Finally, Princess Charlene Breaks Silence on Divorce Rumors!

For more than a year now since leaving Monaco for South Africa in January 2021 and extending her stay until November 2021, the marriage of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco and his wife, Princess Charlene, has been the subject of intense public speculation.

Princess Charlene and Princess Gabriella attended the Monte Carlo Fashion Awards

The rumors that they're heading to divorce reached a fever pitch when Princess Charlene failed to come home to mark their 10th wedding anniversary in July 2021.

Prince Albert and son, Prince Jacques, attended the 29th edition of World Stars Football match

Her extended stay in South Africa happened at a time Prince Albert was facing another allegation of having a third child with another woman.

Princess Charlene returned to Monaco in November 2021

A Brazilian woman filed a paternity lawsuit in Italy, claiming the prince had fathered a child with her in 2005. It was the year Prince Albert began a relationship with then Charlene Wittstock.

It was the same allegation that prompted Princess Charlene to reconsider her decision in marrying the Prince in July 2011. despite her hesitations, the royal wedding went ahead.

The Sovereign Prince of Monaco's family portrait released on Easter Sunday

Princess Charlene returned to Monaco in November 2021, visibly frail and emotionally drained. Days later, it was announced she would seek medical treatment abroad to address her severe physical and emotional exhaustion. It was further announced, it would take time before she resumes public duties.

In January this year, she had quietly returned to Monaco. Her presence in the Principality was only made public on Easter Sunday when the Prince's Palace released a family portrait of the Sovereign Prince.

Princess Charlene resumed to public life on April 30, 2022.

Princess Charlene returns to public life. Photo credit: Getty Images

Her return to royal duties did not stop rumors from spreading about their rocky marriage though. One French press outlet even went too far by claiming the Sovereign Prince agreed to pay his wife a large sum to continue attending public events with him. This wild speculation was not substantiated by the Prince's Palace officials.

Princess Charlene resumes public duties

Just days ago, Princess Charlene broke her silence and finally addressed the speculation on divorce. In an exclusive interview with Monaco-Matin, the 44-year-old former Olympian dismissed malicious allegations:

" 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, and weaknesses, only our family is exposed to the media and the slightest weakness is relayed".

She added, "We discussed these malicious articles together and he (Prince Albert) did everything to protect me and our children. I am very happy to be back home in Monaco and with my family", she said. "I received so many positive and warm messages when I was away from Monaco and I thank them for their support".

In his interview last year with People magazine, Prince Albert had also dismissed the separation rumors, insisting he and his wife are okay, without any rift.

Prince Albert told People magazine in September 2021, "She did not leave Monaco in a huff! She did not leave because she was mad at me or at anybody else. The reason she remains abroad (South Africa) is because of this infection and all these medical complications arose"

In the same interview with Monaco Matin, Princess Charlene also talked about her health for the first time. "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. When I returned to the Principality, I focused all my energy on my children, my husband, and my health because they are my priority".

It was also revealed Princess Charlene had collapsed on September 1, 2021, while still in South Africa due to complications following one of several surgeries she underwent to treat her ear, nose, and throat infections.

The Monegasque royals attend Saint devota rugby tournament at the Louis II stadium in Monaco

Following Princess Charlene's exclusive interview with Monaco-Matin, the Prince's Palace expressed hope that the press and the public will stop speculating about the couple's state of marriage.

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Following her exclusive interview with Monaco-Matin, Princess Charlene accompanied her husband on May 28 visiting the Red Bull racing garage ahead of the F1 qualifying event.

Prince Albert, Princess Charlene, and actor Patrick Dempsey

It was the first time she attended the Grand Prix-related activity since 2019.

Princess Charlene looked chic in a tunic royal blue dress from Akris which she paired with white pants and accessorized with Akris clutch bag.

Today, May 29, the Princely couple, together with the members of the House of Grimaldi, attend the first day of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix.

Princess Charlene in powder blue trousers while Princess Gabriella opted for a summery dress

Princess Charlene posted on her instagram a photo of her twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, with a caption: "Focused on the win! Here's to a great Grand Prix".