Princess Charlene Celebrates 10th Anniversary Separately Amid Prince Albert Cheating Rumors

Prince William and Kate Middleton aren’t the only royal couple to have ushered in a decade of togetherness this year. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco also touched the milestone on July 1. But, unlike the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the royals of Monaco were miles apart on their special day. While Charlene’s absence has been attributed to health reasons, speculations are rife that the separation has more to do with the 63-year-old Prince’s cheating scandal.

Credible reports cite that Charlene traveled to her native South Africa in early May for a surgical rectification of a previous procedure. The travel had its repercussions—a brief separation from her husband and 6-year-old twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques.

“It's been a trying time for me. I miss my husband and children dearly,” said the princess in an interview with Chanel 24, as reported by People. “Albert is my rock and strength and without his love and support I would not have been able to get through this painful time,” she added.

However, rumor mills are abuzz that there’s more than what meets the eye. Page Six reported that last December, word got out that Albert had been hit with a new paternity suit, from a Brazilian woman who said he fathered her 15-year-old daughter while the prince was dating Charlene.

Despite the distance, the couple nonetheless released a statement about their continued efforts to carry on with their charitable work, including the South Africa Foundation which Charlene originally traveled to South Africa in support of, with utmost dedication and transparency.

The statement read: “HSH Prince Albert and HSH Princess Charlene are committed to making a difference in the world through their foundations and wish to thank everyone for their continued generosity, support, and trust in them. Your gifts and contributions, support, and trust have enabled our foundations to achieve many of our goals. All of this would not have been possible without you.”

Albert’s life has been marred with controversies largely pertaining to paternity suits levied against him barely a week before he ascended the throne following the death of his father, Prince Rainer in 2015. The prince was reportedly forced to admit that he fathered an illegitimate son with a flight attendant from Tongo, whom he’d met on an Air France jet.