Prince Albert’s Wife Princess Charlene Posts Rare Photographs Amid ‘Trying’ Separation As She Recovers From Surgery

Jul 16, 2021

Princess Charlene of Monaco has shared that she has been going through a difficult time since undergoing surgery and enduring isolation from her family. The former Olympian, 43, was raised in South Africa and returned there to recuperate from her operation which took place in late June 2021. The timing of the separation meant Princess Charlene was forced to miss her 10 year wedding anniversary with Prince Albert on July 1. 

In May, Princess Charlene experienced multiple complex procedures to correct a severe ear, nose and throat infection. It has been reported that she needed another surgery to address complications from a previous operation. She has not yet returned to Monaco and has remained in isolation under the advice of her medical team, but says that she misses her husband and children immensely.  

The couple share two children, 6-year-old twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques. In a series of photos shared to the princess’s Instagram account, Charlene is seen making blankets for local children and video chatting with Gabriella and Jacques at the same time. Princess Charlene has been sporting a “half-hawk,” which is a shorter hairstyle, since December. 

In the photos, Princess Charlene looks incredibly forlorn and you can tell how much she misses her family. She can be seen blowing kisses to her son and daughter and showing off the materials for the blankets she is making. It is nice that she is keeping busy by helping others, but we hope she can return to her loved ones soon. Read on to learn more details about Princess Charlene’s time in isolation. 

The caption on Princess Charlene’s Instagram photos says, "Spending time with Jacqui and Bella(;) making blankets for the crèche next door. Wish me luck." In one of the pictures, she is standing next to conservation posters that read "Save our elephants" and "Save the rhino.”

Princess Charlene told Channel 24, “It's been a trying time for me. I miss my husband and children dearly. What has been extremely difficult for me was when I was instructed by my medical team that I could not return home for my 10th wedding anniversary. Albert is my rock and strength and without his love and support I would not have been able to get through this painful time."

The principality also released a statement on behalf of the family. It said: "Her Serene Highness is finding it extremely difficult to be away from her husband and children at this time. The recovery period is long and painful, still eliminating flight between procedures as this will most certainly be detrimental to the success of her treatment. The road ahead is a long and painful one. The South African foundation team is striving to keep HSH in good spirits by executing the projects that she initially came to South Africa to work on. These are very close to her heart."

The princess, who is still recovering in South Africa, did not make it home in time for her anniversary and said to Channel 24 news: "(The) gifts and contributions, support, and trust have enabled our foundations to achieve many of our goals. All of this would not have been possible without you. The greatest gift you can give us is to help someone else by supporting our foundations."

Did you know Prince Albert and Princess Charlene have been married for a decade? What do you think of Princess Charlene staying separate from her family? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your loved ones.