Princess Charlene of Monaco thanks fans during solo return to royal duties

Princess Charlene's latest solo visit to an animal shelter means a lot more than what it looks like.

In an Instagram post featuring a photo of her petting a dog at an animal shelter, the Princess of Monaco thanked fans for their warm welcome as she made a solo return to royal duties.

"Went to visit the Monaco SPA. Please support a local SPA or animal shelter near you. Thank you, Merci, With all my love," the mother-of-two wrote on Instagram.

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Charlene made a long-awaited return to public duties after being out of the spotlight for the better part of last year.

Complications began when she contracted an ear, nose and throat infection while in her home country of South Africa in May 2021. Her 10-day visit turned into a six month stay as she remained too unwell to fly back to Monaco.

After she finally returned to Monaco in November 2021, Charlene checked herself in to a professional health clinic in Switzerland for four months due to "exhaustion, both emotional and physical," according to her husband, Prince Albert.

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Following her return to the principality in March this year, the princess told the media she was taking things slow.

"When I returned to the Principality, I focused all my energy on my children, my husband and my health because they are my priority," the 44 year old told Monaco Matin

"My state of health is still fragile and I don't want to go too fast. The road has been long, difficult and so painful. Today I feel calmer."