Princess Charlene has returned home to Monaco after an ongoing health battle that saw her separated from her family for almost a year.
The 44 year old royal returned to the palace and was reunited with her husband Prince Albert and their two children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
The palace issued a statement on Saturday, March 12, confirming Charlene is back home and will continue her “convalescence in the Principality with her husband and her children by her side” after her recovery was progressing in a “very encouraging way”, as reported by People.
“During this period, the Royal Couple requests that their private life and that of their children continue to be respected,” the statement said.
Charlene has been notably absent from the public eye after a long-running health battle that saw her suffering from “exhaustion, both emotional and physical.”
Her health woes began during a visit to South Africa in May, 2021 that saw her stranded in the country due to “a serious sinus infection and bouts of surgery,” which prevented Charlene from flying.
Charlene’s extended absence sent the rumour mill into overdrive with many speculating marriage troubles between the Princess and her husband Prince Albert.
Rumours of marriage troubles first emerged when Prince Albert was photographed with actress Sharon Stone at the Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health and days later when the Hollywood star was spotted alongside the royal at the James Bond: No Time To Die premiere in Monaco.
Prince Albert quickly slammed rumours of perceived marriage woes between the pair, telling People “she didn’t leave because she was mad at me or at anybody else.”
“She was going down to South Africa to reassess her Foundation’s work down there and to take a little time off with her brother and some friends,” he said.
“It was only supposed to be a weeklong, 10-day maximum stay, and because she had this infection all these medical complications arose.”
Charlene eventually returned to Monaco after an eight-month absence in November 2021, however, only days later the royal was missing in action yet again after the Palace announced she would be recovering in a Swiss clinic.
“Their serene highnesses have both decided that a period of calm and rest is necessary to ensure the very best recovery for Princess Charlene’s health,” the palace said.
The recent statement from the palace indicated Charlene should return to royal duties in “the next few weeks.”
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