 Prince Michel was one of 3000 prisoners to survive of the 12,000 French prisoners taken by the Viet Minh.A "chevalier" of France's Legion of Honour, for his services during war, he was also awarded the British Military Cross and the "Croix de guerre".Demobilized at the age of 20 the prince became a race car driver, participating in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1964  and 1966.