The influence of the Mexican aristocracy on the fate of the princely family of Monaco remained overshadowed by prominent European dynasties for a long time. Yet it was Susana de la Torre y Mier, a member of the 19th-century elite, who became a key figure, changing the course of the Grimaldi family’s history. Her heritage, wealth, and connections opened new horizons for Monaco, and Susana’s descendants still feel the mark of her character and traditions today.
Born in 1858 in Mexico City, Susana grew up surrounded by luxury and attention. Her father, a major sugar magnate, and her mother, heiress to one of the country’s most influential clans, provided their daughter with an excellent education and access to Europe’s high society. Even in her youth, Susana stood out not only for her beauty but also for her social grace, which quickly won her the favor of Old World aristocrats.
In 1881, during another visit to Paris, Susana met Count Maxence de Polignac. Their marriage was more than just the union of two families—it was a true event for both sides of the Atlantic. Shortly after the wedding, the young couple settled in France, where Susana gave birth to eight children and took an active role in their upbringing, always remembering her Mexican roots. She was fond of saying that “tequila runs in her veins,” and made it a point to pass down her love for her native culture to her children.
Family traditions
Susana was not limited to the roles of mother and homemaker. She maintained connections with relatives in Mexico, hosted dinner parties where Mexican cuisine and music became a real discovery for the French nobility. Her children grew up in an atmosphere of respect for both cultures, which later played an important role in their destinies. The youngest son, Pierre, stood out in particular—not only did he inherit his mother’s traits, but he also maintained a deep attachment to Mexican traditions.
After Susana’s untimely death in 1913, it was Pierre who became the link between the two worlds. His marriage to Princess Charlotte of Monaco was carefully planned to strengthen the Grimaldi dynasty. This union ensured the continuation of the lineage and marked the beginning of a new era for the principality. Pierre visited Mexico more than once, maintaining ties with his mother’s family, and his son, Prince Rainier III, also showed interest in his Mexican heritage.
Dynastic intrigues
The Grimaldi family history is filled with unexpected twists and dramatic events. Not only marriages, but also personal tragedies, scandals, and struggles for power have shaped the image of the principality. In this context, the fate of Susana de la Torre y Mier stands out vividly: her descendants have often made headlines, and their personal lives have been discussed on both sides of the Atlantic. Reflecting on dynastic marriages, it is impossible not to draw parallels with other European houses, where passions and tragedies often took center stage. For example, the story of Álvaro Bultó, former lover of Infanta Cristina, is also marked by love, danger, and fateful coincidences, as described in the article about the tragedy in the Alps and the fate of the Spanish adventurer.
Remembering Susana
Susana’s influence is still felt decades later. Her grandson, Prince Rainier III, not only maintained ties with his Mexican relatives but also sought to preserve his grandmother’s memory within the family. He even insisted that his daughter be named Stéphanie—after one of Susana’s names. During his visit to Mexico for the 1968 Olympic Games, Prince Rainier visited cities connected to the family’s history and spent time with distant relatives, symbolizing respect for his roots.
Today, Susana de la Torre y Mier’s descendants continue to play a prominent role in Monaco’s life. Their story is not only about a dynasty, but also an example of how one woman was able to change the fate of an entire principality, bringing a touch of Mexican soul to it.
Susana de la Torre y Mier is a figure who left a significant mark on the history of Monaco and Europe. Her life is an example of how personal qualities, upbringing, and loyalty to tradition can influence the course of events on a national scale. Thanks to her, new traits appeared in the Grimaldi dynasty, and Mexican heritage became an integral part of the princely family. Her descendants, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Caroline, still honor the memory of their great-grandmother, preserving a unique blend of European and Latin American traditions.
