatrice, further highlighting the tight-knit bond among the younger generation of Grimaldis.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesA Legacy of wealth, influence, and aristocracy
Tatiana Santo Domingo, reportedly once Monaco's wealthiest resident—a remarkable feat in a principality renowned for attracting billionaires—hails from the powerful Santo Domingo family. This Colombian dynasty has long been adept at navigating aristocratic and high-society circles.
© Getty ImagesBorn in New York City in 1983, Tatiana also holds American citizenship. Her grandfather, Julio Mario Santo Domingo, was a titan of industry who resided in Manhattan’s prestigious 740 Park Avenue, alongside the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. His empire, built from the brewing industry in Barranquilla, eventually encompassed around 200 companies across diverse sectors, including airlines (Avianca), telecommunications, automotive, energy, agribusiness, and television. At the time of his passing in 2011, he was one of the wealthiest men in Latin America.
A future in the public eye?
While Prince Albert’s children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, bear the heaviest public responsibilities as heirs to Monaco’s throne, the wider Grimaldi family has adopted a more selective approach to public life. The Casiraghi-Santo Domingo and Casiraghi-Borromeo families, along with Charlotte Casiraghi’s children, generally make only two official public appearances each year: Monaco’s National Day in the fall and the Monte Carlo Formula 1 Grand Prix in the spring.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesWhen the grandchildren of Rainier III and Grace Kelly step into the public eye, excitement naturally follows. Tatiana Santo Domingo, who has leveraged her image to promote Muzungu Sisters, may be subtly introducing India to a broader audience through their recent fashion campaign. Whether India will choose to step further into the spotlight—or remain a discreet yet influential figure like her parents—remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: though she may not hold a title, India Casiraghi is undeniably a Grimaldi. Time will tell if she will inherit the legacy of elegance and mystique crafted by her grandmother, Princess Caroline, who remains a timeless icon of European royalty.elat
