Prince Albert of Monaco’s sisters Princess Caroline of Hanover (left) and Princess Stephanie (right) have rallied around to support his children Jacques and Gabriella in wife Princess Charlene’s absence – after admitting they had ‘suffered.’

The royal, 63, revealed on Friday that his wife Charlene, 43, has been admitted to a ‘treatment facility’ where she will remain for ‘at least several’ weeks after it became ‘evident she was unwell’ within hours of her return to Monaco following 10 months in South Africa. Pictured: Princess Gabriella (left) and Prince Jacques (right) with their father Prince Albert hold signs saying ‘We love you Mommy’ during celebrations marking Monaco’s National Day.

Albert, who earlier this year said his wife was suffering from a sinus infection, did not reveal details of her illness but ruled out cancer and Covid. He hinted at mental health struggles, saying she ‘was overwhelmed and couldn’t face official duties, life in general or even family life’ and is suffering from ‘exhaustion, both emotional and physical’. Princess Charlene (pictured in October) has appeared increasingly frail in recent months.

Discussing the impact their mother’s absence has had on the children, the Monaco royal spoke to French news outlet Monaco Matin and admitted that they had ‘suffered’, but that that they had ‘a family environment that made sure they weren’t lacking in affection’. 

But it seems like they’re being well-looked after by Prince Albert’s sisters Princess Caroline of Hanover, 63, and Princess Stephanie, 56, who were seen holding their hands during celebrations for Monaco National Day on Friday.

Princess Caroline of Hanover, dressed in a sparkly tweed jacket and skirt co-ord, could be seen bending down and reaching for the hand of Prince Jacques, before averting his eyes to something which caught her attention. 

Meanwhile Princess Stephanie (right), who looked chic in a smart grey coat, walked closely alongside Gabriella before clutching the youngster’s hands firmly in front of hers.

During the big event, Prince Albert stood on the balcony of Monaco Palace with his children, who held signs that said: ‘We miss you Mommy’.

Speaking to Monaco Matin, Prince Albert said: ‘I cannot tell you more out of discretion. There is tiredness, not just physical, which can only be treated with a period of rest and monitoring.’

He continued: ‘For me, it’s pretty simple – my priority is my family. This is an extremely important time in [the children’s] life – the way they grow up helps them see the world. And if one of the parents is away for medical reasons, the other parent has to be there.’ Pictured: The family moments after they reunited on November 8. 

‘I have heard too many friends and acquaintances telling me that they wish they had been there for their children, at a certain age, taken up by their work or their professional life. I don’t want to have these regrets.’

Speaking to People magazine, Prince Albert said his 43-year-old wife is suffering profound ‘exhaustion, both emotional and physical’ and will require clinical care lasting several weeks at a minimum following her return from a 10-month stay in South Africa.

The palace confirmed that Charlene (pictured on November 8) would be recovering for the foreseeable future, releasing a statement on Tuesday that said: ‘The Princess is currently convalescing and will continue to do so for the coming weeks, allowing her time to recover from a state of profound general fatigue.’ 

The statement said the couple have ‘both decided that a period of calm and rest is necessary to ensure the very best recovery for Princess Charlene’s health.’ It continued: ‘In order to protect the comfort and privacy essential to Her recovery, the Princess’ location will remain strictly confidential. As soon as her health permits, the Princess looks forward to once again carrying out her Princely duties and spending time with the Monegasques.’

On Thursday, the mother-of-two shared an Instagram post (pictured) from the ‘secret location’ where she is recovering from a ‘fatigue that’s not just physical.’

The family were all spotted together in South Africa at the start of June, and official photos of the family shared on social media in August showing another visit had taken place after three months apart. 

The royal couple have faced rumors about the state of their marriage for many years, but the prince stressed in the interview this week that the separation is not due to relationship issues. He said: ‘I’m probably going to say this several times, but this has nothing to do with our relationship. I want to make that very clear. These are not problems within our relationship; not with the relationship between a husband and wife. It’s of a different nature.’ 

He also said her absence is not due to cancer, Covid, or plastic surgery.