Princess Charlene of Monaco has released a stylish video promoting her anti-poaching campaign from her South African bolthole – after missing a No Time To Die screening in Monte Carlo with her husband Prince Albert.
In the clip, which was shared to Instagram today, the former Olympian, 43, said she has ‘rediscovered her love for Africa’ while undertaking her Rhino conservation initiative in her native South Africa.
Yesterday Prince Albert, 63, attended a charity screening of the new James Bond film at the Monte Carlo Opera, in his latest in a string of public appearances without his wife.
Charlene has spent the past several months in South Africa being treated for an ear and throat infection she contracted in May, following a sinus lift and bone graft procedure she’d undergone prior to her arrival in preparation for dental implants.
As a result, the mother-of-two missed her 10 year wedding anniversary and is not expected to return to the principality until October, after undergoing a ‘four-hour operation under general anaesthesia’ in August – although it was not made clear whether this was linked to the sinus infection.
Despite Charlene being admitted to hospital earlier this month after a ‘sudden collapse’ rumours are rife that a rift with Prince Albert, rather than health issues, is what’s keeping her away from Monaco.
Princess Charlene of Monaco (pictured) has released a stylish video promoting her anti-poaching campaign from her South African bolthole – after missing a No Time To Die screening in Monte Carlo with her husband Prince Albert
In the clip, which was shared to Instagram today, the former Olympian (pictured), 43, said she has ‘rediscovered her love for Africa’ while undertaking her Rhino conservation initiative in her native South Africa
Yesterday Prince Albert (pictured right, with Sharon Stone), 63, attended a charity screening of the new James Bond film at the Monte Carlo Opera, in his latest in a string of public appearances without his wife
In the slick video for her campaign, a narrator said: ‘The pictures of her Serene Highness Princess Charlene with the animals and rangers sparked massive interest in rhino conservation worldwide.
‘The princess wants to fan a spark in the flames about awareness of conservation and the importance of reconnecting with nature.
‘”This entire experience moved me”, said the princess. “I connected with amazing people and spoke to the local trackers and anti-poaching units who all have an incredible passion for protecting our rhinos and environment.”
‘She continued: “It filled me with immense joy to reconnect with the African people and spirit of them. I was fascinated to learn more about the areas history and culture.
‘”How fitting to rediscover my love for Africa at the aptly named Thanda meaning Love in the Zulu language.”
‘After seeing the princess and the rhinos at Thanda Safari on Instagram, the world wanted to know what’s happening with the rhinos, why they were being dehorned and how they could protect the rhinos.’
Charlene has spent the past several months in South Africa being treated for an ear and throat infection she contracted in May, following a sinus lift and bone graft procedure she’d undergone prior to her arrival in preparation for dental implants
As a result, the mother-of-two missed her 10 year wedding anniversary and is not expected to return to the principality until October, after undergoing a ‘four-hour operation under general anaesthesia’ in August – although it was not made clear whether this was linked to the sinus infection
Last night, Prince Albert was joined on the red carpet by actress Sharon Stone, 63, for a first look at the eagerly anticipated James Bond release – Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as the iconic secret agent.
The Sovereign Prince of Monaco looked suitably dapper in a white tuxedo jacket that even Bond would be proud of as he posed for photos alongside the Stone.
It was their second joint appearance in less than a week, with both having previously attended the 2021 Monte Carlo Gala for Planetary Health on September 23. Charlene was noticeably absent from the event.
It comes just weeks after Prince Albert hit back at rumours of a rift in his marriage – insisting Charlene ‘didn’t leave in a huff’ and remains in South Africa only because of ‘medical complications’ following a ‘severe ear, nose and throat infection’.
The royal told People that the speculation over the state of his relationship with the Olympic swimmer, 43, has ‘affected’ them both, but that he didn’t address it early because he ‘was concentrating on taking care of the kids’.
Charlene, who wed the prince in 2011 and has two children, six-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, with Albert, has been in her native South Africa for several months after contracting the infection in May.
Despite Charlene being admitted to hospital earlier this month after a ‘sudden collapse’ rumours are rife that a rift with Prince Albert, rather than health issues, is what’s keeping her away from Monaco
In the slick video for her campaign, a narrator said: ‘The pictures of her Serene Highness Princess Charlene with the animals and rangers sparked massive interest in rhino conservation worldwide’
She is not expected to return to her husband’s principality until October after experiencing complications related to a sinus lift and bone graft procedure she’d undergone before her trip for dental implants, according to the magazine.
The mother-of-two has apparently since had several corrective procedures – including one in late June that resulted in her missing her 10th wedding anniversary on July 1 and a four-hour long operation on August 13.
