Charlène Lynette Wittstock married Crown Prince Albert of Monaco in a gorgeous ceremony in 2011. From the beginning of their union,the couple has had to face unending rumours about Charlène’s unhappiness and the state of their marriage.
Discover our latest podcast
It was reported that the ongoing rumours and scrutiny impacted Charlène’s health and in 2021 she was forced to cancel all her engagements due to ‘deep fatigue’. A couple of years later, as the rumours haven’t stopped, the Princess gave a rare interview in which she calls out the press for their ill-treatment.
Rumours of their marriage being a sham
Since the beginning of their marriage the two have been accused of marrying simply to ensure the line of succession. This came from the fact that Prince Albert had had multiple children out of wedlock who therefore could not join the line of succession.
Moreover, the fact that Charlène is 20 years younger than Prince Albert raised suspicion. Because of all these rumours, every little aspect of the couple’s relationship is scrutinised and interpreted. For instance, in May 2021, Charlène was supposed to go to South Africa, where she’s from, for a short period but ended up staying for six months.
At the time, many tabloids speculated that it meant the royal marriage was struggling. In September 2021, Prince Albert had to tell People:
She didn’t go into exile (...) It was absolutely just a medical problem which had to be treated
But the rumours haven’t stopped. In August 2023, it was alleged that Princess Charlène was living away from Prince Albert in Switzerland. The monegasque Palace didn’t comment on those rumours at the time but now, on 24 September 2023, Princess Charlène has had enough.
Read more: Princess Charlène spotted with husband, Prince Albert II despite separation rumours
‘They’re creating a certain narrative’
In this rare interview given to a South African media, the Princess shuts down the rumours and tackled the treatment she has received from tabloids. She says:
If there are a thousand photos of me at an event, they choose one where I'm looking down or not smiling – and then they say I look awkward or unhappy
I feel like they're creating a certain narrative
Moreover, she attempted to put the divorce rumours to bed adding:
Our marriage is fine (...) I find the rumors grueling and exhausting!
[I can] simply not understand where they [the rumors] come from. [...] It seems to me as if certain media or people want to see us separate.
Earlier in 2023, in an absolute revolution, the Palace had to comment on the rumours because of their unending nature. The monegasque Palace called those rumours ‘malicious’ and ‘completely unfounded’. The Palace also highlighted the impact these were having on the Princess’ mental and physical health.
Read more:
⋙ Princess Charlène is back in Monaco and has been seen with a famous American actor
⋙ Prince Harry and Meghan villainized once again by former royal staff in bombshell claim
Sources:
Bunte: "Bestimmte Leute wollen sehen, dass wir uns trennen"
Town and Country: Are Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco Separating?
Tatler: Is Princess Charlene of Monaco living in Switzerland? Marriage with Prince Albert is simply ‘ceremonial’, reports claim