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Fox News
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Princess Charlene declares love for Prince Albert after divorce rumors and health struggles
Princess Charlene of Monaco has declared her "love and support" for Prince Albert following her medical saga and rumors of an impending separation. On Saturday, the couple attended the annual Croix-Rouge Monégasque Gala for Monaco's Red Cross. During the festivities, the princess made an impassioned speech about her husband, seemingly hitting back at rumors of cracks in their marriage. "Today marks exactly the 20th anniversary of your accession," the 47-year-old said to her husband, who was seated in the crowd, as quoted by "Twenty years ago, you took the reins of the Principality, and since that day, you have guided Monaco with wisdom, courage, and determination," said Charlene. "In international politics, you are a steady and value-based force that embodies the importance of soft power through your engagement for the environment." During her speech, Charlene got personal. "Albert, you know that I am always by your side, along with the Monégasques," Charlene told the 67-year-old. "We are standing with you, with all our hearts, to protect Monaco and its future under your leadership. We love you, we support you, and we thank you for being there for all of us." Charlene concluded her speech by raising a toast. "Let's raise our glass to our Prince—to you, Albert!" According to the outlet, 10 members of Monaco's military guard performed a moving version of the Monégasque anthem. A visibly emotional Albert sang along from his seat. A few minutes before midnight, Albert and Charlene then swayed hand-in-hand to Coldplay's "Everglow." Later in the evening, Billy Idol played over 10 of his biggest hits, including "Eyes Without a Face," which Charlene and Albert sang along to. When the British rocker asked the crowd, "Do you want to have some fun tonight?" Albert cheered back, "Yeah!" The outlet noted that Charlene and Albert happily danced together past 1 a.m. The evening not only celebrated Albert's 40 years of dedication to the Red Cross, but it also marked the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne. The son of the late Oscar-winner-turned-princess Grace Kelly became Monaco's ruler in 2005 following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III. WATCH: GRACE KELLY'S SON, PRINCE ALBERT, SAYS HE'S ALWAYS FELT A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT THE LATE STAR Charlene, an Olympic swimmer from South Africa, married Albert in 2011. They share 10-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. The couple's relationship had been plagued with divorce rumors published by German, English and French tabloids while Charlene suffered health woes. A spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Monaco had no comment to Fox News Digital in response to the allegations. Charlene's health deteriorated while she was visiting South Africa in May 2021. While the visit to her home country was meant to last just 10 days, complications from a previous procedure grounded her for six months. After several corrective surgeries and a subsequent relapse, Charlene returned to Monaco in November of that year. But shortly after she landed, the princess experienced signs of emotional and physical exhaustion. After consulting her doctors and family, Charlene decided to seek medical treatment. It was ultimately determined that Charlene would seek treatment at a center outside of Monaco. More gossip was unleashed when Albert was photographed with his son Alexandre Grimaldi, daughter Jazmin Grace Grimaldi and Nicole Coste, Alexandre's mother, in 2023. At the time, Alexandre, now a fashion model, was celebrating his 20th birthday. It was also then that Charlene's Instagram handle was either deleted or deactivated from the platform. At the time, a spokesperson didn't immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Jazmin, Albert's first child, was publicly acknowledged in 2006. At the time, Albert said he wanted to protect the 33-year-old's identity. Alexandre and Jazmin are not heirs to the throne because their parents never married, as required by the constitution of Monaco. Albert and Charlene's twins are first and second in line to the throne. Albert previously slammed rumors surrounding his marriage. "She didn't leave Monaco in a huff!" Albert told People magazine about Charlene's absence. "She didn't leave because she was mad at me or at anybody else. She was going down to South Africa to reassess her foundation's work down there and to take a little time off with her brother and some friends." "It was only supposed to be a week-long, 10-day maximum stay, and [she was still there] because she had this infection all these medical complications arose," he shared. "She didn't go into exile," he stressed to the outlet. "It was absolutely just a medical problem which had to be treated." While Albert admitted he "probably should have addressed" the rumors sooner, he "was concentrating on taking care of the kids." "I thought it would just probably go [away]," he said. "You know if you try to answer everything that comes out, then you're constantly [responding], you're wasting your time." Albert said that the rumors had taken their toll. "Of course it affects her, of course it affects me. Misreading events is always detrimental. ... We're an easy target, easily hit, because we're in the public eye a lot." According to the outlet, Charlene experienced complications related to a sinus lift and bone graft procedure she underwent in preparation for dental implants. As a result, she had several corrective procedures, including one that caused her to miss her 10th wedding anniversary. Most recently, Charlene and Albert have presented a united front at royal engagements.
