Princess Charlene’s return to Monaco: she’s finally been reunited with Prince Albert and the twins after a mysterious 10-month absence, but isn’t ready for public duties just yet

Mar 18 , 2022

Princess Charlene is back Monaco after being away for nearly a year. Photo: @princess_charlene_fanpage/Instagram

After 10 months in South Africa and Switzerland due to surgery complications and mental and physical health issues, Princess Charlene is now back in Monaco

The princess told Vogue in 2011 that dating Prince Albert was tough and she ‘lost herself’ – given her recent absence, many now wonder if she still feels the same

After a series of distressing medical emergencies, being separated from her husband and children, dramatic weight loss and a five month stay at a clinic in Switzerland – finally, Princess Charlene has returned to Monaco.

She has reunited with her husband, Prince Albert, and their children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. It marks the end of a turbulent journey that has seen the spotlight focused squarely on the princess.

But as she eases back into “normal” life, many questions and concerns about her well-being still remain. Here’s what you need to know …

1. The return

A statement by the Palais Princier confirmed that Princess Charlene had returned from a Swiss clinic to be reunited with her husband and children in Monaco. The statement said Charlene still needs “peace and calm” and that she will reprise her public duties when she feels strong enough. It also said the decision for Charlene to return came after consultation with physicians in Switzerland where it was decided she was healthy enough to go home. The statement called for privacy and for the family environment to be respected.

2. The history

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert. Photo: @hshprincesscharlene/Instagram

Charlene returned to Monaco in November 2021 after being grounded in South Africa for months because of complications around an ENT surgery, with doctors saying she could not equalise the pressure in her ears. She was later hospitalised and had several surgeries before being able to return home.

Mystery around her stay in South Africa prompted speculation around her marriage, with media reports positing that she remained in her home country as she did not want to return home to her husband. But other reports quoted a source saying Charlene’s condition had been underplayed and she had actually been severely ill during her stay.

Princess Charlene at Roc Agel. Photo: @SabineFerber/Twitter

When she first returned to Monaco, Prince Albert announced she had left again a few days later to seek treatment after it was evident she had not yet recovered. He said she was suffering from “exhaustion, both emotional and physical”. Prince Albert told People magazine it was Charlene who decided to go to a facility after she realised she needed rest. Charlene, who was visibly thinner, apparently because she could not eat much because of her surgeries, has not been seen publicly for months.