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Princess Charlene just can’t catch a break.
Just as she was getting back into the swing of things and picking up her royal duties again, the Pink Palace announced she’s tested positive for Covid-19.
The South African-born princess will now isolate for the next few days.
“The state of her health is not a source of concern,” read the statement released to People.
Charlene isn't the first member of Monaco's royal family to test positive since the start of the pandemic.
Her husband, Prince Albert, had the virus in March 2020 and again this April. On both occasions, neither Charlene nor the couple's twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, were reported to have contracted the coronavirus.
Her Serene Highness' positive Covid-19 test is the latest of a long list of ailments that have plagued the mother of two over the past two years.
While in South Africa in May 2021, the former Olympic swimmer fell ill during what was supposed to be a quick 10-day work trip related to various wildlife conservation causes she supports.
She developed serious complications stemming from an ear, nose and throat infection. Charlene contracted the infection as a result of a sinus lift and bone graft she’d had earlier in the year in Europe to prepare for dental implants.
The resulting procedures saw her grounded in South Africa for months, unable to fly back to Monaco.
In July, while celebrating her 10th wedding anniversary, Charlene said her illness and inability to travel had been a trying time.
“I miss my husband and children dearly,” she said. “What has been extremely difficult for me was when I was instructed by my medical team that I couldn't return home for my 10th wedding anniversary. Albert is my rock and strength and without his love and support I wouldn't have been able to get through this painful time.”
Just as it appeared she was getting better, she collapsed at the resort she was staying in and had to be rushed to a Durban hospital in September 2021.
“The princess actually suffered a seizure. It happened a few weeks after she’d had a particularly gruelling operation and she just ended up pushing herself too hard when she should have been resting," a source told YOU.
Charlene had convulsions, the source adds, which can happen as a result of severe infection or illness and high fever.
After a series of corrective procedures, she finally returned to Albert and the twins in November 2021, only to check into a Swiss clinic for the next four months.
The palace said the princess was being treated for emotional and physical exhaustion. “A period of calm and rest is necessary to ensure the very best recovery for Princess Charlene's health,” the palace added.
READ MORE | Life in a fishbowl: Princess Charlene joins a long list of women who struggle in the spotlight
Speaking of his wife’s prolonged absence from the palace, Prince Albert said, “We missed the princess a lot. And we were obviously hurt by the malicious rumours that were peddled,” he continued. “But we were able to stay united despite the distance. We spoke to each other often.”
Her return to the spotlight and royal duties in March was welcomed by the people of Monaco, even though the palace said her health was still fragile.
Since her return to public life, the princess has made a number of public appearances and was last seen a week ago at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Addressing rumours about her health and marriage status during fashion week, Charlene explained that she didn't "want to go too fast".
"The road has been long, difficult and so painful. Today I feel calmer.
“I still find it regrettable that certain media peddle such rumours about my life, my relationship. Like everyone else, we are human beings, and, like all human beings, we have emotions.”
Due to her Covid isolation, the princess will not attend the Riviera Water Bike Challenge sponsored by her charity foundation. It's not yet clear when she will resume royal duties.
Sources: people.com, edition.cnn.com, news24.com
