Princess Charlene has 'final' surgery in South Africa, paving the way for her return to Monaco
Princess Charlene could be back in Monaco within weeks after undergoing what the palace has described as her "final" surgery.
The royal, 43, had yet another operation on October 8 and is now recovering in South Africa.
The procedure was linked to her ongoing ear, nose and throat infection which has seen her grounded in her former homeland since May and unable to fly on doctors' orders. She has not been seen in public in Monaco since January.
Princess Charlene shared a photo with the caption "God bless" from South Africa, days after her husband was pictured with actress Sharon Stone. Instagram/hshprincesscharlene
A source close to the Prince's Palace told Agence France Presse: "The Princess underwent an operation on Friday which went very well.
"This operation under general anaesthetic is the last of the operations she was due to undergo following her ENT (ear, nose and throat) infection."
Earlier, a palace spokesperson told People: "Princess Charlene has gone in today (October 8) for her final procedure".
Princess Charlene of Monaco speaks to her children Jacques and Gabriella via a video call from South Africa in July, 2021. Instagram/hshprincesscharlene
It is expected that Charlene will soon be able to return to Monaco to be reunited with her husband Prince Albert II, 63, and their twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, six.
READ MORE: Princess Charlene's cryptic message days after Prince Albert was seen with Sharon Stone
Speaking days before his wife's most recent surgery, Albert told RMC Radio that Charlene "is still in South Africa, but will be back very soon, we have to talk to the doctors in a few days".
"She is better," he added, "it was also complicated for her because different problems affected her."
In September, he told People his could could be returning in "late October".
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, with their twins, greet the crowd from the palace balcony during the Sainte Devote Ceremony in January, 2020. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
On October 3 ahead of the operation Princess Charlene shared a photo of herself to Instagram, showing her smiling with the caption, "God bless" wearing what appears to be rosary beads and reading a Bible.
In August Charlene underwent a lengthy operation in South Africa after falling ill with an ear, nose and throat infection while completing conservation and anti-poaching work around the country.
She has since had several other procedures related to the infection.
Princess Charlene, Prince Albert, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, pictured in August in South Africa. Instagram
In late August she was reunited with Albert and their children who travelled to South Africa for a visit.
Her long absence from Monaco has triggered rumours of problems within the royal marriage as she was forced to miss her 10th wedding anniversary in July along with other key events.
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