Princess Charlene accompanies Prince Albert to mass in memory of his father amid split rumours

Princess Charlene of Monaco publicly supported her husband Prince Albert this afternoon as the pair attended a memorial mass for his father Prince Rainier III. 

Tomorrow marks the 18th anniversary of Rainier’s death. The late royal passed away following a heart attack in April 2005.

Before his sudden death at the age of 82, the father-of-three had been Monaco’s ruler for just shy of 56 years.

This afternoon, a celebration of Rainier’s life was held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Monaco-Ville – which is where Rainier and his former Hollywood actress wife Grace Kelly are buried.

As they arrived at the mass, Charlene and Albert – who were recently rumoured to have split after the Princess was pictured without her wedding ring – briefly brushed hands by climbing the steps to the cathedral. 

For the sombre occasion, Charlene donned a minimal grey coat – which she wore over a black-and-white checked top.

The mother-of-two donned a matching grey geometric pleated skirt with an oversized black leather belt.  

To finish off her sleek ensemble, Charlene wore a pair of black leather stiletto heels and sheer tights. 

She styled her short blonde hair in a side parting and wore minimal jewellery for the memorial – opting for two diamond stud earrings. 

Meanwhile, her husband Albert looked suitably smart in a black suit and tie as he paid his respects to his late father.

The ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of Monaco Dominique Marie David – who has held the position since March 2020.

Before heading into the cathedral, Albert and Charlene were pictured exchanging pleasantries with the Archbishop and other members of the church before heading inside.  

Afterwards, Charlene – who was by her husband’s side for the entire occasion – took the time to thank the Archbishop for putting together the memorial. 

Princess Charlene looked chic in a minimal grey coat, pleated skirt and black high heels for the service

The couple – who hit back at rumours of a split last month – briefly brushed hands as they arrived

The couple pictured greeting members of the church ahead of the memorial for Prince Rainier – who died 18 years ago on April 6

Prince Raininer III and Grace Kelly pictured in January 1956 shortly after their engagement was announced 

During an appearance in Milan last month, 44-year-old Charlene’s ring finger was noticeably bare, prompting speculation that the Monegasque royals may be planning a separation.

However, later that day, the couple made a joint appearance at the Monte Carlo Woman of the Year awards, where Charlene appeared to be proudly wearing her wedding ring – pouring cold water on the split rumours. 

Rumours about the couple’s marriage first circulated after Charlene was absent from Monaco for most of 2021 while having medical treatment in her native South Africa, and was admitted to a Swiss clinic to be treated for exhaustion on her return. 

She’s now back in full swing with royal duties and public appearances, but French magazine ROYAUTÉ claimed that the Prince and Princess are in the process of separation.

However, the Palace’s press office said they ‘formally deny the malicious rumours peddled by the magazine.

A spokesperson said: ‘I would like to formally deny the malicious rumors peddled by the French magazine Royauté. Please disregard this article which is totally unfounded.’