H.R.H. Prince Antoine V of Araucania and Patagonia
Ninth ruler of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia and head of the Royal House since 12 May 2025.
Prince Antoine V of Araucania and Patagonia, whose civil name is Laurent Lafayne, is the ninth ruler according to the dynastic tradition of the Royal House of Araucania and Patagonia and has been its director since 12 May 2025.
Elected following the abdication of Prince Frederick I on 16 February 2025, he continues the institutional history initiated in the nineteenth century by Orélie-Antoine de Tounens, historical founder of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia.
At the head of the Royal House, Prince Antoine V works to preserve his historical heritage, develop relations with the Mapuche people, international cooperation and promote intercultural dialogue.
Since his accession, his activities have taken him to Araucania, Wallmapu, Paris, Bath and Monaco, as part of cultural, academic and institutional meetings.
Its work combines the representation of the Royal House, the promotion of the memory of Orélie-Antoine de Tounens and participation in international initiatives on indigenous heritage and human rights.
Laurent Lafayne: personal background, training and professional experience
Laurent Lafayne is the civil name of Prince Anthony V of Araucania and Patagonia.
Born into a family from Plazac in the Dordogne region of the Dordogne, Laurent Lafayne has a particular interest in the history of Périgord, family memory and the history of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia.
He said he shared a distant relationship with Orélie-Antoine de Tounens. This family relationship, evoked in his personal career and in publications devoted to his accession, helped to awaken his interest in the history of the founder of the Kingdom.
Academically and professionally, Laurent Lafayne holds a Master's degree in Management and Wealth Management from SKEMA Business School.
He has held positions in the banking and financial sector, particularly in France and the Principality of Monaco. His experience includes functions related to the audit, control and institutional environment of financial institutions.
Its track record is also marked by more than twenty years of involvement in social dialogue, notably through the exercise of trade union responsibilities.
Two years of experience in Australia has contributed to his international openness and interest in intercultural relations.
These different experiences form the basis of his personal and professional career, which he now associates with his responsibilities at the head of the Royal House.
Prince Antoine V: a succession in the historical continuity of the Royal Household
On 16 February 2025, Prince Frederick I freely abdicated his duties at the head of the Royal House of Araucania and Patagonia.
Following this abdication, a succession was organised in accordance with the institutional framework claimed by the Royal Household.
On May 12, 2025, Laurent Lafayne was elected under the name of Antoine V's reign, becoming the ninth ruler of the Kingdom's dynastic tradition.
This succession is part of the institutional continuity that the Royal House attached to its Constitution of 17 November 1860 and its Additional Act of 18 August 2016.
Since his election, Prince Antoine V has been responsible for representing the Royal Household and continuing its historical, cultural and international activities.
The coronation in Monaco, 22 November 2025
On 22 November 2025, a solemn coronation ceremony of Prince Antoine V took place in Monte Carlo, in the Principality of Monaco.
The event brought together guests from more than twelve nationalities and representatives of different traditions and monarchical institutions.
This ceremony marked an important milestone in the contemporary history of the Royal Household, following the election of the new sovereign on 12 May 2025.
A special tribute was paid to Joséphine Baker, a figure of the French Resistance and the fight against racism. His son, Luis Bouillon Baker, received a posthumous award from the Order of the Steel Crown in his name.
Through this ceremony, Prince Antoine V wished to associate the transmission of the traditions of the Royal Household with values of fraternity, human dignity and dialogue between peoples.
The history of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia and the legacy of Orélie-Antoine de Tounens
The history of the Royal House of Araucania and Patagonia is inseparable from that of Orélie-Antoine de Tounens, a French lawyer from Périgord who arrived in South America in the nineteenth century.
November 17, 1860, is a founding date in the Kingdom's institutional history. Orélie-Antoine de Tounens then undertook a political and monarchical project in Araucania, in the context of relations between the Mapuche authorities and the Chilean state.
This unique historical experience gave rise to a dynastic tradition that continued through several rulers.
The current Royal House preserves the memory of this history, its symbols, institutional documents and testimonies relating to the various reigns.
Prince Antoine V considers the preservation of this heritage as an essential responsibility for his function.
This approach concerns as much the history of Orélie-Antoine de Tounens as the historical relations between Araucania, Patagonia and the Mapuche people.
Prince Antoine V in Wallmapu: relations with the Mapuche people
Relations with the Mapuche people are one of the main focuses of Prince Antoine V's contemporary action.
From 19 January to 6 February 2026, he carried out a mission to Wallmapu, the ancestral territory of the Mapuche people, located in southern Chile and Argentina.
This visit represented an important step in the contemporary presence of the Royal House in Araucania, after several decades without moving a ruler of this tradition to the region.
