Prince Albert tackles speculations of divorce from Princess Charlene despite her extended stay in SA

Following Princess Charlene’s extended stay in South Africa due to an ENT infection, rumours of a royal split between the former Olympic swimmer and Prince Albert have begun to circulate. Last week, Her Serene Highness was rushed to hospital after “suddenly falling,” but the palace and the reigning prince have maintained a good front — the royal stated he believes his wife is “ready” to return home to Monaco.

Now, “appalled” by and addressing the ongoing rumors of their marital woes, he tells People: “She didn’t leave Monaco in a huff! She didn’t leave because she was mad at me or at anybody else. She was going down to South Africa to reassess her Foundation’s work down there and to take a little time off with her brother and some friends.”

Princess Charlene visited South Africa in March for the death of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, and she continued her rhino conservation activities in May. “It was only supposed to be a weeklong, 10-day maximum stay, and [she is still there now] because she had this infection all these medical complications arose. “She didn’t go into exile. It was absolutely just a medical problem which had to be treated,” Prince Albert insists. He refers to the speculation that their marriage is falling apart, saying: “I was concentrating on taking care of the kids. And I thought it would just probably go [away]. You know if you try to answer everything that comes out then you’re constantly [responding], you’re wasting your time. “He said “of course it [the rumors] affects her, of course it affects me”.

“Misreading events is always detrimental… We’re an easy target, easily hit, because we’re in the public eye a lot.”