On September 1, Charlene was admitted to a local hospital after suddenly ‘collapsing’. She was later released but doctors are ‘still establishing exactly what happened’, according to a statement from Chantell Wittstock, director of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
Speaking to People, Albert said: ‘She didn’t leave Monaco in a huff! She didn’t leave because she was mad at me or at anybody else… She didn’t go into exile. It was absolutely just a medical problem which had to be treated.’
He added that his wife had planned to travel to South Africa to reassess her foundation’s work and to spend time with her brother and friends.
But the ’10-day maximum stay’ has lasted several months because of the infection, which the prince said resulted in ‘all these medical complications’.
Last night, Prince Albert (pictured with his children) was joined on the red carpet by actress Sharon Stone, 63, for a first look at the eagerly anticipated James Bond release – Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as the iconic secret agent
Yet the last time Charlene was spotted in Monaco was in January, and the extended time apart from her husband and two children has sparked speculation about the state of the royals’ marriage.
Albert admitted he ‘probably should have addressed’ the rumours sooner, but was ‘concentrating on taking care of the kids’ and believed they would just ‘go away’.
Wednesday’s charity screening was organised by the Princess Grace Foundation to support emerging talents in theater, dance and film.
For the sum of $2,500 (£1,862) guests were given an exclusive opportunity to attend the event, with a screening of the latest Bond film followed by a dinner in the Monte Carlo Casino lounge.
The event also pays tribute to Sir Roger Moore, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 89 and memorably played Bond seven times – more than any other actor.
‘Of course it affects her, of course it affects me,’ he told the magazine. ‘Misreading events is always detrimental… We’re an easy target, easily hit, because we’re in the public eye a lot.’
Charlene, 43, who was last seen in Monaco in January, shared professional photographs of a reunion with her family on Instagram last month (pictured)
Charlene and Albert reunited in August for the first time in months after the monarch and their children flew to South Africa, but photographs of the pair embracing were branded ‘awkward’ by a body language expert.
In recent weeks, lifestyle magazines across Europe have speculated feverishly that the royal couple could be headed for divorce. French magazine Madame Figaro stated the images ‘failed to convince the Monegasques’ amid reports Charlene is looking for a house in Johannesburg.
According to The Telegraph, the magazine asked: ‘How long can she remain away from her children, her duties?’
‘How long will the fight against rhinoceros poaching remain the Princess of Monaco’s top priority?
‘How long will Albert II of Monaco go on bearing this affront, which is becoming ridiculous?’
Historian Philippe Delorme said that ‘lots of people got the impression it was an arranged marriage’ between Charlene and Albert, adding: ‘Albert chose a wife who resembled his mother, and Charlene clearly felt very ill at ease in this Grace Kelly role they wanted her to play’
The mounting speculation about the couple’s marriage comes after Charlene shared professional photographs of her reunion with Prince Albert online, saying she was ‘thrilled’ to have her family back.
She shared a series of photos cuddled up with her kids in South Africa with the caption: ‘I am so thrilled to have my family back with me (Gabriella decided to give herself a haircut!!!) Sorry my Bella I tried my best to fix it,’ referring to her daughter’s choppy fringe.
However a body language expert told FEMAIL Charlene showed ‘no emotional bond’ towards her husband Prince Albert in the images.
Judi James said that rather than being the loved-up reunion photo one would expect of a couple surrounded by split rumours, the royals’ poses suggested ‘no signs of connection between awkward-looking Albert and Charlene’.
Charlene has been in South Africa since at least March, with media reports suggesting she is looking for a house there.
The prince, who already supports two illegitimate children, is alleged to have been in a relationship with a Brazilian woman which resulted in a daughter in 2005.
The claim, which his lawyers dismissed as a ‘hoax’, is particularly painful as he was dating Charlene at the time, having met in 2000.
However, Charlene has publicly supported her husband, and the palace have reiterated she is only in South Africa because she’s unable to fly.
On August 13, the Monaco palace released a statement saying Charlene was to undergo surgery.
It read: ‘Princess Charlene will undergo an operation today, Friday, August 13, for four hours under general anaesthesia.’
The princess will not return to Monaco until at least the end of October.
Princess Charlene, who has been well enough to conduct interviews from South Africa and has been seen out and about, has used the time to promote her anti-poaching initiative, Chasing Zero.
Charlene’s last formal engagement was on January 27 when she joined Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monte Carlo. She has not been seen at home since.
Instead she has been keeping followers updated through social media posts and media interviews, in which she has spoken candidly about missing her children and described her husband as ‘her rock’.
Mummy’s boy: Princess Charlene poses with her son Jacques, who is heir to the Monaco throne
Play time! Twins Jacques and Gabriella climb a tree in one of the photos shared on Instagram
Speaking to South Africa Radio 702’s host Mandy Wiener, the royal said: ‘[It’s] very frustrating, terribly frustrating. I can’t wait to get back to them, I can’t wait to see my children.’
