The recurring absence of Monaco's Princess Charlene, widely dubbed the 'fugitive royal', is once again causing a stir as she has not been seen publicly for almost three weeks. The ongoing mystery of her disappearance raises questions about the stability of the 12-year-long marriage to Prince Albert, particularly in light of recent events.
At the recent screening of "Rainier III by Himself," a documentary about his late father, Prince Albert was noticeably unaccompanied by his wife. The conspicuous absence of the 45-year-old former athlete and mother of their twins heightened speculation when she was not present at Wimbledon, a significant event usually attended by both royals.
Adding to the intrigue, Albert attended the tennis tournament with Melanie-Antoinette Costello de Massy, 38, a confidante of Charlene's and the daughter of Albert's cousin, Elizabeth. Costello de Massy was a consistent presence alongside Charlene following her return to Monaco in April after an extended hiatus.
As previously reported by GLOBE, the South African-born Princess left for her homeland in 2021, in the wake of allegations regarding an illegitimate child fathered by Prince Albert. The 65-year-old monarch denied the accusations concerning a 16-year-old girl, his alleged third child out of wedlock.
Princess Charlene's return to Monaco after a six-month absence was followed by a controversial stay in a Swiss clinic, where she reportedly underwent electroshock therapy. However, the palace maintained that she was merely being treated for exhaustion following a severe ear, nose, and throat infection she contracted abroad.
Further fanning the flames of speculation, the Princess has been seen without her wedding ring amidst rumors of a precarious marriage. There are whispers that Prince Albert has allegedly attempted to save their union by showering his wife with lavish gifts and compensating her generously to preserve their public image.
The details surrounding the couple's wedding, including their decision to spend the night of their nuptials in hotels miles apart, have fueled further conjecture. With the latest disappearance of the Princess and the continuous silence from the royal household, speculation about the state of the royal marriage is reaching fever pitch.