Returning for a price: Princess Charlene’s latest appearance leads to wild rumours

Princess Charlene of Monaco is no stranger to wild gossip and has been at the centre of rumours surrounding her health, marriage and location since stepping back from Royal duties in 2021.

Charlene’s latest public appearance at the 73rd Red Cross Gala on Tuesday, July 19, alongside her husband Prince Albert has set tongues wagging all over again.

The Princess looked exquisite in her light blue satin gown featuring crystals embroidered in a floral pattern and a simple silver necklace with a flying butterfly detail.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco step out for a charity event,at the Red Cross Gala in Monte Carlo…ice blue dress by Prada.???? pic.twitter.com/louFMLqlMk

— Agrippina (@Agrippi60415994) July 19, 2022

The French publication Voici took this latest appearance of the royals to claim that the Princess is being paid by her husband to attend such events.

The magazine claims Charlene had Albert sign an “ultra-confidential contract” to pay her 12 million euros ($17 million) a year for her presence at public events.

After a year of intrigue, the Royal made her first public appearance back in the spotlight when she attended the Monaco E Prix race with her family on April 30, which Voici claimed as the appearance that led to the contract.

Charlene first stepped out of the public eye following a health incident in May 2021 which saw her reside in South Africa at a treatment facility for a large chunk of the year.

“Her Serene Highness (HSH) Princess Charlene of Monaco was rushed to hospital by ambulance late Wednesday night after collapsing due to complications from the severe ear, nose, and throat infection she contracted in May,” the palace statement read.

“Her Highness is followed closely by her medical team, which confirms her medical state is reassuring.”