Laurent Lafayne
| Laurent Lafayne | |
|---|---|
 Prince Antoine V of Araucania and Patagonia.jpg Prince Antoine V d'Araucanie | |
| Born | France |
| 💼 Occupation | Banking executive and monarch |
Laurent Lafayne (born in France) is a French banking executive and symbolic monarch who was elected Prince of Araucania and Patagonia under the regnal name Antoine V on May 12, 2025. He is the ninth sovereign of the non-territorial Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia[1], originally founded in 1860 by Antoine de Tounens.[2]
Early Life and Education
Lafayne hails from a family rooted in the Dordogne[3] region of France, with ancestral ties to the village of Plazac dating back to the Middle Ages. He shares a distant familial connection with Orélie-Antoine I, the founder of the Kingdom.
He studied international marketing and later earned a specialized master’s degree in wealth management from Skema Business School[4]. Since 2000, he has worked in the banking sector in France and Monaco[5], holding positions in commercial development and auditing.
Royal Engagement and Election
Lafayne became involved in the institutions of the Kingdom in 2018 and was appointed Chancellor in 2024. On May 12, 2025, he was elected Prince in accordance with the 2016 Additional Act to the Kingdom’s Constitution. His election was formally approved by Frédéric Luz[6], marking a consensual and legitimate dynastic transition.
Humanitarian and Cultural Work
Under the guidance of Frédéric I, Lafayne co-founded the humanitarian NGO Order of the Southern Star in 2024, which supports the rights and cultural preservation of the Mapuche people[7]. He has also been active in labor union advocacy since 2004.
As Prince, Antoine V continues initiatives focused on indigenous rights, cultural heritage, and international awareness of the Mapuche cause. His reign emphasizes modernization, structural reform, and symbolic diplomacy.
Personal Interests
A passionate traveler and classic car enthusiast, Lafayne maintains close ties with the United Arab Emirates, a country he admires for its balance of tradition and innovation.
References
- ↑ Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia
- ↑ Antoine de Tounens
- ↑ Dordogne
- ↑ SKEMA Business School
- ↑ Monaco
- ↑ Prince Frédéric I
- ↑ Mapuche people
External links
- Official Site of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia
- Royal House of Araucania and Patagonia – Sovereigns
- Point de Vue - The Kingdom of Araucania and his new Prince Antoine V
- Sud Ouest – The Kingdom has a new Prince
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