Prince Albert of Monaco tests positive for Covid for THIRD time as wife Princess Charlene celebrates her 45th birthday
Prince Albert of Monaco has tested positive for Covid-19 for the third time in just under three years – as his wife Princess Charlene celebrates her 45th birthday today.
The 64-year-old European king is said to be asymptomatic but will remain in isolation under Monaco’s current health guidelines.
Last night, a spokesman for the palace confirmed that despite contracting the virus again, there are no concerns about his health at the moment.
However, he was forced to cancel his engagements at Monaco’s Sainte Dévote Day celebrations later this week.
Prince Albert of Monaco (pictured in Athens earlier this month), 64, has tested positive for Covid-19 for the third time
The statement did not address whether Princess Charlene – who turns 45 today – has contracted the virus.
On Sunday, the father-of-four took eight-year-old twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques to enjoy a night at the circus – while his wife was noticeably absent.
Prince Albert was the first known head of state to have been infected back in March 2020 and later contracted Covid again in April 2022.
Eight months later, the king spoke about the “physical fatigue” he felt during his long recovery from Covid.
Prince Albert first tested positive for Covid in March 2020 and then again in April 2022. Pictured with Princess Charlene, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques last November
Prince Albert, 64, pictured with his eight-year-old twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques as they arrived at the International Circus Festival with royal niece Camille Gottlieb (right) and nephew Louis Ducruet (left) on Sunday night.
He told PEOPLE magazine: “There were times during the day when it just hit, but not like the kind of drowsiness you get after a heavy meal.
“It was really just an experience of physical exhaustion, like the kind that happens when you’ve been doing too much or coming through an illness. This virus stays with you for quite a while.
“It was really just an experience of physical exhaustion, like the kind that happens when you’ve been doing too much or coming through an illness. This virus stays with you for quite a while.”
Albert’s diagnosis came shortly after Charlene returned to the principality after a series of health problems which the palace described as a “state of severe general fatigue”.
The mother-of-two was reportedly admitted to a Swiss private hospital in late November, just days after returning to Monaco after a 10-month absence from her native South Africa.
Last week Prince Albert confirmed that he and his wife Princess Charlene will definitely be present at the ceremony to see King Charles’ coronation in May
Last month, Prince Albert praised his wife, Princess Charlene, for “turning the tide in an incredible way” after their long-running health struggle.
In December, the 64-year-old King told People he was “really proud of my wife,” adding, “Charlene is doing really well.”
He continued, “As you know, last year was a very tough year for her — and the beginning of this year.”
Albert added that after being admitted to a Swiss treatment facility for exhaustion and staying out of the limelight, Charlene, 44, “has been active in a variety of different events.”
He highlighted a number of events the former Olympic swimmer has been spotted at recently, including a recent trip to the Red Cross branch in Monaco.
“She really enjoys doing things together and with the kids, so this year ends on a very, very high note. We’re really excited about the way things are,” said Albert.