Charlene, Princess of Monaco

Charlene Lynette Wittstock was born on 25 January 1978 at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe),{{cite news |title= Monaco's Prince Albert weds South African Charlene Wittstock |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13973248 |work=BBC News |date= 1 July 2011 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110630113154/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13973248 |archive-date= 30 June 2011}}{{Cite book |last=Prinsloo |first=Arlene |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GZySEAAAQBAJ&dq=mater+dei+hospital+princess+born&pg=PT22 |title=Charlene: In Search of a Princess |date=2022-10-05 |publisher=Jonathan Ball Publishers |isbn=978-1-77619-222-9 |language=en}} to Michael Kenneth Wittstock (b. 1946),{{cite web|url=http://www.palais.mc/monaco/palais-princier/english/h.s.h.-princess-charlene/biography/biography.2132.html |title=Palais Princier de Monaco |author=Palais Princier de Monaco |access-date=29 April 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704102229/http://www.palais.mc/monaco/palais-princier/english/h.s.h.-princess-charlene/biography/biography.2132.html |archive-date= 4 July 2011 }} a sales manager, and Lynette, née Humberstone (b. 1954), a former competitive diver and swimming coach.{{cite web|url=http://www.mariageprinciermonaco2011.mc/en/the_wedding/biographical_details_for_ms_charlene_lynette_wittstock/141.html|title=Biographical details for Ms. Charlene Wittstock|publisher=Princely Wedding Monaco 2011|access-date=2 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726173030/http://www.mariageprinciermonaco2011.mc/en/the_wedding/biographical_details_for_ms_charlene_lynette_wittstock/141.html|archive-date=26 July 2011}}{{cite web |title=After William and Kate's wedding, preparations for royal wedding of Prince Albert of Monaco begin |url=http://m.ibtimes.com/royal-wedding-prince-albert-ii-of-monaco-charlene-wittstock-south-african-olympic-backstroke-swimmer-156136.html |work=International Business Times |access-date=2 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707114722/http://m.ibtimes.com/royal-wedding-prince-albert-ii-of-monaco-charlene-wittstock-south-african-olympic-backstroke-swimmer-156136.html |archive-date=7 July 2011}} The Wittstock family is of German origin; Wittstock's great-great-grandparents Martin Gottlieb Wittstock (1840–1915) and his wife Johanne Luise Wittstock (née Schönknecht; 1850–1932) emigrated to South Africa from the Pomeranian village of Zerrenthin in northern Germany in 1861 to escape hardship. In South Africa, the Wittstocks worked as handyworkers and unsuccessfully prospected for diamonds.{{cite news |title=Charlenes Wurzeln Vorfahren kommen aus Zerrenthin |url=http://www.n-tv.de/leute/Vorfahren-kommen-aus-Zerrenthin-article3612991.html |language=de |date=19 June 2011 |access-date=2 July 2011 |work=n-tv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622065922/http://www.n-tv.de/leute/Vorfahren-kommen-aus-Zerrenthin-article3612991.html |archive-date=22 June 2011}} In 2014, she was given a certificate that verified her Irish ancestry.{{cite web|title=Princess Charlene of Monaco's Irish ancestry revealed|url=http://www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/princess-charlene-of-monacos-irish-ancestry-revealed-30471760.html|website=Independent.ie|date=30 July 2014 |access-date=31 July 2014}}

