Princess Charlene of Monaco admits ‘it’s sometimes hard to smile’ after ‘incredibly painful year’ which saw her father undergo surgery and two friends die within 10 days
- Princess Charlene of Monaco, 41, has admitted it is ‘sometimes hard to smile’
- During a rare interview, the royal recalled the difficulties she’s faced in 2019
- Charlene is mother to 5-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella
Princess Charlene of Monaco has admitted it is ‘sometimes hard to smile’ after an ‘incredibly painful year’.
During a rare interview, the South African-raised royal, 41, spoke about the difficulties she’s faced in 2019, including her father undergoing surgery and the death of two friends within 10 days.
Speaking with South African magazine Huisgenoot, the mother of 5-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella acknowledged that she often appears sad in photographs.
But explained: ‘People are very quick to say, “Oh, why isn’t she smiling in the photos?” Well, sometimes it’s hard to smile.’
Princess Charlene of Monaco (seen in December) has admitted it is ‘sometimes hard to smile’ after an ‘incredibly painful year’
Prince Albert of Monaco’s wife added: ‘They don’t know what’s going on in the background.’
Admitting that the ‘past year has definitely hit me hard’, she said it had been an ‘incredibly painful’ 2019, which saw her father undergo surgery in South Africa and two friends die within 10 days of each other.
The usually press-shy princess was surprisingly candid as she revealed that a lot of her sadness was down to being homesick, despite her brother Mike Wittstock and his family also living in Monaco.
During a rare interview, the South African-raised royal, 41, (pictured with her husband Prince Albert of Monaco) spoke about the difficulties she’s faced in 2019
‘I have the privilege of having this life, but I miss my family and my friends in South Africa and I’m often sad because I cannot always be there for them,’ she explained.
Charlene regularly visits South Africa and in February, she took her children home for their first experience of the country.
The royal, who was born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), represented South Africa in the 100 metre medley relay at the 2000 Sydney Olympics – and retired from swimming in 2007.
The former Olympic swimmer, her husband, Prince Albert, and their children were seen waving from the balcony of their home to mark Monaco’s National Day on November 19
Charlene (pictured) regularly visits South Africa and in February, she took her children home for their first experience of the country
Prince Albert II, has been the ruler of Monaco following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III, in 2005.
The couple met at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo in 2000, announced their engagement in 2010, and tied the knot on July 1, 2011.
Her pregnancy was announced in May 2014, and in December that year she gave birth to twins Princess Gabriella and heir to the throne Prince Jacques.
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