During this mission, Prince Antoine V met with representatives of Mapuche communities, traditional authorities, cultural actors and academic interlocutors.
Discussions included:
- The history of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia.
- The memory of Orélie-Antoine de Tounens.
- The history and traditions of the Mapuche people.
- The transmission of cultural heritage.
- Contemporary issues relating to the rights of indigenous peoples.
- The development of cultural and institutional relations.
A university meeting at Arturo Prat University
On 23 January 2026, Prince Antoine V participated in a university meeting organised by Arturo Prat University, at its site in Victoria, Araucania.
This meeting, entitled "El tratado de Tapihue y el empeño de la palabra," was dedicated to the Treaty of Tapihue of 1825 and its historical significance in relations between the Mapuche people and Chile.
Organised by the Núcleo de Investigación en Estudios Interculturales and the Doctorado en Estudios Culturales of Arturo Prat University, the Nütramkan brought together academics, Mapuche representatives and international participants.
The report published by the Arturo Prat University on 23 January 2026 explicitly mentions Laurent Lafayne under his title of Principe Antonio V de Araucanía.
This publication constitutes an external academic reference documenting its participation in this meeting devoted to history and intercultural relations.
Dialogue and Transmission in Wallmapu
Beyond this academic meeting, the mission enabled Prince Antoine V to develop relations with different communities and personalities in the region.
The exchanges focused on historical memory, Mapuche traditions, heritage preservation and issues relating to the future of indigenous peoples.
This presence reflects the Royal Household's desire to maintain a direct dialogue with the Wallmapu and to develop relations based on listening, respect and knowledge of its history.
Perquenco: a historic cooperation agreement with the Chilean municipality
On July 9, 2026, a Declaration of Friendship and Mutual Cooperation was signed between the municipality of Perquenco, Chile, and the French association Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud, of which Prince Antoine V is honorary president.
Located in the Araucania region, Perquenco occupies a special place in the history of the Kingdom. It is considered by the tradition of the Royal House as its historical capital, in reference to the founding events of 1860 and the history of Orélie-Antoine de Tounens.
This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the municipality and the French association in the fields of culture, education, research, tourism and the enhancement of historical heritage.
Among the initiatives envisaged is the creation and enhancement of a museum space dedicated to the history of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia.
The project includes portraits of the nine successive sovereigns, historical documents, heritage testimonies and a reproduction of the Kingdom's crown.
Prince Antoine V supported this initiative and participated in the signing ceremony by videoconference, during which he exchanged views with Mayor Alejandro Sepúlveda and the Chilean participants.
This partnership represents an approach to cultural and institutional cooperation between France and Chile around the historical memory of Perquenco.
It also helps to strengthen the links between the Royal House, local stakeholders and initiatives to preserve Araucania's heritage.
The Global Indigenous Monarchical Alliance (GIMA): an international initiative between indigenous monarchical traditions
On May 25, 2026, in Barcelona, the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia participated in the founding of the Global Indigenous Monarchical Alliance (GIMA).
This international initiative aims to develop relations, cooperation and solidarity between monarchical traditions and indigenous institutions in different regions of the world.
The founding of the alliance was led by Dame Nina Saleh Ahmed, Duchess of Neuquén, and Werken Reynaldo Mariqueo, Duke of Meli-Peuko, its founding directors.
The founding members include:
- Prince Anthony V of Araucania and Patagonia.
- His Majesty King Dada Agonlinhossou Yêto Kandji of Benin.
- Prince Mohammad Soleh Ridwan of Indonesia.
The Global Indigenous Monarchical Alliance aims to:
- Develop dialogue between indigenous monarchical traditions.
- Promote cultural and institutional exchanges.
- Contribute to the preservation of historical heritage.
- Encourage international cooperation.
- Promote knowledge of the identities and rights of indigenous peoples.
Prince Antoine V's participation in the founding of this alliance is part of the Maison Royale's international network of dialogue between historical traditions and indigenous institutions.
This initiative is one of the major developments in the Royal Household's international relations in 2026.
Kingdoms in exile and human rights: an international meeting in Bath
On 19 and 20 September 2026, Prince Antoine V participated in the organisation of the international event "Kingdoms in Exile and Human Rights" in Bath, UK.
Held around Fairfield House and Guildhall Bath, the meeting brought together more than 60 participants from Ethiopian and Rastafari communities, academia, cultural circles and human rights organisations.
The programme addressed political exile, historical memory, people's rights, cultural transmission and heritage preservation.
Fairfield House: Memoirs of Ethiopian Imperial Exile
On Saturday, September 19, part of the meetings took place at Fairfield House, the former exile residence of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia.
This historic site occupies a special place in the memory of the Ethiopian imperial exile in the United Kingdom.
The exchanges made it possible to address the history of exile, relations between communities, the memory of sovereigns and the transmission of cultural heritage.