Wittstock has two younger brothers: Gareth, a coffeehouse businessman in Monaco,{{cite web |title=Qui est Gareth Wittstock, le parrain de la princesse Gabriella ? |url=http://www.parismatch.com/Royal-Blog/Monaco/Bapteme-des-jumeaux-de-Monaco-Qui-est-Gareth-Wittstock-le-parrain-de-la-princesse-Gabriella-760008 |work=Paris Match |date=10 May 2015 |access-date=21 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727194640/http://www.parismatch.com/Royal-Blog/Monaco/Bapteme-des-jumeaux-de-Monaco-Qui-est-Gareth-Wittstock-le-parrain-de-la-princesse-Gabriella-760008 |archive-date=27 July 2017|language=fr}} and Sean, a promotions and events businessman in South Africa.{{cite news|title=Meet Aiva-Grace, Princess Charlene's adorable new niece|url=http://www.you.co.za/news/meet-aiva-grace-princess-charlenes-adorable-new-niece/|work=You.co.za|date=2 June 2016|access-date=21 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026173553/http://www.you.co.za/news/meet-aiva-grace-princess-charlenes-adorable-new-niece/|archive-date=26 October 2016}} The family relocated to South Africa in 1989, when Wittstock was 12 years old. She attended Tom Newby Primary school in Benoni, near Johannesburg, from 1988 to 1991.{{cite web |url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2011/06/30/charlene-wittstock-remembered-at-former-primary-school |title=Charlene Wittstock remembered at former primary school |publisher=Times LIVE |access-date=2 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706090114/http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2011/06/30/charlene-wittstock-remembered-at-former-primary-school |archive-date=6 July 2011}}

Wittstock won three gold medals and a silver medal at the 1999 All-Africa Games in Johannesburg. She represented South Africa at the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games, winning a silver medal in the 4 × 100 m medley relay in the latter competition. She also was a member of the South African women's 4×100 m medley team at the 2000 Summer Olympics, which finished fifth. Wittstock finished sixth at the 2002 FINA Short Course World Championships for the 200 m breaststroke. Throughout her career, Wittstock gave swimming lessons to underprivileged children. She left her Durban-based team (the Seagulls) to join the Tuks Swimming Club at the High Performance Centre of the University of Pretoria.{{Cite web|url=http://www.vuvuplaza.com/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120703033505/http://www.vuvuplaza.com/?fSectionId=&fArticleId=3038443|archive-date=3 July 2012|url-status=dead|title=Deals of the Day | VuvuPlaza|access-date=24 January 2021}} However, she never enrolled in classes. The Club sponsored her by providing her with free access to their pools, free coaching, accommodation, and gymnasium access.

Wittstock decided to leave Pretoria in January 2005, and returned to Durban; she then went to the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, where she joined a former University of Pretoria swimming coach, Branislav Ivkovic. On 13 April 2007, Wittstock regained her title as South Africa's 50-metre women's backstroke champion when she completed the 50 m backstroke final at the Telkom SA National Aquatic Championships in 30:16 seconds, to finish third behind Australia's Sophie Edington and Brazil's Fabíola Molina. She planned to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics in China as her swansong, but did not qualify.{{cite web |url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=6&click_id=3020&art_id=vn20070415092430463C940292 |title=Apple of Prince Albert's eye makes a splash |publisher=Iol.co.za |date=15 April 2007 |access-date=2 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214223206/http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=6&click_id=3020&art_id=vn20070415092430463C940292 |archive-date=14 February 2009}} Previously, Wittstock had been out of competitive swimming for 18 months with a shoulder injury.

{{main|Wedding of Albert II, Prince of Monaco, and Charlene Wittstock}}

Wittstock met Albert II, Prince of Monaco, in 2000 at the Mare Nostrum swimming meet in Monaco.{{cite news |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/194250/monacos-prince-albert-to-marry-charlene-wittstock |title=Monaco's Prince Albert to marry Charlene Wittstock |publisher=Gmanews.tv |agency=Associated Press |date=23 June 2010 |access-date=2 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823051334/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/194250/monacos-prince-albert-to-marry-charlene-wittstock |archive-date=23 August 2011}} They made their public debut as a couple at the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics. She accompanied him to the weddings of the Crown Princess of Sweden in 2010 and of the Prince of Wales in 2011.