Charlene revealed: ‘It’s the longest period I’ve actually been away from Europe, let alone my children, but I’m FaceTiming them most days and they’ve been here and will be returning to see me again after my procedure.
‘It’s an amazing opportunity [to be here] but I’m very sad I can’t be with my children this summer in Europe.’
She added that she was initially only supposed to be in her native South Africa for ten to 12 days for a conservation trip with her Princess Charlene of Monaco foundation.
However, the royal had a problem ‘equalising her ears’ and was told by a doctor that she was suffering from a serious sinus infection.
‘It’s taken time to address the problem that I’m having,’ explained Charlene. ‘I cannot go into full detail, but I cannot force healing so I will be grounded in South Africa until the end of October.
Charlene’s (pictured with her family) last formal engagement was on January 27 when she joined Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monte Carlo. She has not been seen at home since
‘The reason being I cannot fly above 3,000 metres otherwise I’ll have a problem with my ears.
‘I feel well, I feel good, it’s just obviously a waiting game for me, but I’ve had a great opportunity to understand a little bit more about South Africa, the environment, the needs and it’s been wonderful to be back in South Africa, and I think at this time it’s crucial that people are aware of certain things via my foundation.’
Charlene joined the video interview from bush country in the KwaZulu-Natal region.
She has also shared videos released by the Monaco royal palace to mark her and Albert’s 10th wedding anniversary, which took place in July. The couple spent the milestone thousands of miles apart.
But royal sources have suggested the princess has ‘no plans’ to return soon. A palace source told Paris Match: ‘The Princess has, for the time being, in reality, no intention of returning.’
Last Monaco outing together: Charlene and Albert were last pictured together at an official event together in January at the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. Albert has made a few visits to South Africa since
Former Olympic swimmer Charlene reportedly tried to flee Monaco for her native South Africa on three separate occasions before the royal wedding. She was seen in floods of tears on her wedding day in 2011 (pictured)
The separation is also affecting Charlene’s relationship with the people of Monaco.
Stéphane Bearn uses an impeccably sourced piece in the latest Paris Match to discuss the torturous separation.
He describes subjects in Monaco becoming increasingly angry about their runaway Princess, as they criticise everything from Charlene’s mood swings to her appearance.
‘In Monaco, since the departure of Charlene, tongues have loosened,’ Mr Bearn writes. ‘In the whirlwind of a hard-nosed court, her fine shine is rubbing off. Her sad looks are regarded as haggard.
‘Disappointed Monegasques talk about her anger, her whimsical moods, which are as changeable as her hair.’
He added: ‘The Palace had to invoke a suffering Princess so often that the Monegasques today find it hard to believe. By crying wolf, the mother of Jacques and Gabriella would have discredited and isolated herself.’
During her trip, Charlene also debuted a dramatic new shaved hairstyle.
She showcased the ‘French crop’ hairdo – featuring a longer strip on top of the head and dramatically shaved back and sides – in snaps shared on her charity’s Instagram page in late May.
The royal first stepped out with a dramatic half-shaved head in December 2020 but has since gone even shorter and bolder with the cut.
Charlene and Albert’s marriage has been plagued with rumours from the start.
The couple met at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo in 2000, announced their engagement in 2010.
Former Olympic swimmer Charlene reportedly tried to flee Monaco for her native South Africa on three separate occasions before the royal wedding after discovering Albert had allegedly fathered a love child – his third – while they were together.
Monaco officials were said to have coaxed her back by brokering a deal between the Prince and his reluctant bride, saying she could leave once she had provided him with a legitimate heir.
One source said at the time: ‘Charlene will provide an heir, then if things don’t go well, she will receive a generous divorce settlement once she’s served a decent amount of time.’
Charlene was seen in floods of tears on her wedding day in 2011.
Just one year after their wedding, it was reported that Charlene was ‘depressed’ at her failure to provide her husband with a legitimate heir.
Her pregnancy was announced in May 2014, and in December that year she gave birth to twins Princess Gabriella and heir to the throne Prince Jacques.
In the 10 years since, Charlene has rarely spoken publicly of her experience.
In 2017, the Princess made an emotional return to Africa, where she spoke about how much the continent means to her.
‘I am African and this is my heritage. It will always be. It’s in my heart and in my veins,’ she told Eyewitness News.
Last year she admitted life was ‘very painful’, saying: ‘I have the privilege of having this life, but I miss my family and my friends in South Africa and I’m often sad because I cannot always be there for them.’
It’s been a tumultuous start to the year for the royal, after news emerged that her husband is facing a paternity suit over a love child born in the early years of their relationship.
The 34-year-old claimant – who cannot be named for legal reasons – says she had a passionate affair with Albert, leading to the birth of their daughter – whose name is also classified – on July 4, 2005.