A dinner-debate brought together more than sixty participants around these topics.
Guildhall of Bath: screening of the film Inarumen and intercultural dialogue
On Sunday 20 September 2026, the meetings continued at the Guildhall in Bath, in the Council Chamber.
The programme included the screening of the film Inarumen, directed by Agnès Biscaichipy, as well as interventions on historical memory, cultural identity and the rights of indigenous peoples.
The day was also marked by a ceremony of distinctions presided over by Prince Antoine V.
This international meeting brought together representatives of different communities, academics, cultural personalities and actors involved in the defence of human rights.
Professor Shawn Sobers distinguished by Prince Antoine V
At the event in Bath in September 2026, Prince Antoine V presented Professor Shawn Sobers of the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) with the distinction of Knight of the Royal, Civil and Military Order of the Crown of Steel.
A socially engaged professor of practice, Shawn Sobers develops research and cultural projects around memory, identity, history and community participation.
His work has helped to publicise the history of Fairfield House, the legacy of Emperor Haile Selassie I and the memory of former Ethiopian minister Blattengueta Heruy Wolde Selassie.
The distinction awarded by Prince Antoine V is intended to recognise his academic research, his cultural commitment and his contribution to the enhancement of this historical heritage.
This recognition was confirmed by an official publication of the University of the West of England, UWE Bristol, on 24 September 2026, entitled "Professor receives international honour during commemorative event for historical Ethiopian diplomat."
This academic publication is an important external reference for the activities of Prince Anthony V in Bath and the distinction awarded to Professor Shawn Sobers.
Participation in the UNPO 35th Anniversary Conference in The Hague
On 27 and 28 August 2026, representatives of the Royal Household participated in the conference in The Hague to mark the 35th anniversary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO).
This international organisation works on issues of representation, peoples' rights and the protection of communities that do not have a fully recognised state representation.
The participation of representatives of the Royal Household in this meeting is part of a process of dialogue with international organisations and actors working on the rights of peoples and issues of self-determination.
It demonstrates the desire to develop institutional and international relations around issues related to indigenous peoples and their representation.
The Order of the South Star: associative commitment and cultural cooperation
Prince Antoine V is the honorary president of the French NGO Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud, an association created in October 2024.
The organisation carries out activities in the fields of the promotion of human rights, the enhancement of Mapuche culture, heritage preservation and the development of cooperation projects.
Its associative action is distinct from the institutional functions of the Royal Household, while sharing with it several objectives relating to historical transmission and intercultural dialogue.
Its initiatives include:
- Awareness of the rights of indigenous peoples.
- The enhancement of Mapuche history and culture.
- The development of cultural partnerships.
- Cooperation with local and international institutions.
- Preservation and transmission of historical heritage.
The declaration of cooperation signed with the municipality of Perquenco on 9 July 2026 is one of the important achievements of this association.
Prince Antoine V supports this associative action within the framework of his honorary responsibilities.
The Promise: The Book of Prince Antoine V of Araucania
In 2026, Laurent Lafayne, under his name of Prince Antoine V, published La Promesse, an autobiographical book devoted to his personal career, his accession to the head of the Royal House and his relationship with the history of Araucania.
The book looks back at his discovery of his distant family connection with Orélie-Antoine de Tounens, his historical research, his election on May 12, 2025, and his trip to Wallmapu.
Through this narrative, the author also evokes his encounters, his interest in the Mapuche people and his conception of responsibility attached to the princely function.
The book has been published in several languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German and English.
Its reference in the catalogue of Nouveauté Éditeurs of the Bibliothèque nationale de France is an additional bibliographical reference for this book.
The book's sales contribute to the support of the activities of the NGO Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud, according to the device announced by the author, including a contribution of one euro per copy sold.
The Promise thus constitutes a complementary personal testimony to the institutional biography of Prince Antoine V and the contemporary history of the Royal House.
Prince Antoine V's vision for the Royal House of Araucania and Patagonia
Since his election on 12 May 2025, Prince Antoine V has developed a vision of the Royal House based on historical continuity, the transmission of heritage and international openness.
Its action is based on a number of complementary guidelines.
Preserving the history and memory of the Kingdom.
Preserve the archives, historical documents, symbols and memory of successive sovereigns, while making known the history of Orélie-Antoine de Tounens and the founding events of 1860.
Maintain dialogue with the Mapuche people.
Develop relations with communities, traditional representatives and cultural actors in Wallmapu, in a process of listening, respect and transmission.
Developing international relations.
Promote exchanges with personalities, institutions, academics and representatives of historical and indigenous traditions from different continents.
Enhancing cultural heritage.
Encourage museum, educational and heritage initiatives, particularly in Perquenco, around the history of the Kingdom and the memory of Araucania.
