In August, several European gossip outlets were full of stories about the Grimaldis, aka the Monaco royals. The current gossip is that Prince Albert and Princess Charlene have basically separated, with Charlene living full-time in Switzerland. Reportedly, Charlene and Albert both spend time with their twins, but Charlene doesn’t really have primary custody of them. Oh, and she only sees Albert “by appointment” and she only comes to Monaco for carefully stage-managed appearances. What was interesting about all of that gossip was that the Prince’s Palace didn’t deny it or respond to it in any way. In years past, if there was any kind of published rumor like that, Albert would shut it down quickly. He hasn’t. Then Charlene’s Instagram was shut down a week later.

Well, in the past week, Charlene has been in Monaco, doing appearances with Albert. She didn’t look happy about it, but again, she has Resting Sadface. Last week, Charlene and Albert appeared at the “Princess of Monaco Cup” which was a charity fundraiser for Charlene’s foundation. They also did a more solemn commemoration for Albert’s father on what would have been Prince Rainier’s 100th birthday. Then over the weekend, Charlene was once again by Albert’s side for the “national picnic.” The twins were there too.

So, I would assume that this is the message: a united front, Charlene and Albert’s marriage is fine, Charlene supports her husband and she definitely doesn’t live full time in Switzerland. Is that message getting through? Eh. I think most people assume that Charlene is completely miserable, but I also think that whatever Char and Albert have worked out, she seems more content these days.

Photos courtesy of Backgrid.