File:The Prince and Princess of Monaco with Hermann Bühlbecker and Karl Lagerfeld.jpg (right) in 2011]]

On 23 June 2010, the palace announced their engagement.{{cite web |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/201004163304/grace-kelly/exhibition/prince-albert/1/ |title=Fit for a princess: Prince Albert and Charlene guests of honour at Grace Kelly exhibit |website=Hellomagazine.com |date=16 April 2010 |access-date=29 April 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924051243/http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/201004163304/grace-kelly/exhibition/prince-albert/1/ |archive-date=24 September 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://www.lne.es/galeria/2010/03/29/baile-rosa-sabor-marroqui/893510.html |title=Baile de la Rosa con sabor marroquí |publisher=Lne.es |access-date=2 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720002553/http://www.lne.es/galeria/2010/03/29/baile-rosa-sabor-marroqui/893510.html |archive-date=20 July 2011}}{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/06/23/monaco.prince.engaged/?hpt=T2&fbid=GvFAfSwNwUk |title=Monaco's Prince Albert gets engaged |publisher=CNN |access-date=2 July 2011 |date=23 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021113727/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/06/23/monaco.prince.engaged/?hpt=T2&fbid=GvFAfSwNwUk |archive-date=21 October 2012}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/europe/10391167.stm |title=Prince Albert of Monaco engaged to Charlene Wittstock |work=BBC News |date=23 June 2010 |access-date=2 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627190409/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/europe/10391167.stm |archive-date=27 June 2010}} Her engagement ring featured a pear-shaped three-carat diamond at the centre and surrounding diamond brilliants. The ring was reported to be created by Parisian jeweller Repossi. Wittstock, who was raised a Protestant, converted to Catholicism, despite it not being a requirement in the Constitution of Monaco.{{cite web|title=Marriage Princier 2011 Website, Frequently Asked Questions|url=http://www.mariageprinciermonaco2011.mc/en/argumentaire/the_future_princess/3.html|website=Mariageprinciermonaco2011.mc|access-date=26 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423224105/http://www.mariageprinciermonaco2011.mc/en/argumentaire/the_future_princess/3.html|archive-date=23 April 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://people.com/royals/why-princess-charlene-of-monaco-converted-to-catholicism/|title=Why Princess Charlene of Monaco Converted to Catholicism and How She Finds 'Spiritual Balance' in Church|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607074902/http://people.com/royals/why-princess-charlene-of-monaco-converted-to-catholicism/|archive-date=7 June 2017}}

The future princess was also instructed in French and the Monégasque dialect, and became familiar with European court protocol.{{Cite news |url=http://royalweddings.helloonline.com/prince-william-and-kate-middleton/galeria/20100922403/kate-middleton/prince-william/rings/1/2/#ancla |title=Crown jewels: The fabulous rings which sealed the love of Europe's royal couples |work=HELLO! magazine |location=UK |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116150550/http://royalweddings.helloonline.com/prince-william-and-kate-middleton/galeria/20100922403/kate-middleton/prince-william/rings/1/2/#ancla |archive-date=16 January 2013}}

The wedding was scheduled for 8 and 9 July 2011, but was moved forward to prevent a conflict with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting in Durban on 5–9 July, which they both attended. The couple had invited members of the IOC, including President Jacques Rogge, to their wedding.{{cite news |title=Prince Albert and Charlene change wedding date |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities-news-in-pics/02-08-2010/54371/ |work=Hello! |date=2 August 2010 |access-date=2 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606064901/http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities-news-in-pics/02-08-2010/54371/ |archive-date=6 June 2011}}

The couple was married in a civil ceremony on 1 July 2011 in the Throne Room of the Prince's Palace.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/royal-honeymoon-monacos-prince-albert-charlene-wittstock/story?id=14026957|title=Honeymoon Over for Monaco's Royal Couple?|date=8 July 2011|work=ABC News|location=Australia|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140341/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/royal-honeymoon-monacos-prince-albert-charlene-wittstock/story?id=14026957|archive-date=29 January 2018}} The religious ceremony took place in the courtyard of the palace on 2 July, and was presided over by Archbishop Bernard Barsi. The couple honeymooned in Mozambique.

