Monaco’sPrince AlbertandPrincess Charleneembarked on their first official overseas trip together since Charlene’sreturn to public lifeearlier this year — and put on a rare display of affection during one of their outings.
Outside the museum, the royal couple, who recently shot down rumors of issues in their marriage, shared an unexpected kiss.
Last month, theprincess addressed rumorssurrounding her recovery and the couple’s relationship, telling local media in Monaco that she remains “fragile” since herreturn to Monaco in Marchafter a four-month stay in a Swiss clinic, where she received treatment for profound emotional and physical exhaustion.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene.Marius Gulliksrud/Stella Pictures/ABACA/INSTARimages.com
“When I returned to the Principality, I focused all my energy on my children, my husband and my health because they are my priority,” Princess Charlene toldMonaco Matin.
“My state of health is still fragile and I don’t want to go too fast. The road has been long, difficult and so painful. Today I feel calmer,” she said.
Since her return in March, new rumors have swirled around the couple, with reports suggesting Charlene plans to leave Monaco and has bought a home outside Geneva. Charlene directly addressed the rumors last month, telling reporters: “You want to talk about rumors of divorce or my new home in Switzerland?”
“I still find it regrettable that certain media peddle such rumors about my life, my relationship,” she said. “Like everyone else, we are human beings and like all human beings we have emotions, weaknesses, only our family is exposed to the media and the slightest weakness is relayed.”
This week’s visit marks the royal couple’s return to the international stage. Making their first joint appearance together at an event outside Monaco in nearly two years, the occasion is another sign of Charlene’s recovery as she resumes her royal duties.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco.Arnold Jerocki/WireImage
Charlene first became ill while in South Africa in May 2021 for what was planned as a brief 10-day visit to her home country. However, complications from a previous ENT proceduregrounded her for six months. A series of painful corrective surgeries and a subsequent relapsedelayed her return to Monacountil mid-November.
While Albert and the couple’s children visited Charlene on several occasions, her prolonged absence from Monaco caused the princess to miss her 10th wedding anniversary and gave rise to numerous reports concerning a rift in the couple’s marriage, as well as speculation concerning the true nature and degree of her medical issues. The couple consistently denied these tabloid reports.
Princess Charlene, Prince Albert, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques.Eric Mathon / Courtesy Prince’s Palace
She also praised her husband of 10 years, calling him her “protector” for repeatedly speaking out against the rumors. Describing him as “very supportive,” she told the newspaper, “We discussed these malicious articles together and he did everything to protect me and our children.”
“Today, Charlene is back with us and this is the most beautiful thing which could have happened. She’s better, we can finally spend time together. It is a relief and a joy for all of us,” Albert added.
Princess Charlene, Princess Gabriella, Prince Albert and Prince Jacques.Eric Mathon / Palais Prince - Sven Gj Gjeruldsen / The Royal Court of Norway
The exhibition the family visited on Wednesday is dedicated to Prince Albert I of Monaco, who died in 1922. Dubbed the “Explorer Prince,” he devoted much of his life tooceanography, exploration and science. This year marks the centenary of the death of Prince Albert’s great-great-grandfather and namesake.
Earlier in the day, Charlene, whorecovered from COVID-19earlier this month, and Albert were the guests of King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway for lunch at their private residence Bygdø Kongsgaard.Newly engaged Princess Märtha Louisewas also in attendance.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were the guests of King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway at their private residence.Eric Mathon / Palais Prince - Sven Gj Gjeruldsen / The Royal Court of Norway
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source: people.com
