Just because Princess Charlene is back in Monaco doesn't mean the speculation around her marriage has died down.
In May 2022, Charlene made her first public appearances since a bizarre 2021 that saw her battling a mystery illness in South Africa and then spending four months in a Swiss health facility. Further details of her illness have not been shared, but it seems that since Charlene's return to Monaco, the monarchy is interested in getting back to business as usual.
Many speculated those health issues may have been a cover for trouble in the royal marriage. Prince Albert shuts down these claims time and time again, including recent claims he is paying Charlene €12 million annually to keep up appearances.
After months of brief appearances, the month of May has seen Princess Charlene make a more definitive return to royal life. Many have noticed that while Charlene is back and appears to be in better health, her spirits don't seem all that high.
It has been enough for speculations about Prince Albert and Charlene's marriage come to light yet again. French celebrity new magazine Voici reported that sources are saying Charlene is being paid to stay in the royal marriage. They claim that Albert is paying Charlene €12 million ($12.5 million) a year to stay together and fulfill her royal duties.
The magazine claims these payments also make it so that Charlene doesn't widely comment on her health or the state of her relationship with Albert, with whom she shares 7-year-old twins Jacques and Gabriella. Prior to her illness, there has been speculation about discord between Charlene and Albert that dates back to their engagement.
Sources close to the couple dispute those claims.
"Of course she has a generous prenup, but Albert doesn't have to pay her to stay," a source close to the princess told Page Six.
"After being away for so long during her illness, Charlene is so happy to be back with Albert and the kids. They spend every weekend at their country place. Albert is fully supportive of Charlene and is also helping her with her charities."
Royals in Monaco are not salaried officials, as they are in other countries. This means that Charlene is, for all intents and purposes, financially reliant on Albert. Albert has substantial personal wealth, so a $12.5 million payment each year wouldn't make much of a dent. Still, many people are choosing to believe that there is love between this couple and these rumors are simply just rumors.
