Princess Charlene breaks cover after denying divorce rumours

Princess Charlene breaks her cover after denying divorce rumours with husband Prince Albert as she stepped out in Milan without her dazzling three-carat engagement ring

The appearance comes after French magazine ROYAUTÉ claimed that the prince and princess are in the process of separation (pictured with their children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella) 

She's now back in full swing with royal duties and public appearances, but French magazine ROYAUTÉ has claimed that the Prince and Princess are in the process of separation.

The Palace's press office said they 'formally deny the malicious rumours peddled by the magazine. 

A spokesperson said: 'I would like to formally deny the malicious rumors peddled by the French magazine Royauté. Please disregard this article which is totally unfounded.'

The royal couple married in July 2011 after the prince proposed with a handcrafted pear-cut diamond flanked by smaller diamonds designed by Paris-based Italian jeweller Repossi.   

Later, during the wedding service, the couple exchanged 18-carat white gold platinum rings by Cartier, with Princess Charlene laughing as she placed the ring on her husband's finger.

However there have been reports of a rift between the Prince and Princess ever since their high-profile marriage.

At the time, Charlene was dubbed the 'Runaway Bride' by the French media after allegedly trying to flee before the wedding, but the reports were always denied.

And since her wedding day, the royal has often gone without either ring - and on occasion even worn different rings on her wedding finger. 

In the early days of marriage, the royal was often spotted showing off the dazzler, but since 2017 she's seldom been seen pictured wearing the rings - even at formal events.

The 44-year-old Olympic swimmer looked casual in a beige jumper as she stepped out on Friday without her engagement ring

The Palace's press office said they 'formally deny the malicious rumours peddled by the magazine (pictured at Monaco Red Cross Ball in 2022) 

The mum-of-two opted for comfort in black jeans and cream loafers as she made her way into a hotel

The princess appeared to go makeup free as she opted for comfort and she accessorised with diamond earrings 

Photos of her at the Monaco National day Gala concert in 2012 show her wearing the ring, while she was seen wearing it again to greet the crowd from the Palace's balcony during the Monaco National Day Celebration in 2017.

But during the same celebration in 2019 she was without the ring as she stepped out of the palace on the arm of Albert to greet crowds.

Several times throughout 2019 and 2020 she was in public without her engagement ring or wedding band.

The past few years have been particularly rocky for the couple, as they have been hit with rumours about their marriage and Charlene's own ill-health. 

Albert was hit with a legal claim for cash by an alleged illegitimate child in December 2020, and soon afterwards Charlene shaved half her head in the style of a punk rocker.

There were allegations that Albert had fathered a love-child with an unnamed Brazilian woman during the time when he and Charlene were already in a relationship.

The woman said she met the Prince in a nightclub in Rio de Janeiro in 2004, and that their daughter, who is now a 16-year-old Brazilian schoolgirl, sent a handwritten note to Albert.

In turn, Albert's legal team branded the allegations 'a hoax, and they never went to court - prompting speculation that the case was settled privately.

Princess Charlene is often spotted in chic looks and expensive jewellery - but one piece she's often seen without is her dazzling three-carat engagement ring (pictured in 2019 at the Monte Carlo gift distribution without the ring)

Charlene sported  a pearl ring on her wedding finger at Fete de la Saint Jean in 2020 (Pictured)

Albert proposed with a handcrafted pear-cut diamond flanked by smaller diamonds designed by Paris-based Italian jeweller Repossi, pictured left on Charlene's finger in 2012, and right, in 2017) 

The royal even wears different rings on the fourth finger of her left hand, instead of her wedding and engagement rings. Pictured: Stepping out on Monaco's National Day in November 2019  

She sported an entirely different ring at Monaco Cathedral for Elizabeth-Ann De Massy's funeral (left) and didn't wear a ring in 2020 - shortly before she left for South Africa, where she remained for a number of months (right) 

The Prince has admitted fathering two other children out of wedlock - Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, who is now 30 and the result of Albert's affair with an American estate agent, and Alexandre Coste, 18, whose mother is a former Togolese air hostess.

Both children were struck off Monaco's line of succession in return for financial settlements. 

Charlene first fell ill in South Africa in May 2021, during what was meant to be a 10-day visit.

Complications from a sinus operation led to her staying in her native country for 10 months, and there have been rumours about the state of her marriage ever since.

