Prince Albert of Monaco has been spotted enjoying the tennis at Wimbledon while his wife Princess Charlene has reportedly not been seen in public for nearly three weeks.
Her absence first sparked attention when she was not present at her husband’s side for a film screening earlier this month, then she was also not by his side at the tennis this week.
Albert was however joined by Melanie-Antoinette Costello de Massy, a close friend of Charlene and a source of “fundamental support” to the Royal Family of Monaco, according to Vanity Fair Spain.
Ms Costello de Massy was also with Charlene for an engagement during the festivities of Sainte Devote in Monaco in January this year.
She is the daughter of Albert’s cousin Elizabeth and was said to be by Charlene’s side as she returned to the spotlight following her long break due to illness and “exhaustion”.
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As Charlene recovered Ms Costello de Massy accompanied Albert on royal engagements throughout 2021, as the Princess was forced to stay in South Africa, where she had been visiting when she was taken ill.
She was said to have contracted a severe infection affecting her ears, nose and throat, with her surgical procedures making flying impossible.
At the time Charlene thanked her husband for being “the most incredible support to me” and they were reunited in November 2021.
Princess Charlene was last seen in public in June 20 at the Golden Nymphs Awards in Monte Carlo, just weeks after she debuted her new chopped brunette locks at the Monaco Grand Prix.
On the awards red carpet Charlene looked chic in a long navy gown with a plunging neckline as she hung out with stars including American actor Josh Duhamel.
However, there was no social media comment from her when she and Albert celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary on July 1.
There has been much speculation about the state of Albert and Charlene’s marriage, however, the couple hit back at claims of a split from one French publication.
A spokesperson for the family said: “I would like to formally deny the malicious rumours peddled by the French magazine Royauté. Please disregard this article which is totally unfounded.”
The couple have been married since 2011 and have two children together, twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, who were born in December 2014.
