The Promise - The Book of Prince Antoine V of Araucania and Patagonia
The Promise: Journey to the Heart of the Kingdom of Araucania It is the first work by H.R.H. Prince Antoine V of Araucania and Patagonia, whose civil name is Laurent Lafayne. Published in 2026, this personal account traces a unique journey, from the discovery of the history of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia to the election of its author as the ninth ruler of the dynastic tradition, on May 12, 2025, and then to his journey to the heart of Wallmapu, the ancestral territory of the Mapuche people, in southern Chile.
At the crossroads of autobiographical narrative, historical testimony and travelogue, La Promesse addresses the memory of Orélie-Antoine de Tounens, the history of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, the transmission of a heritage and encounters with Mapuche communities.
This book tells the story of how a family and historical discovery has gradually turned into research, encounters and personal commitment. He proposes to the reader to follow the path of a man who became Prince Antoine V, confronted with the responsibility of transmitting a story and giving a contemporary meaning to this heritage.
The Promise: A personal story at the heart of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia
The starting point of the book is a discovery: that of a distant relationship between Laurent Lafayne and Antoine de Tounens, historical founder of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia in the nineteenth century.
This discovery first arouses a curiosity for a little-known page in South American history. The readings and research devoted to Antoine de Tounens and the monarchical tradition of Araucania gradually led the author to deepen this heritage.
Over the years, the encounters and responsibilities linked to this history have become increasingly important in his career. The story returns in particular to his presentation to the Council of the Kingdom and his election on 12 May 2025 under the name of Antoine V.
This stage is a central moment of The Promise. The author discusses his accession to the sovereign function, the continuity of the dynastic tradition and the personal commitments that accompany this new responsibility.
Orélie-Antoine de Tounens: The origins of the Kingdom's history
The story of Orélie-Antoine de Tounens occupies an essential place in the book.
A French lawyer from Périgord, Orélie-Antoine de Tounens travelled to Araucania in the nineteenth century. In 1860, he proclaimed the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia in the context of relations with the Mapuche authorities and communities.
His career, the historical circumstances of this proclamation and the memory that developed around his figure constitute the historical thread of the work.
Through his own journey, Laurent Lafayne tells how the interest in this story has been transformed into a reflection on the transmission, memory and contemporary place of the Royal House of Araucania and Patagonia.
The book thus allows you to discover a unique history, situated at the crossroads of the history of France, Chile, Araucania and Patagonia.
In the heart of Wallmapu: travel and encounters with the Mapuche people
A major part of La Promesse is devoted to the author's journey to Wallmapu, the ancestral territory of the Mapuche people in southern Chile.
This immersion is a decisive step in his journey. It allows him to discover more directly the cultural and human realities of an indigenous people whose history is closely linked to that of Araucania.
The story evokes traditional ceremonies, exchanges with lonkos, traditional authorities, werken, representatives and spokesmen, and machi, spiritual and medicinal authorities, as well as meetings with families, young people and elders.
Through these experiences, the author describes the richness of Mapuche traditions, the depth of their collective memory and the aspirations of communities to recognize their rights and identity.
The Wallmapu is therefore not simply the setting for a travelogue. It is one of the essential places for personal reflection developed in the book, particularly on the relationship between the memory of the Kingdom and the Mapuche people.
Laurent Lafayne, Prince Antoine V: author of The Promise
Laurent Lafayne, known by his title of H.R.H. Prince Antoine V of Araucania, was elected on 12 May 2025 as head of the Royal House of Araucania and Patagonia.
As the ninth ruler of this tradition and head of the Royal House, he intends to continue a work of historical transmission, institutional representation and awareness of the history of Araucania and Patagonia.
His commitment is also reflected in cultural, heritage and associative initiatives, particularly in conjunction with the NGO Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud, of which he is honorary president.
With The Promise, he wrote his first book and gave a personal testimony on the steps that led him to this function, on his trip to Wallmapu and on the convictions that accompany his commitment.
A Testimony on the Culture and Rights of the Mapuche People
Beyond his personal background and dynastic memory, La Promesse addresses the issue of recognition of the Mapuche people, their culture and their heritage.
The encounters mentioned in the book give a human dimension to this reflection. They provide a better understanding of the place of traditions, community authorities and intergenerational transmission in Mapuche life.
The book is thus part of an effort to raise awareness of the history of indigenous peoples, their rights and the preservation of their cultural identity.
It will be of particular interest to readers who wish to discover:
- The history of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia.
- The life and journey of Orélie-Antoine de Tounens.
- The personal journey of Laurent Lafayne, Prince Antoine V.
- The Mapuche people and the ancestral territory of Wallmapu.
- The history of Chile and Patagonia.
- Issues of historical memory, indigenous heritage and human rights.
- Autobiographical stories and travel stories.
The Promise: a bibliographical reference to the Bibliothèque nationale de France
The book The Promise: Journey to the Heart of the Kingdom of Araucania is included in the "Novelités Éditeurs" department of the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF).
This bibliographical reference makes it possible to identify the work and to consult the editorial information provided to the BnF.
Référence bibliographique :
- Title : The Promise: Journey to the Heart of the Kingdom of Araucania
- Subtitle : The testimony of a Prince, a People and the promise that unites them
- Auteur indiqué : Prince Antoine V d'Araucanie
- Publisher : Royaume d'Araucanie et de Patagonie
- Date of publication indicated : August 23 2026
- Support : Printed, hardcover book
- Pagination : 93 pages
- EAN : 9798193710561
- The Promise on the official website of BnF
This reference is a bibliographical reference for readers, booksellers and people wishing to find the book's editorial information.
Buy The Promise - The Book of Prince Antoine V
The Promise is available for ordering online.
This first book by Prince Antoine V of Araucania and Patagonia is aimed at readers interested in the history of the Kingdom, Orélie-Antoine de Tounens, the Mapuche people and personal journeys linked to historical memory.
A book combined with a commitment to solidarity
The publication of La Promesse is also accompanied by a solidarity approach.
For each copy sold of the English edition The Promise, one euro is donated to the NGO Ordre de l'Etoile du Sud.
This contribution supports the association's actions in defence of the rights, culture and heritage of the Mapuche people.
Through this initiative, the author wishes to associate the transmission of his personal narrative with a concrete commitment to this cause.
Frequently Asked Questions about the book The Promise
Who wrote The Promise?
Laurent Lafayne, who has been Prince Antoine V of Araucania and Patagonia since 12 May 2025, is the ninth ruler of the Kingdom and head of the Royal Household.
What is the subject of the book The Promise?
The book tells the story of Laurent Lafayne's personal journey, his discovery of the history of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, his election as Prince Antoine V and his trip to Wallmapu to meet the Mapuche people.
Who was Orélie-Antoine de Tounens?
Orélie-Antoine de Tounens was a French lawyer of the nineteenth century who initiated the proclamation of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia in 1860. His story is one of the book's main historical threads.
What is Wallmapu?
Wallmapu refers to the ancestral territory of the Mapuche people, located mainly in southern Chile and parts of present-day Argentina.
Is the book La Promesse referenced at the BnF?
Yes. The book is included in the New Publishers department of the Bibliothèque nationale de France under the declaration identifier 10000001391331.
Where to buy Prince Antoine V's book?
The Promise is available to order online at Amazon.
The Promise - Journey to the Heart of the Kingdom of Araucania
A book by Laurent Lafayne, Prince Antoine V of Araucania and Patagonia.
A personal narrative devoted to history, memory, encounter with the Mapuche people and the transmission of a legacy.