Princess Charlene of Monaco has Irish ancestry
Tourism Ireland has unveiled the previously unknown Irish family connections of Princess Charlene of Monaco.
The research, commissioned by Tourism Ireland and carried out by genealogy researchers Eneclann, has revealed that Princess Charlene’s paternal ancestors can be traced back to a prominent Dublin family called the Fagans of Feltrim, one of the most successful gentlemen-merchant families in Dublin, in the 16th century.
The Fagans became immensely wealthy through international commerce and re-invented their profits inland, close to the capital.
On July 29, Princess Charlene was presented with a Certificate of Irish Heritage by Rory Montgomery, Irish Ambassador to France, in the Prince’s Palace in Monaco, with her husband, Prince Albert, also in attendance.
The certificate is an official recognition by the Irish Government of those who are proud of their Irish ancestry and heritage.
“We are delighted to announce the Irish connections of Princess Charlene of Monaco,” said Finola O’Mahony, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Europe.
“We hope that the princely couple will consider a visit to Ireland in the near future, to see for themselves the places associated with both of their family histories.”
