Prince Albert is continuing to defend his marriage against ugly rumors.
Princess Charlene has been in South Africa for nearly five months. The official reason is that health issues have kept her there. While she was believed to be returning in September, a setback has made her return date a little less certain.
Behind the scenes, people have been speculating about the marriage between the royals. Many speculated that Charlene was running away to South Africa for freedom and the distance to end the marriage and start over. Albert continues to defend his relationship, however, providing an update on Charlene's homecoming in a recent radio interview.
Prince Albert was speaking on RMC (Radio Monte-Carlo) radio when he shared his update on Charlene.
"[Charlene] is still in South Africa, but will be back very soon, we have to talk to the doctors in a few days," he shared.
"She is better," he continued.
"It was also complicated for her because different problems affected her."
Charlene has been in South Africa, her home country, since mid-May. It's said she's been treated for complications that arose following a previous ENT (ear, nose, throat) surgery. She was on the mend in late summer and believed to be returning to Monaco.
According to the Palace of Monaco, Charlene returned to the hospital on September 1 after collapsing "due to complications from the severe ear, nose and throat infection she contracted in May."
Following the incident, Albert spoke to People about Charlene's condition. "She's ready to come home," he shared.
He said the date of her return "depends on what the doctors say."
"I know she's said possibly 'late October,' but that was before this most recent round of appointments. I'm pretty sure we can cut that time frame a little short."
While Charlene may not feel well enough to return to Monaco, she's reportedly working as an unofficial mediator for the Zulu royal family, who are in the middle of heated succession battles.
"She is not a formal mediator — she is simply willing to help. She believes she can make a difference in a complicated family matter under the guidance of spiritual leaders," a spokesperson for Charlene told News 24 YOU.
"Her Serene Highness has always had a deep and sincere love for the Zulu kingdom," Charlene's spokesperson noted.
"As a personal friend of the late King Goodwill, she is deeply saddened by the rift within the family but believes she can help."
