Correction 8/17/2022: An earlier version of this article referred to Princess Charlene as a former professional athlete.
This has been corrected to show she is a former competitive athlete.
Charlene isn’t your typical princess, however.
“‘I am African,” the princess toldTatler.
“I wasn’t born Monegasque, nor was I born a princess.”
Learn more about Princess Charlene and how she transformed into Her Serene Highness.
Charlene also has two brothers and is very close to her family.
“Above all, my true friends are my family,” she told Tatler in 2010.
“My mother and two brothers are the only friends I need and the only people I trust.
I’m very grateful to have them.”
In fact, her love for swimming blossomed when she was a young child.
As she grew up, Charlene would go on to participate in swim competitions.
She was a fierce competitor by the time she became a teenager.
In 2000, the athlete made it all the way to the Olympic Games.
Unfortunately, Charlene and her team came in fifth place and did not win a medal that year.
Soon after, Charlene retired from competitive swimming.
“I was not emotionally prepared to retire or for the change of life that it entailed.”
“I was 22 and focused.
I wasn’t in the emotional place for a relationship.”
The pair dated for years and tried to keeptheir relationshipprivate despite rumors.
“They have a wonderful future ahead of them.”
While the royal spouses expected one child, they actually ended up with two!
Known as Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, the twins would grow up to show their differing personalities.
Through her organization,The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, Her Serene Highness works to prevent drowning deaths.
Additionally, she works with theSpecial Olympicsas a global ambassador.
Charlene’s charitable involvement expands sports and athleticism, however.
In 2021, the princess experiencedhealth issues that kept her awayfrom her husband and children.
In March 2022, the princess finallyreturned to Monaco.
She didn’t leave because she was mad at me or at anybody else."
After Charlene’s return to Monaco, Albert admitted the rumors affected him and his royal family.
“But we were able to stay united despite the distance, we spoke to each other often.”
Charlene finally shared her thoughts and feelings about the circulating rumors in a May 2022 interview.
One of her appearances was for an especially good cause.
Additionally, Charlene and Albert attended a Formula One event.
“The road has been long, difficult, and so painful.
Today I feel calmer.”
He has been the most incredible support to me."
To mark the occasion, the royal couple released anew photo.
For the photo shoot, the princess wore a floor-length teal dress and simple necklace.
Charlene commemorated the pair’s 11th wedding anniversary by posting the new photo on her Instagram.
She captioned thepostsimply, writing, “Happy anniversary” with a red heart emoji.
However, the prince later tested positive for the virus again in April 2022.
One of her first appearances without her husband was for a good cause.
While at the hospital, Charlene spent time with several patients, their families, and staff members.
Additionally, Charlene and Albert attended Formula One.
“The road has been long, difficult, and so painful.
Today I feel calmer.”
From 2015 to 2022, the palace’s public wing was closed due to renovations and the COVID-19 pandemic.
According toPeople, Charlene joined a tour with the public and marveled at the palace’s wonders.
The princess also hugged and took photos with the visitors.
