Princess Charlene and family reunited after 8 months apart

Princess Charlene of Monaco, 43, touched down in Monaco yesterday, after being stranded in South Africa for eight months.

According to People, Charlene took an overnight flight on a private jet, from Durban, South Africa to Nice, France. From here, Charlene boarded a helicopter, to be flown to her home in Monaco.

Princess Charlene arrived via private jet at Nice airport on November 8, where she was met by Prince Albert, and their six-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, before the family boarded a helicopter flight to the family’s home in Monaco.

Princess Charlene shared a smiling snap of her and her family upon her return, captioning the picture, “Happy day today
Thank you all for keeping me strong !! ❤”

 

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A post shared by HSH Princess Charlene (@hshprincesscharlene)

The extended absence of Princess Charlene from Monaco drew quite a media flurry, with speculation around the intentions of Charlene’s trip running rampant. This speculation lead Prince Albert to make a public statement explaining the situation, outlining that Princess Charlene experienced a medical issue that had forced her to stay in South Africa, and that their marriage remained strong, despite the distance.

Charlene’s absence meant that not only did she miss several important events in Monaco, but that the royals spent the 10th anniversary of their marriage apart.

 

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A post shared by HSH Princess Charlene (@hshprincesscharlene)

In a statement made in July, Charlene shared her sadness that she’d been grounded in South Africa due to her poor health, arising due to complications from an ear, nose, and throat infection she contracted in May.

“This year will be the first time that I’m not with my husband on our anniversary in July, which is difficult, and it saddens me,” Charlene said in the statement. “However, Albert and I had no choice but to follow the medical team’s instructions, even though it is extremely difficult. He has been the most incredible support to me.

“My daily conversations with Albert and my children help immensely to keep my spirits up, but I miss being with them. It was special to have my family visit me in South Africa, and it was truly wonderful seeing them. I can’t wait to be reunited with them.”

In August, Charlene shared in a radio interview she had not spent this long away from her children before.

“This is the longest period I’ve actually been away from Europe and my children,” she said.

“As I say, it’s just a waiting game. I cannot predict how my healing process will go. But yeah, I’m very sad I can’t be with my children during this summer in Europe.”