Princess Charlene opens up about her health for the first time
Princess Charlene of Monaco has opened up about her ongoing illness for the first time, describing it as a “long, difficult and very painful” experience.
The 44-year-old royal spoke about her health in a candid interview with the newspaper, Monaco Matin, admitting that she is taking her recovery process slowly.
“My state of health is still fragile and I don’t want to go too fast,” she told the publication. “The path has been long, difficult and very painful.”
It comes after Princess Charlene has made headlines over the past year for her lengthy absence from public life and separation from her family in Monaco after she suffered an ear, nose and throat infection while in South Africa that saw her undergo several surgeries and stay in her home country for 10 months.
She reportedly first fell ill in May 2021 and her 10-day visit became significantly longer, delaying her return to Monaco until late 2021.
In November, Page Six reported that Charlene “almost died” after the surgeries and losing an extreme amount of weight, while her husband Albert, Prince of Monaco, told People that her condition was the result of “several factors which are private matters”.
“She was clearly exhausted, physically and emotionally,” he told the publication, adding that she was sent to a “treatment facility” within hours of returning. “She was overwhelmed and couldn’t face official duties, life in general or even family life.”
Page Six also reported that sources connected to friends of the family were concerned Albert was “downplaying” Charlene’s illness while stressing that her condition wasn’t related to her mental or emotional health.
“It is unfair that she is being portrayed as having some kind of mental or emotional issue,” the source told the outlet. “We don’t know why the palace is downplaying that she almost died in South Africa.”
The source said the royal’s weight loss was due to her being unable to eat solid foods and only “take in liquids through a straw”.
“She has not been able to eat solid food in over six months because of all the surgeries she has since gone through,” the source added.
Charlene made her first public appearance in May, attending the Monaco E-Prix with her husband and their seven-year-old twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques in early May.
She also appeared at the Monte Carlo Fashion Awards with Gabriella, sharing a behind-the-scenes snap of the pair on her Instagram page.
“I loved every moment preparing my Princess for her first official event,” Charlene captioned the photo of the pair dressed in formal wear. “We’re looking forward to a great evening at the fashion awards.”
Image: @hshprincesscharlene (Instagram)