Daniel Ducruet (born September 27, 1964, in Monaco) is a Monégasque former bodyguard, businessman, and reality television personality. He is best known for his marriage to Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, with whom he has two children, Louis Ducruet and Pauline Ducruet.
Early Life and Career Daniel Ducruet began his career as a police officer in Monaco and later worked as a fishmonger. He gained public prominence when he became a bodyguard for the Grimaldi family, specifically assigned to Princess Stéphanie. Before his relationship with Princess Stéphanie, Ducruet had a son, Michaël Ducruet, from a previous relationship with Sandrine.
Relationship with Princess Stéphanie Ducruet's relationship with Princess Stéphanie began in the early 1990s. They had two children together before their marriage:
- Louis Ducruet (born November 26, 1992)
- Pauline Ducruet (born May 4, 1994) Despite initial objections from the Monégasque princely family due to Ducruet's commoner status and their children being born out of wedlock, the couple eventually married in a civil ceremony on July 1, 1995. Their marriage elevated Ducruet to the status of a royal consort, though he did not receive a princely title. The marriage was short-lived, ending in a high-profile divorce in October 1996 after photographs emerged of Ducruet with another woman.
Post-Divorce Life and Ventures Following his divorce from Princess Stéphanie, Daniel Ducruet pursued various business interests and maintained a presence in the public eye, particularly through reality television. His ventures have included:
- Restaurants and Events: He has managed and owned restaurants and has been involved in event organization.
- Animal Park: Ducruet was notably involved in the establishment and management of an animal park, "Le Parc des Félins," in Quebec, Canada, which specialized in big cats.
- Music Production: He has also dabbled in the music industry, working as a producer.
- Reality Television: Ducruet has appeared on several French reality TV shows, including La Ferme Célébrités (the French version of The Farm) in 2005, where he was a contestant. He also appeared on Secret Story in 2010.
Personal Life Beyond his relationship with Princess Stéphanie, Daniel Ducruet has other children and has been married again. He had a daughter named Linoué Ducruet (born 2001) with Kelly Marie Parfitt, whom he later married in 2009. Ducruet largely lives a private life, occasionally making public appearances related to his children Louis and Pauline and their activities within the Monégasque social sphere.