Born the September 5, 1987 in Monaco, Pierre Casiraghi is the second son of Princess Caroline of Monaco, who is none other than the sister of the current Monegasque sovereign, Prince Albert II. An accomplished businessman, Pierre Casiraghi almost always appears dressed in an elegant suit during his public outings, particularly on the arm of his wife Beatrice Borromeo, but also during his official appearances alongside the rest of the princely family of Monaco. However, it is in an outfit diametrically opposed to his habits that the son of Caroline of Monaco appeared on Thursday June 15, 2024. That day, Pierre Casiraghi participated in the Béhourd tournament (medieval combat) of the Principality of Monaco with his team called Les Grimaldi Milites. He fought in medieval armour under the gaze of Prince Albert II of Monaco, at the Fontvieille marquee. The Monegasques met the Martel team, coming from Paris, the Lyonnais of the Brotherhood of Wolves, the Comtois of Franche Comté, the Black Falcons of Touraine and the Bannerets of Auvergne. The Grimaldi Milites finished 3rd in this tournament.
Concretely, Béhourd is a somewhat particular form of medieval combat. It is a contemporary adaptation of an ancient sporting and warrior practice. The competitors compete in full armor, on foot, with steel weapons that are neither pointed nor sharp, with an obvious concern for the safety of the participants. Team fights are the most popular. In such clashes, blows are delivered with full force. However, certain techniques are prohibited because they are considered too dangerous. This is particularly the case with thrusting blows, which are delivered with the point of the weapon in order to plant the opponent. But also blows behind the knees. However, kicks, punches, knees and clinches are authorized.
Pierre Casiraghi practices medieval combat in armor and as a team
The winning team is the one that manages to finish the round with at least one player still standing on both legs. The goal is to knock down the members of the opposing team by any authorized means, weapon in hand. This practice claims to be the spiritual heir to medieval tournaments, which it intends to bring back into fashion in a sporting form. But also cultural due to its historical dimension, which transmits knowledge about the history of France. As well as about chivalry and war in the Middle Ages in a fun and spectacular way. This practice appeared in the 12th century and evolved until the 16th century, to finally die out, then reappear today in this new sporting form.
