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Inside Princess Charlene's three-day visit to SA for swimming charity events

  • Princess Charlene of Monaco recently returned to South Africa.
  • The princess came to support charity swimming events. 
  • While it was initially reported that Prince Albert would accompany her he was unable to attend due to scheduling conflict.

 

Princess Charlene of Monaco visited her home country, South Africa over the weekend for swimming charity events. Although it was initially reported that Prince Albert would attend, he was not present for the events. A source told People magazine that a scheduling conflicted 'regrettably' prevented him from accompanying her.

The events were organised by the Princess Charlene Foundation South Africa and held at the Sun City Resort. 

During the events, held over three days, she participated in a Learn to Swim clinic along with more than 100 school children.

The princess spoke with the children after the clinic, when they received certificates for completing the course.

The workshops were led by Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation in South Africa and the Lifesaving South Africa organisation, according to the Prince's Palace of Monaco's Instagram.

On Saturday, she also attended the Waterbike Challenge race.

"The foundation started the Water Bike Challenge in Monaco five years ago. We have decided to launch it in South Africa this year to raise funds and awareness for the foundation's water safety and anti-drowning programmes. Funds raised by this event this year will go to Life Saving South Africa," Chantell Wittstock, sister-in-law to the royal and board member at the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa.
The funds are also set to go to a rhino conservation programme.

Notable names like Percy Montgomery, AB De Villiers, Jesse Clegg, Ryk Neethling and others were expected to participate.

The princess was born in Zimbabwe and relocated to South Africa in 1989. She represented SA at various athletic tournaments and has won multiple gold medals.

In 2021, she also visited South Africa but stayed in the country for an extended period due to complications from surgery following an ear, nose and throat infection. The life-threatening event caused her to stay in SA for six months.