Princess Charlene gears up for first public royal Christmas after a rough two years

Princess Charlene of Monaco is slowly returning to royal engagements again after a tough year filled with illness and isolation.

Charlene made an appearance at Monaco's Red Cross gift giveaway yesterday with her husband, Prince Albert, and their niece, Camilla Gottllieb, the 24-year-old daughter of Princess Stephanie.

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The gift giveaway is in the spirit of Christmas, with the royal family gifting presents to those in need, taking the time to listen to the stories of the vulnerable people stocking up on gifts ahead of the festive season.

The mum-of-two wore a pleated forest green dress to match the holiday mood, looking fresh faced and bright during the engagement.

Her husband, Prince Albert, 42, wore a blue suit as he stood by her side.

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Princess Charlene has recently returned to royal duties after a tough year spent recovering from the ear, nose and throat infection she sustained while visiting her home country of South Africa in May 2021.

She was forced to stay there for six months, before deciding to check herself into a professional health clinic in Switzerland for another four months due to "exhaustion, both emotional and physical," according to Prince Albert.

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She recently made her first solo engagement last month, posting a picture of herself visiting an animal shelter to mark the occasion.

"Went to visit the Monaco SPA. Please support a local SPA or animal shelter near you. Thank you, Merci, With all my love," the 44-year-old ex-Olympian thanked her fans on Instagram.

Charlene is expected to mark her first public royal Christmas in two years over the 2022 holiday period.