Princess Charlene 'almost died' from her condition last year

(Image credit: Corbis via Getty Images)

Princess Charlene is one of the most talked-about women in the world, and from her marriage to Prince Albert of Monaco to her days as an Olympic swimmer, she never fails to get the world talking.

It is a health issue that has made her headlines this past year however with Princess Charlene suffering a 'medical emergency', something that grounded her in South Africa for six months.

After her condition was announced as 'stable', Princess Charlene returned home, but within days she was admitted to a treatment facility.

People reported that Princess Charlene ‘is receiving treatment in a facility outside of Monaco’, with Prince Albert explaining that his wife is suffering with ‘profound exhaustion, both emotional and physical.’

‘[Her return] went pretty well in the first few hours, and then it became pretty evident that she was unwell,’ Prince Albert explained. ‘She was clearly exhausted, physically and emotionally. She was overwhelmed and couldn't face official duties, life in general or even family life.’

Princess Charlene Of Monaco attends Christmas gifts distribution at La Croix Rouge in Monte-Carlo on December 18, 2019 in Monaco, Monaco.

A source spoke out recently however to clear up some confusion, emphasising that Princess Charlene was seriously ill with a physical condition rather than mentally ill, as she is seemingly being presented.

Speaking to Page Six, a 'friend' of the royal reported: 'It is unfair that she is being portrayed as having some kind of mental or emotional issue. We don't know why the palace is downplaying that she almost died in South Africa.'

The source continued: 'She has not been able to eat solid food in over six months because of all the surgeries she has since gone through. She has only been able to take in liquids through a straw, so she lost nearly half her body weight.'

This comes after Prince Albert released more information about Princess Charlene and how long she will be expected to spend in the treatment facility.

'We'll visit her there,' he explained of himself and their two children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. 'I can't give you any kind of time frame on that. Not in the next few days, certainly but whenever we get the medical go-ahead.'

He continued to People: 'You know these kind of treatments, these rest periods, are usually several weeks. I cannot give you any set period at this time, we will see.'

Our thoughts are with Princess Charlene as she recovers.

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.