Princess Charlene's call to kids amid 'painful' separation from family

After weeks of 'painful' separation from her husband and children, Princess Charlene of Monaco has offered a glimpse inside her recovery from surgery in her home country of South Africa.

The 43-year-old former Olympic swimmer took to her Instagram account on July 10 to share several photos of her sweet video call with her twins who she hasn't seen in person since early June.

Missing family

Charlene shares six-year-old Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques with her husband, Prince Albert II of Monaco who she married in 2011.

"Spending time with Jacqui and Bella," she captioned the snaps.

"Making blankets for the crèche next door. Wish me luck," she added.

Wearing a green turtleneck jumper, skinny jeans and tan boots, Charlene is pictured leaning on piles of fabric while blowing kisses to her youngsters via FaceTime.

Her chic short hairdo — which she debuted back in December 2020 — was looking polished as ever.

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In another photo, she directs her phone to several colourful wildlife conservation posters on the wall, no doubt filling her son and daughter in on her efforts to save the endangered rhino and elephant.

Princess Charlene has spent the last few months in South Africa participating in anti-poaching work while Albert and the children remained in Monaco.

According to People magazine, the Zimbabwe-born royal developed a serious ear, nose and throat infection that required surgery in mid-May.

One month later, the palace confirmed to the magazine that the princess had undergone a second surgery "to address complications from a previous operation."

The palace added that Charlene would remain in South Africa 'indefinitely' as she still required additional procedures and was therefore unable to travel home.

The family hasn't been together as a foursome since early June when Prince Albert visited his wife with Gabriella and Jacques.

Her ongoing recovery from surgery also prevented Charlene from returning to Monaco to celebrate her tenth wedding anniversary with Albert on July 1.

"This year will be the first time that I will not be with my husband on our wedding anniversary in July, which is difficult and saddens me," she said in a statement shared prior to the big day.

"However, Albert and I had no choice but to follow the instructions of the medical team, even if it was extremely difficult. He has been the most incredible support to me," she added.

Charlene later opened up about how painful it is to be separated from her husband and kids during such a 'trying time.'

"It's been a trying time for me. I miss my husband and children dearly," she told South African News Channel24.

"Albert is my rock and strength and without his love and support I would not have been able to get through this painful time."

Albert and the twins are expected to visit Charlene again shortly.

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