On 30 May 2014, the palace announced Charlene's pregnancy. It was confirmed on 9 October 2014 that the couple was expecting twins by the end of the year.{{cite web |url=http://royalista.com/45356/monaco-confirms-princess-charlene-is-pregnant-with-twins/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021203809/http://royalista.com/45356/monaco-confirms-princess-charlene-is-pregnant-with-twins/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 October 2014 |title=Monaco confirms: Princess Charlene is pregnant with twins |publisher=Royalista.com |date=9 October 2014 |access-date=21 October 2014 }}{{cite news|title=Monaco's Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene expecting baby|work=BBC News |date=30 May 2014 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27643408|access-date=30 May 2014}} On 10 December 2014, her twins were born at The Princess Grace Hospital Centre.{{cite web|title=La princesse Charlène est sur le point d'accoucher à Monaco|url=http://www.monacomatin.mc/monaco/la-princesse-charlene-est-sur-le-point-daccoucher.2019993.html|website=Monacomatin.mc|access-date=10 December 2014}} Princess Gabriella was born first, followed by Hereditary Prince Jacques, who is heir apparent to the throne.{{cite web |author=Eun Kyung Kim |url=http://www.today.com/parents/monacos-princess-charlene-prince-albert-welcome-twins-1D80333548?cid=par-huffpost-gravity |title=Monaco's Princess Charlene, Prince Albert, welcome twins! |website=TODAY.com |date=10 December 2014 |access-date=29 April 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010112750/http://www.today.com/parents/monacos-princess-charlene-prince-albert-welcome-twins-1D80333548?cid=par-huffpost-gravity |archive-date=10 October 2015}}

File:Monagesque Princess Charlene at the Vatican.jpg on an official state visit to Vatican City in 2016]]

Since 2009, she has been honorary president of Ladies Lunch Monte-Carlo. Since 2010, Princess Charlene has been associated with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. In May 2011, she became a global ambassador for the Special Olympics, promoting 'respect and inclusion' for people with intellectual disabilities worldwide.{{cite web|url=http://www.specialolympicsee.eu/2011/Charlene_Wittstock_Global_Ambassador.aspx |title=Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia: Charlene Wittstock |access-date=31 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810064225/http://www.specialolympicsee.eu/2011/Charlene_Wittstock_Global_Ambassador.aspx |archive-date=10 August 2011 }} She has stated that the movement is close to her heart as a former athlete and values its role in "using the power of sport to change lives". In July 2011, she became a co-patron of Giving Organizations Trust, a group of South African charities that work with AIDS, underprivileged children, and environmentalism. Princess Charlene is a trustee of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA and attends their annual awards ceremony.{{cite web |title=BOARD OF TRUSTEES |url=https://pgfusa.org/board-of-trustees/ |website=Princess Grace Foundation-USA |access-date=31 October 2020}}

Charlene regularly participates in fundraising events for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. She is currently the honorary president of Monaco Against Autism. In 2012, she became the patron of AS Rugby Monaco and also the honorary president of Monaco Liver Disorder and the MONAA association. In October 2012, she accompanied the Prince on a visit to Warsaw, Poland. In 2014, Charlene was the recipient of the Champion of Children Award for her commitment to children's rights, presented by the Colleagues, a social services institution.{{cite web |title=Champion of Children Award |url=http://www.fondationprincessecharlene.mc/en/hsh-princess-charlene/champion-of-children-award |website=Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation |access-date=31 October 2020 |archive-date=17 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617115249/http://www.fondationprincessecharlene.mc/en/hsh-princess-charlene/champion-of-children-award |url-status=dead }} In 2016, she become the patron of the South African Red Cross Society on its 68th anniversary. In September 2016, Charlene attended World First Aid Day in Geneva as an ambassador for the event.

