The father of a royal relative of the Monegasque royal family has addressed his son's death for the first time.
Antoine de Massy, who was the first cousin once removed of Prince Albert of Monaco, was found dead in a park in the principality on 25 October, aged just 29.
His father, Baron Christian de Massy, described him as a "boy with a big heart", saying he was "my life" in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
Speaking about his son's untimely death, he said: "Every day, for 29 years, we were always together."
© Penske Media via Getty ImagesHe told the newspaper: "When my nephew Sébastien told me that there was no hope for my only son Antoine, he was dead, I couldn't understand. I told him, 'But if he's lost, let's go look for him.'"
"It absolutely wasn't an accident, nor was it suicide, nothing like that, but I can't talk about it now because there's an ongoing investigation."
Antoine's funeral will be held on 4 November at the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate in Monaco, while a vigil will be held on Tuesday night in the Palace's chapel, his father revealed.
Antoine was a promising young tennis player and moved to Miami with his father when he was just eight years old to further his career – but unfortunately fractured his wrist.
© Instagram / @antoinedemassyIt's expected that his funeral will be attended by Argentine coach Leandro Gubler, as well as several friends from Miami.
Latest on Antoine de Massy's death
Antoine reportedly fell from a height of 13 metres into a garden on the Larvotto promenade in Monaco when he was found last Sunday.
The family contacted the police after the young man failed to attend a family lunch scheduled for that day.
According to local media reports, Prince Albert of Monaco's cousin was seen with a man, who was later arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, as they left the Sass' Cafe club in the early hours of the morning.
© Instagram / antoinedemassyThe man was later remanded in custody after refusing to answer questions.
Prosecutor Stéphane Thibault told the newspaper Monaco-Matin that the Ukrainian man is only a suspect or witness to the events, and his legal status is still to be determined.
He also indicated that he does not rule out the possibility that it was an accident.
The investigation remains open, and a post-mortem examination is ongoing.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene 'deeply saddened' by Antoine's death
Antoine was the son of Cécile Gelabale and Christian, the first cousin of Prince Albert.
His grandmother, Princess Antoinette, was the older sister of Prince Rainer III and Prince Albert's aunt.
He worked as a tech entrepreneur who had spent much of his life in Miami, studying international relations and affairs at Florida International University.
© GettyAlbert and his wife, Princess Charlene, announced news of Antoine's death last Monday.
Releasing a poignant statement, they said: "Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène were saddened to learn of the death of Antoine de Massy, aged 29, the grandson of Princess Antoinette, the elder sister of Prince Rainier III.
"A keen tennis player, he was part of a family history closely linked to the sport in the Principality.
"Their Highnesses share in the grief of his family and loved ones and offer them their sincere condolences at this painful time."
