Autopsy shows Prince Albert's cousin, 29, most likely died after a 40ft fall from a building in Monaco

Antoine de Massy, 29, grandson of Princess Antoinette and second cousin of Prince Albert II, was last seen leaving a Monaco nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning before failing to appear at a family lunch — prompting a search that ended with the discovery of his body in a public garden behind the New National Museum on Boulevard du Larvotto. A 42-year-old Ukrainian national who had lived in Monaco for 30 years was arrested after CCTV footage placed him near the body and investigators established he had been in contact with De Massy. Prince Albert and Princess Charlène described his death as 'painful' in a palace statement, calling him 'a keen tennis player' with strong family ties to the sport.

The suspect, who faces involuntary manslaughter and failure to assist a person in danger charges, refused to answer a judge's questions and has been remanded in custody.

Monaco prosecutor general Stéphane Thibault said the investigation would determine 'the precise sequence of events' leading up to the fall; the charges stop short of alleging intentional killing.

Speculation is growing that De Massy had connections to a cryptocurrency scandal, with reports suggesting he founded a Monaco blockchain company called Instant Tech in 2021.