The Princess created the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation in December 2012, with a mission to put an end to drowning using childhood awareness and preventative measures.{{cite web |title= H.S.H. PRINCESS CHARLENE |url= http://www.palais.mc/en/princely-family/h-s-h-princess-charlene/biography-1-6.html |website= Palais Princier de Monaco |access-date= 27 November 2018}} In September 2014, she formally presented her foundation at the 10th Annual Clinton Global Initiative Meeting in New York City. In November 2015, Charlene partnered with the Pontifical Council and attended the 20th Annual Conference for Healthcare Workers at the Vatican, where she spoke about efforts against the global drowning epidemic.{{cite web |title=Biography of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco |url=http://www.fondationprincessecharlene.mc/en/hsh-princess-charlene/biography-of-hsh-princess-charlene-of-monaco |website=Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation |access-date=31 October 2020 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508101448/https://www.fondationprincessecharlene.mc/en/hsh-princess-charlene/biography-of-hsh-princess-charlene-of-monaco |url-status=dead }} In June 2020, the Foundation made masks for residents of Monaco amidst COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |last=Cartledge|first=Amy|title= Monaco, Liechtenstein and Andorra: how Europe's Principalities have battled COVID-19|url= https://www.monaco-tribune.com/en/2020/06/monaco-liechtenstein-and-andorra-how-europes-principalities-have-battled-covid-19/|website= Monaco Tribune |date= 2 June 2020|access-date= 16 August 2020}} In October 2020, Charlene undertook a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia, on behalf of the Foundation. She visited the Olympic Village and sports facilities in conjunction with government officials, and later donated a travel bus to the Tbilisi Rugby Club Team. She also took meetings with Paralympic athletes and visited the Ai la foundation, a rehabilitation centre for children with hearing loss. She attended lunch with Salome Zourabichvili, the president of Georgia, at the Presidential Palace of Georgia, discussing diplomatic and philanthropic matters.{{cite web |title=Princess Charlene in Tbilisi |url=http://www.fondationprincessecharlene.mc/en/hsh-princess-charlene/hsh-princess-charlene-in-tbilisi |website=Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation |access-date=31 October 2020 |archive-date=17 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617115306/http://www.fondationprincessecharlene.mc/en/hsh-princess-charlene/hsh-princess-charlene-in-tbilisi |url-status=dead }}

In January 2024, Charlene became the honorary president of Pink Ribbon Monaco, a campaign for the fight against breast cancer.{{cite web|website=Instagram|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C2KDoOWIHIh/|title=Pink Ribbon Monaco has the pleasure to announce that Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene has endorsed the position of Honorary President of its organisation, ...|author=Pink Ribbon Monaco|date=16 January 2024|access-date=4 July 2024|archive-date=5 July 204|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/pinkribbonmonaco/3281451236815041057|url-status=live}} In June 2024, Charlene was announced as one of the torchbearers for the Monégasque delegation at the Summer Olympics in Paris.{{cite web |title=Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and the twins, Charles Leclerc … great turnout for Monaco Olympic Torch Relay!|url=https://www.monaco-tribune.com/en/2024/06/prince-albert-ii-princess-charlene-and-the-twins-charles-leclerc-great-turnout-for-monaco-olympic-torch-relay/|website=Monaco Tribune|access-date=30 July 2024|date=19 June 2024}} A month later, Princess Charlene and Prince Albert visited Paris to attend the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics.{{cite web |date=26 July 2024|title=Prince and Princess bring kids to the Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris|url=https://www.hola.com/us/royals/20240726709359/princess-charlene-prince-albert-monaco-twins-attend-olympics-opening-ceremony-paris/|website=Hola!|first=Alexandra|last=Hurtado|access-date=30 July 2024}}