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Princess Charlene of Monaco declares 'love and support' for husband Prince Albert in emphatic speech at glitzy Red Cross Gala in Monte-Carlo - and vows she's 'always by his side'
Princess Charlene of Monaco offered an emotionally charged show of public support for her husband Prince Albert as he celebrated 20 years on the throne. Taking to the stage at a charity event in Monte-Carlo, the Princess, 47, made an impassioned speech in tribute to her 'dedicated' spouse, 67, in a rare insight into their marriage. Charlene, who shares 10-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella with Albert, was speaking at the 76th annual Monaco Red Cross Gala, held at the stunning Salle des Étoiles, part of the legendary Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) Resort. Addressing a packed room of dignitaries and celebrities, she spoke of her 'support' for her husband and insisted she remains 'by his side' in an emphatic declaration - hitting back at reports speculating about the state of her marriage. She told a packed room: 'Monseigneur! Albert! We love you, we support you and we thank you for being there for all of us.' The glitzy event, a highlight of Monaco's social calendar, welcomed guests including rock icon Billy Idol and Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc. Princess Charlene stunned in a pleated silk-georgette gown by Elie Saab, while her niece Camille Gottlieb paid tribute to Princess Grace in a monochrome ensemble inspired by her grandmother's iconic style. Later, Charlene made a speech, addressing her husband directly. The Princess began by thanking Prince Albert, 67, for his tireless dedication to the Monaco Red Cross, which he has supported for over four decades. 'Thank you for leading this institution over the past 40 years and working tirelessly for its development and influence,' she said. She then turned to the personal significance of the date, marking two decades since Albert's accession to the throne: 'This July 12 marks exactly the twentieth anniversary of your accession. 'Twenty years ago, you took the reins of the Principality, and since that day, you have guided Monaco with wisdom, courage and determination.' Charlene praised her husband's steady presence in international politics, his commitment to environmental causes and his leadership decisions. She described him as a 'value-based force' whose 'wish for unity and serenity for Monaco' had been his guiding principles. The speech concluded with a powerful declaration of support: 'You know that I am always by your side along with the Monegasques. 'We are standing with you, with all our hearts to protect Monaco and its future under your leadership.' Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc poses with his girlfriend Mexican-Italian influencer, Alexandra Saint Mleux at the star-studded soiree The gala was held in support of the Monaco Red Cross, which was established in 1948 to provide assistance to all in need with a politically impartial stance. As the Monegasque premier, Prince Albert now presides over the charity. To raise money for the charity, VIP guests descended on the Salle des Etoiles, which hosted the first 'Red Cross Night' in 1948. They were treated to a raffle and tombola with glamorous prizes, including a first prize dazzling earring and bracelet set by REPOSSI and a second prize Audemars Piguet Watch. The third prize was a classic cream Lady Dior bag, donated by the French fashion house, and fourth was a VIP experience at Art Dubai. Fifth prize was a two night stay at the stunning Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo in a suite overlooking the coastline of the Cote d'Azur, which was donated by the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. Charlene's glowing tribute to her husband is an emphatic show of support after she pulled out of a planned trip to Japan due to 'current events' in the Middle East. The Princess had been due to travel to the country at the end of June for the World Expo 2025 with Prince Albert and their 10-year-old twins. However, a palace statement via Hola! read: 'In light of current events taking place in the Middle East, this has led to the decision that H.S.H. Princess Charlene and the Princely children would not be participating in this trip.' However, 67-year-old Prince Albert still carried out the planned engagements in Japan. Instead of travelling with his immediate family, Albert was joined by his younger sister, Princess Stephanie, and her children, Louis Ducruet, Pauline Ducruet and Camille Gottlieb, and her daughter in-law Marie Ducruet. In the statement, Princess Charlene expressed her gratitude: 'H.S.H. Princess Charlene wishes to express her sincere thanks to the teams of the Monaco Pavilion, as well as to the partners and hosts who were to welcome her in Japan, for their understanding and ongoing commitment.' The royal's activities commenced on June 27 with a charity football match titled 'United through Legends' at Panasonic Stadium Suita in Osaka. Elsewhere, Albert attended an official luncheon and enjoy an orchestra concert. While Charlene has kept a low profile in recent months, the family celebrated Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella's Holy Communion in May. The heir to the Monegasque throne - also known as the Marquis of Baux - and his twin sister, both 10, marked the religious ceremony with a series of sweet family portraits shared to the royal household's official Instagram page. The First Holy Communion, also known as the First Eucharist, is one of the most important milestones in the Catholic faith. It is a key step in in a child's faith journey, symbolising their deepening relationship with Jesus and the Church, and it involves receiving the consecrated bread and wine, believed to be the body and blood of Christ. The young royals beamed as they were joined by their parents Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene at the important ceremony. A translated statement shared to the palace's Instagram page read: 'On this day of First Communion, we extend our most sincere congratulations to Crown Prince James and Princess Gabriella who received this sacrament with faith and compulsion'. It further read that the palace extended its 'heartfelt congratulations' to the prince and princess who 'received this sacrament with faith and reverence'. The prince and princess looked adorable in white floor-length robes and matching gold necklaces.
