H.R.H Prince Antoine V of Araucania and Patagonia
Biography of H.R.H. Prince Antoine V - 9th Sovereign of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia
A Prince Rooted in History : The Legitimate Heir to the Founding Monarch
As the ninth sovereign of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, Prince Antoine V (Laurent Lafayne) embodies a profound historical and dynastic legitimacy. Elected in strict accordance with the Constitution of November 17, 1860, and the Additional Act of 2016, he shares a blood kinship with the Founding Monarch, Orélie-Antoine I. Originally from Plazac in Dordogne—the historical hearth of his lineage established since the Middle Ages—he upholds a family tradition of excellence : his grandfather was an Officer of the Palmes Académiques and his mother a Knight of the Palmes Académiques. This foundation of values and his ancestral link to the first King ensure the continuity and dignity of the Crown.
A Modern Prince : Academic Excellence and Global Relations
A 21st-century Sovereign, Prince Antoine V combines his royal responsibilities with high-level expertise in the banking sector, operating across France and the Principality of Monaco. He holds a Specialized Master’s degree in Management and Wealth Management from SKEMA Business School, an elite institution recognized by the prestigious Financial Times rankings.
To ensure total neutrality and avoid any conflict with his princely status, he has chosen to move away from commercial roles to focus on audit functions within the banking sector. This strategic pivot reflects his commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency, and oversight. This analytical rigor is complemented by a profound social commitment, demonstrated by over 20 years of trade union mandates, establishing him as an experienced and respected figure in social dialogue.
His international perspective was shaped by two years of living in Australia, as well as a close friendship with a member of a Royal Family of the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum serves as a true role model for him : Prince Antoine V draws inspiration from the Sheikh's unique ability to project a historical heritage through visionary and exemplary modernity.
A Committed Sovereign : A Diplomatic Mission at the Heart of Wallmapu
For Prince Antoine V, the mission of the Prince of Araucania rejects stagnation : it is not limited to honoring the past in Dordogne but demands an active presence in Wallmapu, alongside the Mapuche People he represents. Committed to field diplomacy, he has announced his official visit to the Ancestral Authorities and communities starting in 2026. His dedication to civil rights is profound, as evidenced by his tribute to Joséphine Baker—the resistance fighter and civil rights activist whom he posthumously decorated in the presence of her son, Luis, during his coronation in Monaco on November 22, 2025. As co-founder of the NGO "The Order of the Southern Star," Prince Antoine V dedicates his reign to the international recognition and protection of the Mapuche identity.