In May 2021, while on a trip to raise awareness about the issue of rhinoceros poaching in Southern Africa, Princess Charlene caught an ear, nose, and throat infection. She had a sinus lift and bone grafting procedure earlier in the spring.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/princess-charlene-new-surgery-south-africa/|title=Princess Charlene Undergoes Latest Surgery in South Africa as Albert and the Twins Ready for a Reunion|work=People|first=Peter|last=Mikelbank|date=13 August 2021|accessdate=13 August 2021}} The condition led to problems with equalising pressure and prevented her from flying above 20,000 feet.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/princess-charlene-will-return-to-monaco-within-weeks-says-prince-albert/|title=Princess Charlene Will Return to Monaco Within Weeks, Says Husband Prince Albert: 'We All Miss Her'|work=People|first=Peter|last=Mikelbank|date=26 October 2021|accessdate=26 October 2021}} She missed a scheduled appearance at the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix, as she was unable to travel back to Monaco.{{cite web|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/20210521113713/royal-news-princess-charlene-monaco-unable-return-home-infection-south-africa/|title=Princess Charlene unable to return home to Monaco after South Africa trip – details|work=Hello!|first=Jenni|last=McKnight|date=21 May 2021|accessdate=22 May 2021}} After multiple procedures, Charlene was medically advised to remain in South Africa, away from her family.{{cite web |title=Princess Charlene undergoing 'multiple procedures' for infection she contracted in Africa |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/princess-charlene-undergoing-multiple-procedures-for-infection-she-contracted-in-africa/OBFNYBXBHAD23OZKMXGVZMRTFI/ |website=The New Zealand Herald |date=26 June 2021 |access-date=28 June 2021}} Subsequently, she missed the tenth anniversary commemorations of her marriage in June, which Charlene stated was "extremely difficult" and saddened her. In August 2021, she underwent a four-hour surgery that required general anesthetic. In September 2021, she was hospitalised again because of a "medical emergency" pertaining to ENT complications.{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/princess-charlene-of-monaco-hospitalised-in-medical-emergency/news-story/bf62e053902be42a804c55550dd52f15|title=Princess Charlene of Monaco hospitalised in medical emergency|website=news.com.au|first=Stephanie|last=Nolasco|date=7 September 2021|accessdate=8 October 2021|via=Fox News}}{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/princess-charlene-hospitalized-released-medical-emergency/|title=Princess Charlene's Condition Is 'Reassuring' After Brief Hospitalization, Says Palace|work=People|first1=Peter|last1=Mikelbank|first2=Benjamin|last2=VanHoose|date=3 September 2021|accessdate=4 September 2021}} On 8 October 2021, it was announced that she had undergone a final procedure.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/princess-charlene-hospital-final-surgery-before-monaco-return/|title=Princess Charlene Visits Hospital for 'Final Procedure' Before She Can Return to Monaco|work=People|first=Peter|last=Mikelbank|date=8 October 2021|accessdate=8 October 2021}} She returned to Monaco on 8 November 2021.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/princess-charlene-returns-to-monaco-reunite-prince-albert-twins/|title=Princess Charlene Returns to Monaco After Six-Month Separation from Prince Albert and Their Twins|work=People|first=Peter|last=Mikelbank|date=8 November 2021|accessdate=8 November 2021}}

On 16 November 2021, the palace announced that Charlene would be resting and that she had cancelled all her activities, including those of Monaco's national celebrations, owing to ill-health, especially "deep fatigue".{{cite news |last1=Hummel |first1=Tassilo |title=Monaco's Princess Charlene avoids public duties, palace cites ill health |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/monacos-princess-charlene-suspends-public-duties-palace-cites-ill-health-2021-11-16/ |access-date=16 November 2021 |work=Reuters |date=16 November 2021}} It was reported that she would spend her recovery period in a location outside Monaco.{{cite web|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/20211118126567/princess-charlene-not-staying-in-monaco-prince-albert-reveals/|title=Princess Charlene is not staying in Monaco - Prince Albert reveals|work=Hello!|first=Danielle|last=Stacey|date=18 November 2021|accessdate=18 November 2021}} After a four-month stay at a Swiss clinic, the palace stated in March 2022 that Charlene was back in Monaco with her family and was expected to restart her duties gradually as her health further improved.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/princess-charlene-back-home-in-monaco-prince-albert-children-health-update/|title=Princess Charlene Is Back Home in Monaco with Husband Prince Albert and Their Children by Her Side|work=People|first=Peter|last=Mikelbank|date=12 March 2022|accessdate=15 March 2022}}

In June 2022, Charlene tested positive for COVID-19 and began self-isolation in accordance with health rules.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/princess-charlene-of-monaco-tests-positive-for-covid-19/|title=Princess Charlene of Monaco Tests Positive for COVID-19: 'Not a Source of Concern'|work=People|first=Peter|last=Mikelbank|date=4 June 2022|accessdate=4 June 2022}}

Since her marriage, Charlene has been styled as "Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco", and bears the historical titles of her husband in the feminine.{{cite web |title=H.S.H Princess Charlene |url=https://www.palais.mc/en/princely-family/h-s-h-princess-charlene/biography-1-6.html |website=Palais Princier de Monaco |access-date=11 February 2023}}

