By Tamlyn Canham
Princess Charlene has returned to Monaco after spending months in South Africa.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini helped send off the princess when she flew out of KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday.
The Zulu monarch’s father, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, shared a close bond with Princess Charlene. The princess was one of the mourners at his funeral in March.
Princess Charlene spent most of her time in KwaZulu-Natal after contracting a serious ENT infection.
The sinus infection meant that she could not fly above 3,000 metres.
The royal had originally planned to stay in SA for around two weeks. The former Olympic swimmer arrived in the country earlier this year to raise awareness for various causes.
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Princess Charlene does charity work in SA
Princess Charlene put her time in the country to good use.
She has worked on many initiatives through the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa.
“Through the Chasing Zero Initiative, 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 dehorning exercise at a Safari in KwaZulu-Natal.”
The princess also helped raise funds for the Louis Oosthuizen Foundation57’s iPapa57 Feeding the Children programme.
Princess Charlene says while she missed her children, she enjoyed being back in SA.
“South Africa has – and always will be – in my heart. 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.
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