While most of the royal gossip out there focuses on the British royals (and what Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been doing since their big move to the US), fans of all things royal should definitely be clued in on the news coming out of the palace in Monaco. After suffering from a mystery illness during a trip to South Africa, Princess Charlene was unable to return home to her husband, Prince Albert, and their two children for six months — and now that she's back, the events that are unfolding are even stranger.
From the beginning of their marriage in 2011, there's always been a lot of gossip about Charlene and Albert's marriage — and whether or not it was going as smoothly behind the scenes as they wanted people to believe. Since then, the situation has only gotten weirder now that Charlene's health (both physical and mental) is being called into question.
What's going on with Princess Charlene and why is the status of her health such a mystery? Here's everything we know so far.
Her Odd Pre-Wedding Behavior
Before Charlene and Albert tied the knot in July 2011, her behavior was a bit strange — and didn't exactly indicate that she was a bride excited about her upcoming wedding. According to The Sun, French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche claimed that Charlene tried to flee to her home country of South Africa three times before the wedding, though spokespeople later denied that happened.
She and Albert obviously still ended up making it down the aisle, though — and people definitely noticed that Charlene was crying a bit more than brides usually do on their big day, and perhaps not happy tears.
Having Children
The Sun also reported that it was impressed upon Charlene from the beginning that producing an heir was an important part of the job, and fortunately that's something she was able to do. In December 2014, she and Albert welcomed twins Gabriella and Jacques.
Living Separate Lives
For most of their marriage, Charlene and Albert have been plagued by rumors that things weren't going as well as they seemed. French outlets have reported that the couple was living separate lives in the past — and that Charlene was even living in her own apartment, though this is something that they've denied.
Albert's Latest Paternity Scandal
Though Albert has been the subject of paternity scandals a time or two in the past, his latest took place not too long ago in December 2020. As the Daily Mail reported, a woman from Brazil claimed that he fathered a child with her in 2005 — while he and Charlene were dating, but before they got married.
Charlene's Sinus Surgery
While talking to news outlet Channel 24, Charlene revealed that before all of her health complications began, she had sinus surgery in early 2021, which included a sinus lift and bone grafts meant to prepare her for dental implants. She didn't know it at the time of her original surgery, but this would lead to a downward spiral in her health.
Charlene Travels to South Africa
In May 2021, Charlene went to South Africa to advocate against poaching, and at the time, she shared photos on her Instagram posing with the animals there.
"It was an absolute pleasure supporting a South African anti-poaching unit," she wrote in her caption. "My sincere thanks for keeping our wildlife and rhinos safe."
An ENT Infection
While in South Africa, Charlene suffered from a serious ENT infection related to her sinus surgery that made it so she was unable to fly home to Monaco. According to what she told Channel24 at the time, it began with pain in her ears that then became so serious that she would be unable to fly at more than 20,000 feet for a long time, due to the pressure that was building there.
A Family Visit
Even though Charlene couldn't go home to her family, her family could still go to her. In early June, Albert and their children traveled to South Africa to spend time with her, and Charlene documented their visit on Instagram, captioning her post with a simple heart emoji.
More Surgeries
Also in June, Charlene underwent a second corrective surgery to help with her infection, though it wasn't easy for her to continue to be away from her family.
"It's been a trying time for me. I miss my husband and children dearly," she told Channel 24. "Albert is my rock and strength and without his love and support I would not have been able to get through this painful time."
Another Visit From Her Family
After Charlene was unable to fly home to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary with Albert, he and the kids returned to South Africa to visit her in August 2021. She shared this family photo on Instagram, joking about the haircut her daughter had given her and writing, "I am so thrilled to have my family back with me."
Hospitalized in South Africa
In early September, Charlene suffered a setback when an infection landed her in the hospital.
"On the night of September 1, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco was taken to hospital after becoming ill due to complications from a serious ENT infection," said a statement issued to People. "Her Highness is being closely followed by her medical team, who say her condition is reassuring."
Fortunately, she was released that same week and continued on the road to recovery.
Charlene Returns to Monaco
Upon her return home in November, Charlene shared a family photo including Albert and her kids on Instagram, writing, "happy day."
"Princess Charlene has finally been reunited in Monaco with her husband prince Albert and children prince Jacques and princess Gabriella," the palace said in a statement.
Another Hospitalization
Not long after Charlene had returned home to Monaco, she was hospitalized again — this time in a treatment center outside of the principality. Albert told People that it became clear that his wife was "unwell" after she returned home.
"She was clearly exhausted, physically and emotionally. She was overwhelmed and couldn't face official duties, life in general or even family life," he said. "I can say she was suffering incredible fatigue. She hadn't slept well in a number of days and she wasn't eating at all well. She has lost a lot of weight, which made her vulnerable to other potential ailments."
Infidelity Rumors
Amid Charlene's latest hospitalization, there have been reports that she may be getting involved with another man — though Albert insisted in his People interview that their marriage isn't troubled at all. According to a since deleted report from The Sun, Charlene has been getting support from Vladimir Doronin, Naomi Campbell's ex.
"The whole saga is very complex and confusing, but Charlene and Vlad have been in contact and spent time together," an insider told the outlet. "It looks as though she has certainly found some help from him recently amid her marriage problems."
Her Health Situation May Be More Serious Than Reported
As friends of Charlene's told Page Six, the palace is allegedly "downplaying" her illness — they claim that she "almost died" in South Africa.
"She has not been able to eat solid food in over six months because of all the surgeries she has since gone through. She has only been able to take in liquids through a straw, so she lost nearly half her body weight," the source said.
"She is exhausted by six months of surgeries and an inability to eat properly as a result of it. And she desperately missed her children and her husband while she was stuck in South Africa, because she couldn't travel home."
