For the last six months, there's been some serious speculation around the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco. Charlene has been in South Africa for half of the year dealing with a variety of health issues that have rendered her unable to return to Monaco until recently.
Six months is a lot of time to spend away from your spouse and young children, so naturally there was a lot of looking into the details. There's been debate over whether there was more than the official stance that the separation was solely due to Charlene's location when she became ill earlier this year.
Charlene silenced doubts she would ever return when she made her way back to France early Monday morning after an overnight flight from South Africa. Prince Albert met her in Nice to make the final leg of their journey home together.
When landing in Nice, Princess Charlene was greeted by not only her husband but also her 6-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. They came with a large bouquet of flowers in hand for their mom. The whole family boarded a helicopter to Monaco together.
Officially, Charlene's condition has been described as an ENT (ear, nose, throat) infection that required a number of corrective surgeries over the last six months. Charlene has not commented on her condition, though both she and Albert have taken time to denounce the rumors that the prolonged separation was due to marital issues.
Albert last commented on Charlene's condition in late October in an interview with People magazine.
"She's in good form and much better spirits," he shared.
"She will be here way before [Monaco's] National Day, November 19."
Earlier in October, Charlene had the final surgery of her ENT ordeal. It's been a month, and so far her recovery is progressing well.
Charlene made a few short remarks before leaving South Africa.
"It has been, obviously, a very challenging time to be here but at the same time it has been wonderful being back in South Africa," Charlene shared.
"I'd like to thank the doctors in South Africa who have done a fantastic job of helping me and I'm so looking forward to getting back to my children. Thank you South Africa, and thank you everyone and god bless you."
Royal fans are eager to see if Charlene accompanies Albert to Dubai's World Expo on November 13, which he had expressed a desire for her to do. There's also the National Day of Monaco on November 19, which she is more stringently expected to appear. It will be interesting to see how Charlene seems as she eases back into her royal routine.