Albert received a handwritten letter from the child, who is now 15, in September last year reading: ‘I don’t understand why I grew up without a father, and now that I have found you, you don’t want to see me.’
Legal papers were also filed, as lawyers for the claimant called on Albert to undergo a DNA test – just as he did before finally being identified as the father of two illegitimate children born in the 1990s and early 2000s.
In January, Charlene spoke publicly for the first time since the allegations, telling Point de Vue: ‘When my husband has problems, he tells me about it. I often tell him, “No matter what, no matter what, I’m a thousand percent behind you. I’ll stand by you whatever you do, in good times or in bad.”
The mother-of-two went on to say she also often tells her husband she will ‘protect him’ and will ‘always be by his side.’
Charlene, who was raised in South Africa and represented the country at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, travelled to Thanda Safari in KwaZulu-Natal in January to learn more about being done by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa to help save rhinos from poachers.
The princess took part in conservation operations including rhino monitoring and tracking, deployment with the Anti-Poaching Unit, educational wildlife photography sessions, and a White Rhino dart and dehorning exercise.
Keeping up appearances! How Monaco’s royal palace released a series of videos showing Prince Albert and Charlene’s romance while they were thousands of miles apart
While Charlene hasn’t returned to Monaco since October, the royal court has released a series of videos celebrating the love story of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene.
The latest video was shared on Instagram as part of a series of clips celebrating the couple’s 10th anniversary, which took place on 1st July.
Entitled ‘One Country, One Family,’ the sweet footage focuses on Princess Charlene, 43 and 63-year-old Albert’s twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, six.
The heartwarming video follows Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques as they take their first steps in Monaco’s public life – from the very moment their proud parents introduced them to the public from the palace’s balcony following their birth on December 10, 2014.
The twins’ baptism follows, including a series of footage where the adorable newborns accompany their parents throughout Monaco’s annual events – including Sainte Devote celebrations.
The slickly-produced videos capture the twins as they turn from quiet babies to independent six-year-olds, attending their country’s national events with the poise of seasoned royals.
Among other moments captured is Princess Gabriella taking the mic from her mother’s hands during an event when she was two, and the twins enjoying a ride a merry-go-round.
The twins have been part of Monaco’s public holidays since their birth, including the Principality’s national day in 2015, pictured
The Royal Palace of Monaco has released a new video highlighting the important place the children of Princess Charlene, 43 and Prince Albert, 63, hold in the heart of Monaco’s public life. Twins Princess Gabrielle and Prince Jacques were born on December 10 2014 and were presented to the public a few days later, pictured
Alongside the video, an accompanying post reads: ‘Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene watch over Their children’s first steps into official life, which is closely associated with the history and traditions of Monaco.’
‘Every year, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella take part in the festivities of the cavagnetù, the back-to-school picnic, the setting ablaze of the boat of Saint Devote, the Principality’s patron saint, every 26 January, and in June, they attend the batafoegu, the bonfire lit on the Palace Square for St John’s Day.’
It continues: ‘Visits to the elderly, sporting events, awareness-raising operations for the protection of nature.’
‘The Marquis des Baux and the Countess of Carladès, now six years old, tenderly guided by Their Parents, discover the major events that punctuate the official calendar and celebrate the links between Monegasques and the Prince’s Family,’
‘On 19 November 2020, they joined the National Day ceremonies organised in the Cour d’Honneur of the Grimaldi residence for the first time.’
Days before Monaco’s royal palace has released another video celebrating Prince Albert and Princess Charlene’s joint engagements.
The video, titled ‘work together for a more sustainable and inclusive future’, was released on the palace’s Instagram account yesterday and shows the couple on state visits, at charity events and rubbing shoulders with Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry.
The official Palais Princier de Monaco Instagram account has also shared a video titled, ‘two paths, one destination’, charting Charlene and Albert’s lives before they met each other.
The clips cover the fanfare that surrounded Albert’s birth, his time on the Monaco Winter Olympic bobsleigh team and his early years as a working royal, as well as Charlene’s journey from South African schoolgirl to Olympic swimmer.
The 1 minute 50 second video ends with Albert clapping Charlene at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo in 2000, where the two first met.
In early July, Princess Charlene shared a slickly-produced video documenting her royal wedding to Prince Albert on Instagram, a day after the couple spent their 10th anniversary apart.
The two-minute long video, titled ‘Chapter 1: A New Princess for Monaco’, on her official account this morning.
Set to stirring classical music, the video montage offers a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary time, effort and cost that went into staging the couple’s civil wedding on July 1, 2011. A religious ceremony was held the following day and a two-day national holiday was declared to mark the occasion.
Clips show Charlene and Alber, exchanging vows in front of close family and friends in the Throne Room of the Prince’s Palace, and sharing a kiss on the palace balcony to the delight of a cheering crowd. The couple also appeared on stage together at a celebratory concert for the public.