Why Princess Charlene will be absent from Monaco’s national celebrations this Friday

Princess Charlene of Monaco, whose marriage has been the subject of much media speculation in recent months, returned to the principality last Monday 8 November. This was after over six months away in her native South Africa on what was supposed to be a short visit to carry out philanthropic work.

Prior to her return home, Prince Albert, her husband of a decade (and after celebrating their 10-year anniversary apart), assured the media that she would be back in time for Monaco’s National Day. The royal told PEOPLE! Magazine: ‘She’s in good form and much better spirits. She will be here before National Day, 19 November.’ He added ‘if not sooner’.

Prince Albert has delivered on his promise, in that Princess Charlene, 43, is back in Monaco, reunited with her six-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, but it has now been formally announced that she will miss celebrations this week as a result of ongoing poor health. Princess Charlene’s absence from the principality was ascribed to ear and sinus problems, although many have speculated that it is really down to the precarious state of her marriage.

‘Having battled with poor health over the past few months, the princess is currently convalescing and will continue to do so for the coming weeks, allowing her time to recover from a state of profound general fatigue,’ the Princely Palace said in an official statement. ‘In order to protect the comfort and privacy essential to her recovery, the Princess' location will remain strictly confidential.