Princess Charlene of Monaco has shared her first social media post of the year. Fans have been waiting anxiously for news from the princess, who returned to Monaco in November after spending much of 2021 grounded in South Africa.
On January 25th, her 44th birthday, the princess re-shared a tribute video made to commemorate the occasion. The footage combines photographs from her childhood and significant achievements throughout her life, including highlights from her Olympic swimming career, and her wedding to Prince Albert in 2011.
Princess Charlene flew to South Africa last May for what was intended to be a short trip. But while there, the princess experienced health issues relating to her ear, nose and throat, which made it impossible for her to fly and reportedly required several corrective surgeries.
During her extended absence, the princess spoke openly about how challenging the separation from her family was. "I cannot wait to get home to my children, who I miss terribly," she said in October. "I think if there is any mom out there who has been separated from her children for months, [she] would feel the same way I feel." But happily, the princess finally reunited with her children and husband in November, after six months apart.
Princess Charlene is currently recovering at a treatment facility outside of Monaco, where she's been since before the holidays. In an update shortly before Christmas, Prince Albert reassured the public that she was "recuperating in a satisfactory and reassuring manner," but would remain at the facility until further notice. In that statement, he also noted that it could be several more months before she's healthy enough to return to royal duties.
"H.S.H. Princess Charlene will be visited by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Their Children during the Christmas holidays," the statement continued. "Once her health is strong enough, the Princess looks forward to spending time with the Monegasques."
Emma Dibdin is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles who writes about culture, mental health, and true crime. She loves owls, hates cilantro, and can find the queer subtext in literally anything.
