Princess Charlene wishes her twins a happy birthday as they spend it apart
Princess Charlene of Monaco took to Instagram to wish her children a happy birthday as she is unable to celebrate with them in person.
Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella turned seven years old on Friday, but Princess Charlene is receiving treatment for an undisclosed condition outside Monaco and could not be there to celebrate with them. It was the first time she has posted on Instagram since she agreed to enter a health facility following an intervention from her husband Prince Albert II in November.
She posted several images of the twins in matching pyjamas in an opulent room with cake and balloons spelling out ‘Joyeux Anniversaire’, and wrote in the caption, “Happy birthday my babies Thank you God for blessing me with such wonderful children. I’m truly blessed Love mom❤️”.
In previous years, the twins had celebrated their birthday with a large party at the palace, but it is believed that their mother’s health issues may have been behind the decision to host a smaller gathering this time around. Hours after Princess Charlene’s post, the Palais Princier de Monaco shared the same photos, writing, “Joyeux anniversaire au Prince Héréditaire Jacques et à la Princesse Gabriella.”
Charlene returned to Monaco on November 8 after spending six months in South Africa where she was treated for an infection, but less than a week after her return, was admitted to a private facility in an undisclosed location. At the time, Prince Albert described her condition as “profound general fatigue...exhaustion, both emotional and physical". He also clarified, "Because I know there are rumors out there, let me say: This is not COVID.
"And it's not cancer-related. It's not a personal relationship issue. And if you want to discuss another speculation, it isn't related to plastic surgery or facial work at all."
He is hoping to visit Charlene with the twins, but has not said when that would happen. "I can't give you any kind of time frame on that. Not in the next few days, certainly but whenever we get the medical go-ahead. You know these kind of treatments, these rest periods, are usually several weeks. I cannot give you any set period at this time, we will see."
He also pleaded for everyone to respect his family’s privacy, saying, "She needs privacy; as a family we need privacy. She needs time to rest in the best environment possible. Even if we as a family are public figures. When public figures have health issues, they deserve privacy just like anyone else.
"I hope everybody will understand that. Give us the time that we need; give her the time that she needs to heal and get better and be back with her family in Monaco. Charlene never asked to have these problems — but they are there, unfortunately, and we need space and privacy to address them. So I beg everyone to understand that and please leave my family alone for the coming weeks."
Image: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images