Contribute to the dialogue on human rights.
Support meetings and initiatives that promote knowledge of the rights of indigenous peoples, the fight against discrimination and dialogue between cultures.
For Prince Anthony V, the continuity of the Royal House is not limited to the preservation of titles, traditions and symbols. It also implies a contemporary presence, human and institutional relations and action aimed at the transmission of history and cooperation between peoples.
The Royal House of Araucania and Patagonia remains a historical and dynastic institution in exile, without international recognition as a sovereign state.
Through his activities, Prince Antoine V intends to preserve this heritage and develop his knowledge on an international scale.
Institutional information on Prince Antoine V
- Civil name : Laurent Lafayne.
- Name of reign : Antoine V d'Araucanie et de Patagonie.
- Title : His Royal Highness Prince Antoine V.
- Function : Head of the Royal House of Araucania and Patagonia.
- Dynastic position : Ninth sovereign according to the institutional tradition of the Royal Household.
- Election : 12 May 2025.
- Abdication du prédécesseur : 16 février 2025.
- Couronnement : 22 novembre 2025, Monaco.
- Formation : Mastère Spécialisé en Management et Gestion de Patrimoine, SKEMA Business School.
- Engagement associatif : Président d'honneur de l'ONG Ordre de l'Étoile du Sud.
- Engagement international : Participation à la fondation de la Global Indigenous Monarchical Alliance (GIMA), le 25 mai 2026.
- Ouvrage : La Promesse (2026).
Questions fréquentes sur le Prince Antoine V d'Araucanie et de Patagonie
Qui est le Prince Antoine V d'Araucanie et de Patagonie ?
Le Prince Antoine V, né Laurent Lafayne, est le neuvième souverain selon la tradition dynastique de la Maison Royale d'Araucanie et de Patagonie. Il a été élu le 12 mai 2025 et dirige depuis cette date la Maison Royale.
Depuis quand Laurent Lafayne est-il Prince d'Araucanie ?
Laurent Lafayne a été élu sous le nom de règne d'Antoine V le 12 mai 2025, à la suite de l'abdication du Prince Frédéric Ier, intervenue le 16 février 2025.
Où a eu lieu le couronnement du Prince Antoine V ?
Le couronnement du Prince Antoine V s'est déroulé à Monte-Carlo, en Principauté de Monaco, le 22 novembre 2025.
Quel est le lien entre Antoine V et Orélie-Antoine de Tounens ?
Orélie-Antoine de Tounens est le fondateur historique du Royaume d'Araucanie et de Patagonie en 1860. Laurent Lafayne indique partager avec lui un lien de parenté éloigné.
Le Prince Antoine V s'est-il rendu au Wallmapu ?
Oui. Il a effectué une mission au Wallmapu du 19 janvier au 6 février 2026, avec des rencontres auprès de représentants de communautés Mapuche, d'autorités traditionnelles et d'interlocuteurs universitaires.
Quel est le rôle du Prince Antoine V auprès du peuple Mapuche ?
Il développe des relations avec les représentants et les communautés Mapuche autour de la mémoire historique, de la culture, du patrimoine et des droits des peuples autochtones.
Pourquoi Perquenco est-elle importante pour la Maison Royale ?
Perquenco est considérée par la tradition de la Maison Royale comme sa capitale historique. Le 9 juillet 2026, une déclaration d'amitié et de coopération a été signée entre sa municipalité et l'ONG Ordre de l'Étoile du Sud, dont le Prince Antoine V est président d'honneur.
Qu'est-ce que la Global Indigenous Monarchical Alliance (GIMA) ?
La GIMA est une initiative internationale fondée le 25 mai 2026 à Barcelone pour développer la coopération entre traditions monarchiques et institutions autochtones. Le Prince Antoine V a participé à sa fondation.
What are Prince Antoine V's activities in Bath?
On 19 and 20 September 2026, Prince Antoine V participated in the organisation of the international meeting "Kingdoms in Exile and Human Rights," with events at Fairfield House and Guildhall in Bath.
What distinction did Prince Antoine V give to Professor Shawn Sobers?
He awarded her the distinction of Knight of the Royal, Civil and Military Order of the Crown of Steel, in recognition of her academic work and her commitment to the historical memory of Fairfield House.
What book did Prince Antoine V publish?
Prince Antoine V published La Promesse in 2026, an autobiographical book devoted to his career, his election and his relationship with the history of Araucania and the Mapuche people.
Is the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia an internationally recognised state?
No. The Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia is now represented by a historic and dynastic Royal House in exile, which does not enjoy international recognition as a sovereign state.
MAISON ROYALE D'ARAUCANIE ET DE PATAGONIE
Site institutionnel : https://www.royalhousearaucania.org/
Site officiel : https://www.araucanie-patagonie.org/