There had been claims by leading French media that Albert had signed an 'ultra-confidential contract' to pay his wife more than £10m a year to fulfil her Royal duties.  

She returned to Monaco but was there for a matter of days before leaving for a Swiss treatment facility. The exact nature of her condition was not made public but Albert said she was 'exhausted'.

Charlene first fell ill in South Africa in May 2021, during what was meant to be a 10-day visit - and she remained in the country for 10 months

Princess Charlene 'almost died' after having surgery to address swallowing issues stemming from a severe throat infection, a source claimed (Charlene is pictured in 2021)

Photographs of their reunion were greeted with a hefty dose of scepticism by the French media.

Prince Albert said he was 'hurt by the vicious rumours' peddled about his marriage following his wife's absence and said that it's the 'most beautiful thing' to have her back with him. 

The Royal Palace announced in March last year that Charlene had returned and would make a gradual reintroduction to public life.

She has since made full a handful of public appearances with her husband and children, including appearing at the late Queen Elizabeth's funeral in September.

Major French outlets that specialise in celebrity news said Charlene's sudden re-appearance was welcomed by all Royal watchers. 

In December, she told local newspaper Monaco Matin she felt 'so much better' than she has in recent years.

Revealing she has 'less pain and much more energy', she said she 'is continuing to recover, to rebalance herself.'

Princess Charlene of Monaco made a return to the world stage last year in her highest profile appearance to date after a difficult 18 months for the royal mother-of-two

She added: 'My family and those I love are my rock. I approach the future, step by step, one day at a time.'

Meanwhile Prince Albert has also spoken out in praise of his wife publicly.

The monarch has said she has 'turned it around in an incredible way' after a long-running health battle.

Speaking in December, the 64-year-old royal told People he was 'really proud of my wife,' adding: 'Charlene's doing really well.'

He continued: 'As you know, last year was a very tough year for her - and the beginning of this year.'

He also seeming put rumours of any marital turmoil to one side when he confirmed the two would be attending King Charles' coronation together in May.  

A tumultuous two years for Princess Charlene that saw her spend 10 months in South Africa away from her children, admitted to a treatment facility in Switzerland and strike a rumoured £10 million a year deal with Albert  

2021: HEALTH ISSUES, 10 MONTHS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND ADMISSION TO A SWISS TREATMENT FACILITY 

January 27 - Charlene is pictured with Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco.

March 18 - Charlene is pictured at the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa

April 2 - Charlene posts an Instagram picture of herself, Albert and their twins Jacques and Gabriella for Easter from an unknown locatoin. 

May 8 - Albert, Jacques and Gabriella attend a Grand Prix event in Monaco without Charlene

May 18 - Charlene shares her first picture from her conservation trip in South Africa

June 3 - New photos emerge of Charlene on her conservation trip

June 5 - Charlene puts on a united front as she shares a photo with her family to mark her niece's fifth birthday with her brother's family and Albert and the twins in South Africa

June 24 - Charlene's foundation releases a statement saying the royal is unable to travel and is undergoing procedures for an ear, nose and throat infection

July 2 - Charlene and Albert mark their 10th anniversary separately. 'This year will be the first time that I'm not with my husband on our anniversary in July, which is difficult, and it saddens me,' Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene said in a statement.

August 13 - Charlene undergoes a four-hour operation. The reason is not announced

August 25 - Charlene shares photos of Prince Albert, Gabriella and Jacques visiting her in South Africa

September 1 - Charlene is admitted under an alias to the Netcare Alberlito Hospital after suddenly 'collapsing'

September 2 - Charlene is discharged, with a statement from the Palais Princier reading: 'Her Highness is closely monitored by Her medical team who said that Her condition was not worrying'

September 30 - Charlene releases a stylish video promoting her anti-poaching campaign from her South African bolthole

October 3 - Princess Charlene shares a photograph of herself smiling in front of a bible in her first snap since being discharged from hospital following her health scare

October 6 - Albert tells RMC radio Charlene is 'ready to come home'

October 8 2021 - Princess undergoes more surgery in South Africa

November 8 - Charlene arrives back in Monaco. Prince Albert said within hours it became clear she was 'unwell'

November 13 2021  - Prince Albert attends Expo 2020 in Dubai without Princess Charlene. Following his return from the trip, Prince Albert holds an intervention with Charlene's brothers and a sister-in-law in which Charlene 'confirmed' she would seek 'real medically-framed treatment' outside of Monaco

