Princess Charlene has remained in South Africa to look after rhinos as husband Albert and their twins Gabriella and Jacques enjoy the Monaco Grand Prix.
The Princess of Monaco, 43, posted an image on Instagram of her getting up close and personal with the wildlife, having visited the country where she was raised to highlight the fight against rhino poaching.
A statement from the palace said earlier this week she was battling an ENT (Ear, nose and throat) infection ‘that does not allow her to travel’ and join the rest of the family in Monte Carlo, where they watched the Formula One qualifying.
The royal father, 63, donned a sharp navy suit jacket and cream trousers while walking alongside his stylish six-year-old twins, who were kitted out in matching red sport jackets.
It comes as Charlene praised ‘loyal’ Prince Albert earlier this year in her first comments since claims arose he is facing a paternity suit over a third love child.
The claim, which his lawyers dismissed as a ‘hoax’, is particularly painful as he was dating Charlene at the time, having met the former Olympic swimmer in 2000.
The Princess of Monaco, 43, posted an image on Instagram of her getting up close and personal with the wildlife, having visited the country where she was raised to highlight the fight against rhino poaching
Prince Albert of Monaco appeared in great spirits as he joined his children Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques at the Formula One qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix today (pictured)
It is thought Prince Albert’s wife Princess Charlene (pictured), 43, would also be a guest of honour at the event – but she has been unable to return home from a recent trip to South Africa after contracting an infection
After appearing putting on a united front in family pictures over Christmas, Charlene hailed her husband as ‘loyal, determined and courageous’.
Speaking with Point du Vue, she revealed: ‘When my husband has problems, he tells me about it. I often tell him, “No matter what, no matter what, I’m a thousand percent behind you. I’ll stand by you whatever you do, in good times or in bad.”
The mother-of-two went on to say she also often tells her husband she will ‘protect him’ and will ‘always be by his side.’
In this weekend’s pictures, Prince Albert looked relaxed as he was photographed walking alongside his children, sporting a red face mask and blue cap.
He completed his look with a light blue shirt and smart black shoes, while holding on to his son’s hand.
Meanwhile, his children appeared more vibrant in matching red and white ensembles.
The royal father (pictured right), 63, donned a sharp navy suit jacket and cream trousers while walking alongside his stylish six-year-old twins, who were kitted out in matching red sport jackets when in Monte Carlo
Prince Jacques donned white jeans and trainers, with a matching face mask and sport jacket.
Walking in front of her father and brother, Princess Gabriella appeared confident in a red dress and white shoes, finished with a complementary floral headband.
Yesterday, the Palace of Monaco revealed Princess Charlene had extended her stay in South Africa after picking up an ENT infection ‘that does not allow her to travel’.
In a statement, the palace said: ‘During a trip to the African continent as part of a wildlife conservation mission, SAS Princess Charlene contracted an ENT infection that does not allow her to travel.
Prince Jacques (pictured) donned white jeans and trainers, with a matching face mask and sport jacket
‘Unfortunately, she will not be able to attend the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. SAS The Princess Charlene sends her best wishes to the Automobile Club of Monaco, organizer of the event, as well as to the drivers and teams involved in this great automobile competition.’
Prior to the announcement, Princess Charlene had been sharing images of her conservation efforts on Instagram.
She appeared alongside a rhino that had its horns removed in a painless process to try and deter poachers, who would harm the animal for its horns.
The royal, sporting a camouflage jumper, was photographed hugging one of the rhinos while it had bandages over its eyes and ears following the procedure.