I MISS ALBERT & MY BABIES

Princess Charlene is keeping busy in SA as she recovers from an illness that has kept her from her family

- NICI DE WET

SHE may be a princess in one of the world’s wealthiest principalities but there are no airs and graces about her when she sits down with her sewing machine to help make blankets for a local crèche.

In fact, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco is quite enjoying jumping in to help where she can while she recovers from serious health problems that have prevented her returning to Monaco.

The princess has been in South Africa for about three months now, unable to return to the Pink Palace. She couldn’t even fly back to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary with her husband, Prince Albert.

She’s missing Albert and her children, six-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, terribly, Charlene (43) tells YOU in an exclusive interview.

“This is the longest time I’ve been in South Africa since 2007, before I moved to Monaco.”

Many were worried about her when it was reported she was laid low by a severe ear, nose, and throat infection in May. “Firstly I want to thank you all for your concern,” she tells us before going on to explain what exactly went down.

Turns out her infection was brought on by a sinus lift and bone graft she had done in Europe before she came to SA in May to do some conservation work.

At the time she didn’t know she had an infection. “I was unaware I was already suffering from ear, nose, and throat complications,” Charlene explains. “But then my ears became very sore so I went to an ENT specialist who immediately started treatment.”