- Princess Charlene of Monaco is speaking out about her recent health battles for the first time.
- The royal also addressed rumours that her relationship with her husband, Prince Albert is on the rocks.
- "I'm very happy to be back home in Monaco and with my family," she said in an interview.
Princess Charlene of Monaco is speaking out about her recent health battles for the first time.
The former Olympic swimmer spoke to local media when stepping out with her 7-year-old daughter, Princess Gabriella, at a Monte-Carlo Fashion Week event on Tuesday night.
According to People, the royal shared that she remains "fragile" since her return to Monaco in March after a four-month stay in a Swiss clinic, where she received treatment for profound emotional and physical exhaustion.
"When I returned to the Principality, I focused all my energy on my children, my husband and my health because they are my priority," Princess Charlene told Monaco Matin.
"My state of health is still fragile, and I don't want to go too fast. The road has been long, difficult, and so painful. Today I feel calmer."
Princess Charlene's attendance at the fashion event marks her third public appearance since she resumed royal activities on 30 April.
The 44-year-old first fell ill while in South Africa in May 2021 for what was planned as a brief 10-day visit. Complications from a previous ENT procedure, a series of painful corrective surgeries and a subsequent relapse delayed her return to Monaco for six months.
In November, Charlene was finally able to return home to Monaco and celebrated her reunion with her husband and their twins, Gabriella and Jacques, before voluntarily entering treatment in a professional facility.
Also, during her conversation with the media on Tuesday night, Princess Charlene directly addressed rumours that her marriage is on the rocks.
"You want to talk about rumours of divorce or my new home in Switzerland?" she asked, referring to the latest swirling gossip.
"I still find it regrettable that certain media peddle such rumours about my life, my relationship," she said. "Like everyone else, we are human beings, and like all human beings, we have emotions and weaknesses, only, our family is exposed to the media and the slightest weakness is relayed."
Per E! News, Charlene went on to praise Prince Albert for supporting her "enormously" throughout her health struggles, adding, "he did everything to protect me and our children."
The princess then acknowledged the support she has received from the people of Monaco, saying, "I'm very happy to be back home in Monaco and with my family. I received so many positive and warm messages when I was away from Monaco, and I thank them for their support."