Princess Charlene of Monaco hopes to leave South Africa by ‘the end of October’ as split rumors rock palace
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco have been physically apart for months
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Princess Charlene of Monaco said she is "in a waiting game" to be alongside her family again.
The royal told South Africa Radio 702’s host Mandy Wiener that she expects to leave South Africa around the end of October after another medical procedure, adding that she "cannot force healing," People magazine reported on Monday.
"Initially I was supposed to be here for 10 to 12 days," the 43-year-old explained. "Unfortunately, I had a problem equalizing my ears, and I found out through the doctors that I had a sinus infection and quite a serious one. So, it’s taking time to address this problem that I’m having."
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According to the outlet, the princess had a sinus lift/bone graft in preparation for dental implants. However, she developed an infection, which has complicated matters.
Princess Charlene of Monaco told South Africa Radio 702’s host Mandy Wiener that she expects to leave South Africa around the end of October after another medical procedure. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
"I cannot force healing, so I will be grounded in South Africa until the end of October," said Charlene, noting she is due for another medical procedure.
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"I feel well, I feel good," she added.
Still, Charlene admitted that being far away from her husband Prince Albert and their twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques has made the ordeal more difficult.
"This is the longest period I’ve actually been away from Europe and my children," she said. "As I say, it’s just a waiting game. I cannot predict how my healing process will go. But yeah, I’m very sad I can’t be with my children during this summer in Europe."
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The princess said that while in her native country, she has kept busy with the work of her foundation, as well as becoming personally involved with rhinoceros conservation. She has also been rooting for her country at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco present twins Princess Gabriella of Monaco and Prince Jacques of Monaco at the Palace Balcony on January 7, 2015 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Villard/Niviere/PLS Pool/Getty Images)
On Friday, sources told People magazine that a trip involving Albert, 63, and their twins, 6, is being considered for "the end of August if the political situation allows." The family previously visited South Africa in early June.
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The separation between Charlene and Albert, 63, has sparked rumors of an impending split.
According to the outlet, Charlene traveled to her homeland in early May to participate in activities supporting her South Africa foundation. In late June, Charlene announced she is being forced to miss her 10th anniversary with Albert due to additional surgery required after complications from a previous procedure.
In mid-July, Charlene told South African outlet Channel24 that she was experiencing ear, nose and throat troubles.
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"I was instructed by the doctors that I can’t fly yet because I’m unable to equalize my ears and therefore cannot fly above 20,000 feet… due to the pressure," Charlene explained, as quoted by the outlet. "I miss my husband, my babies – Jacqui and Bella – and my doggies terribly, [but] I can’t force a recovery of bone and membrane – it takes time."
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IOC member Prince Albert of Monaco attends day four of the swimming competition of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 27, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Still, European tabloids have insisted that the couple’s separation goes far deeper than health woes. Sources alleged to France’s Paris Match that Charlene has "no intention of returning" while Germany’s Bunte claimed Charlene was house-hunting near Johannesburg.
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The rumors intensified when Albert attended the Tokyo Olympics solo despite the prince being a longtime member of the International Olympic Committee. Charlene is also a former Olympic swimmer.
In June, Charlene told People magazine in a statement that she’s hopeful for the future.
"My daily conversations with Albert and my children help me keep my spirits up a lot, but I miss their presence very much," she said. "I can’t wait for us to be together."
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Princess Charlene of Monaco, a former Olympian, married the son of Grace Kelly on July 1, 2011. The wedding was a spectacle, costing an estimated $70 million for the four-day event. They welcomed twins in 2014. (Photo by Patrick Aventurie/WireImage/Getty Images)
The celebrated athlete married the son of Grace Kelly on July 1, 2011. The wedding was a spectacle, costing an estimated $70 million for the four-day event. They welcomed twins in 2014.
Their planned public anniversary celebration was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.