WATCH: Zulu king bids farewell to Princess Charlene as she returns to Monaco

Princess Charlene has finally returned to Monaco after an extended stay in South Africa.

Princess Charlene returns to Monaco

His Royal Highness Misuzulu kaZwelithini was there to bid farewell to the princess who had to stay in South Africa for months due to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) infection.

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A post shared by HSH Princess Charlene (@hshprincesscharlene)

A statement released on 8 October said the princess had recovered well, is healthy, and is looking forward to reuniting with her family.

“Unfortunately, during her stay, the former Olympic swimmer and founder of The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa fell ill and was hospitalised many times after contracting an ENT infection. Due to the medical procedures, she was prohibited from travelling by air, which resulted in her extended stay in the country,” it said.

The princess – who was born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa – said she loves to visit this country.

“Every time I visit this beautiful country, I am filled with immense joy and pride. I want to thank everyone for being so hospitable and supportive during my time here. I am looking forward to reuniting with my six-year-old twins, Jacques and Gabriella, and husband, Prince Albert,” she said.

Implementing various initiatives

It is said that her extra time in South Africa was eventually put to good use.

Since being in the country, Princess Charlene was involved with her Foundation initiatives, with a particular focus on #chasingzero, #educate2gether, and #feed2gether.

According to IOL, the princess was involved with various conservation operations such as rhino monitoring and tracking, deployment with the Anti-Poaching Unit, educational wildlife photography sessions, and a White Rhino dart and de-horning exercise in KwaZulu-Natal.

She implemented the “Learn to Swim” and “Water Safety” programmes aimed, in particular, at disadvantaged children who are at risk of drowning due to their environment.

The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa

Through The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa, she also joined hands with the Louis Oosthuizen Foundation57’s iPapa57 Feeding the Children programme to raise funds to produce specially formulated maize products for children between the ages of three and five.

Currently, the iPapa57 programme feeds between 460 and 480 children at 18 SmartStart Early Childhood Development (ECD) community centres in the Mossel Bay area.