November 16 - Royal household confirms Princess Charlene will not attend National Day celebrations on November 19

November 17 - Prince Albert reveals Princess Charlene has left Monaco and is recovering in a secret location

November 19 - Prince Albert reveals Charlene is in a treatment facility 'elsewhere in Europe' after a family intervention

November 25 - Sources tell Page Six Princess Charlene 'almost died' after sinus surgery and 'lost nearly half her body weight' due to being 'unable to swallow'. They also said it was 'unfair' to portray her as struggling with mental health issues 

December 11 - Royal breaks her silence on Instagram to wish her twins Jacques and Gabriella a happy seventh birthday

December 24 - Princess Charlene of Monaco is still 'months from recovery' but will reunite with Prince Albert and their twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriela for Christmas at treatment centre

2022: ROAD TO RECOVERY

January 25 - Princess Charlene celebrates her 44th birthday alone: Royal shares slideshow of snaps from happier times featuring Prince Albert, their children and her swimming career as she continues to receive treatment outside of Monaco

March 14 - Palace announces that Charlene is back in Monaco but will take time to 'further strengthen her health before gradually resuming her official duties'

April 17 - Charlene is pictured for the first time in a family portrait to celebrate Easter

April 30 - Charlene makes her first public appearance since leaving a treatment facility as she attends Monaco E-Prix with Prince Albert

May 7 - The royal makes her second public appearance at the Sainte Dévote Rugby Tournament 

May 10 - French media claims Prince Albert has agreed to pay his wife £10million a year to make sure she fulfils her consort role 

May 25 - Princess Charlene continues her return to public life at Monte Carlo Fashion Awards with daughter Princess Gabriella 

May 28 - Princess Charlene continues her return to public life as she joins Prince Albert at F1 in Monaco for the first time since 2019 

June 6 - Prince Albert says he was hurt by the 'vicious' rumours about his wife's absence from Monaco and his family 'missed the princess a lot' 

June 16 - Princess Charlene appears sombre in all-black ensemble for Catholic festival 

June 18 - Princess Charlene of Monaco looks glamorous in all-green ensemble as she steps out with Prince Albert for the Monte Carlo TV Festival opening ceremony 

June 23 - Albert and Charlene attend a science exhibition opening with their children in Oslo - her first overseas visit since returning to public duties

July 4 - Albert and Charlene! Monaco royals hold hands in new portrait to mark 11 years of marriage

July 5 - Charlene visits the Princess Grace Hospital Centre in her first solo engagement since her return to Monaco 

July 9 - Albert attends Monaco's Rose Ball without his wife, despite it being the highlight of the social calendar

July 18 - Royal joins Prince Albert at the 73rd Red Cross Gala in Monte Carlo 

July 20 - Couple visit The Vatican for a private audience with Pope Francis 

September 4 - Charlene joins Prince Albert and their children Gabriella and Jacques for a rare family appearance at traditional picnic in Monaco 

September 6 - Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco take their twins Jacques and Gabriella, 7, to class for their first day back after the summer holiday

September 12 - Couple attend a memorial service for the late Queen Elizabeth II

September 19 - Princess Charlene attends the Queen's funeral in London alongside her husband Prince Albert 

October 4-5 - Princess Charlene wows on a solo surprise visit to Paris Fashion Week

October 21 - Princess Charlene of Monaco makes emotional solo visit to an animal shelter as she sends 'all her love' to fans following her return to royal duties

November 8 - Royal couple attend the annual Princess Grace Awards in New York 

November 16 - Princess Charlene attends Monaco's Red Cross Christmas gift distribution with Prince Albert 

November 19-20 - Princess Charlene attends Monaco National Day celebrations with Prince Albert and presents awards at 2022 World Rugby Awards ceremony

December 2 - Princess Charlene takes her seven-year-old twins to Monaco Christmas village along with her model niece Charlotte Casiraghi

December 13 - Attends Monaco's Red Cross Christmas gift distribution with her husband Prince Albert 

December 14 - Family attend Christmas tree ceremony in Monaco 

December 15 - Princess Charlene of Monaco reveals she feels 'much better' and has 'much more energy' after lengthy health crisis in an interview with Monaco Matin - the first since returning to royal duties

December 21 - Royals release a stylish family Christmas card

December 23 - 'Proud' Prince Albert praises Princess Charlene for 'turning it around in an incredible way' after lengthy health crisis, saying she had a 'very tough year' 

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