The children of Princess Charlene of Monaco held up posters saying they missed her after she withdrew from public life to recover from health issues.

A former Olympian, the 43-year-old travelled to her homeland of South Africa and stayed for several months before returning to the Mediterranean principality.

But she has not been seen for some time, and her two children are waiting until doctors give the go-ahead before they can see her.

Head of state Prince Albert said in an interview: “They know that she’s going to talk to them very soon. They miss her, of course, but they understand. Kids at that age they understand.”

During parades on Monaco’s national day, Princess Gabriella, six, held a poster saying “We miss you mommy”, while her twin, Hereditary Prince Jacques, held up a sheet of A4 saying “We love you mommy”.

The pair were standing with their father.

The state’s palace said that Charlene – who swam for South Africa at the 2000 Olympics – is recovering from deep fatigue and will take several weeks to recover.

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Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, Prince Albert said his wife was being treated outside of Monaco to protect her privacy.

He said the princess “couldn’t face official duties, life in general or even family life” when she returned from South Africa.

Charlene missed the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary while she was away – but the palace have denied rumours of relationship issues.

“Because I know there are rumours out there, let me say: this is not COVID,” Prince Albert said.

“It’s not cancer-related. It’s not a personal relationship issue. And if you want to discuss another speculation, it isn’t related to plastic surgery or facial work at all.”

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