{{see also|List of honours of the Monegasque princely family by country}}

• {{flag|Monaco}}:
• 70px Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles{{cite web|url=http://www.legimonaco.mc/Dataweb/jourmon.nsf/9bf97b0da6308cfdc12568c40037f873/699674d5839503b4c1257abe005708d6!OpenDocument|title=N° 8096 du VENDREDI 23 NOVEMBRE 2012 * Ordonnance Souveraine n° 4.038 du 17 novembre 2012 portant élévation dans l'Ordr|website=www.legimonaco.mc|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113220417/http://www.legimonaco.mc/Dataweb/jourmon.nsf/9bf97b0da6308cfdc12568c40037f873/699674d5839503b4c1257abe005708d6!OpenDocument|archive-date=13 January 2013}}{{cite web |url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d5/09/1e/d5091e90081f566a07bfd6144434c40f.jpg |format=JPG |title=Photographic image |website=S-media-cache-ako.pinimg.com |access-date=29 April 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304024213/https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d5/09/1e/d5091e90081f566a07bfd6144434c40f.jpg |archive-date=4 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/430303/princess-charlene-wore-wrap-dress-during-monacos-national-day-celebrations-photo-reuters-eric.jpg?w=630|format=JPG|title=Princess Charlene Wore Wrap Dress during Monaco's National Day Celebrations|website=D.ibtimes.co.uk|access-date=29 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065957/http://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/430303/princess-charlene-wore-wrap-dress-during-monacos-national-day-celebrations-photo-reuters-eric.jpg?w=630|archive-date=4 March 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/imagenes//royalty/2013112015751/princess-caroline-charlene-monaco-blue-velvet-dresses/0-80-882/monaco-royals--z.jpg |format=JPG |title=Photographic image of Princess Caroline of Monaco and family |website=Hellomagazine.com |access-date=29 April 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924043701/http://www.hellomagazine.com/imagenes//royalty/2013112015751/princess-caroline-charlene-monaco-blue-velvet-dresses/0-80-882/monaco-royals--z.jpg |archive-date=24 September 2015}}
• 70px Recipient of the Medal for Physical Education and Sports, First Class[https://mobile.twitter.com/vaninaswchindt/status/1593468129669095425 Twitter]

• {{flag|Poland}}: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland{{cite web|url=http://www.nicematin.com/societe/le-couple-princier-est-arrive-en-pologne.1024951.html |title=Le couple princier est arrivé en Pologne | Actualités |publisher=Nice-Matin |date=18 October 2012 |access-date=29 April 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708172619/http://www.nicematin.com/societe/le-couple-princier-est-arrive-en-pologne.1024951.html |archive-date=8 July 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/DetailsServlet?id=WMP20130000242 |title=Internetowy System Aktów Prawnych |website=Isap.sejm.gov.pl |access-date=29 April 2016}}
• {{flag|Italy}}: Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy{{cite web|url=http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=330605 |title=Onorificenze - Dettaglio del conferimento |website=Quirinale.it |date=20 February 2014 |access-date=29 April 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305141105/http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=330605 |archive-date=5 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.palais.mc/en/news/h-s-h-princess-charlene/divers/2014/july/remise-de-decoration-a-s-a-s-la-princesse-charlene-3258.html|title=Prince's Palace of Monaco|website=Palais.mc|access-date=29 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305065810/http://palais.mc/en/news/h-s-h-princess-charlene/divers/2014/july/remise-de-decoration-a-s-a-s-la-princesse-charlene-3258.html|archive-date=5 March 2016}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Charlene, Princess of Monaco}}

• [http://www.palais.mc/en/princely-family/h-s-h-princess-charlene/biography-1-6.html Princess Charlene] at the official website of the Princely Family of Monaco
• [http://www.fondationprincessecharlene.mc/en/hsh-princess-charlene Princess Charlene] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617115107/http://www.fondationprincessecharlene.mc/en/hsh-princess-charlene |date=17 June 2022 }} at the official website of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation
• {{Instagram|hshprincesscharlene}}

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