Prince Albert, Princess Charlene's Long-Distance Relationship Sparks Split Rumors: 'She'll Never Leave Her Kids'

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene have been living separately because she is in South Africa, and the distance between them sparked rumors that they are splitting.

Princess Charlene is in South Africa while recovering from surgery complications. Their separate living arrangement sparked split rumors among the European press, but an unnamed source told People that they are reuniting soon.

"She'll never leave her kids," the anonymous source close to Princess Charlene told the outlet.

According to the insider, Prince Albert and their twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, who visited South Africa in June will return in the near future. They are just said to be monitoring the health, safety and political concerns in the country as of late.

German magazine Bunte and France's Paris Match both delved into the rumors about the royal couple's separation. According to them, the separation is far more than what the palace has acknowledged.

"The princess 'has, for the time being, in reality, no intention of returning,'" Paris Match's source said, as per People. The outlet also speculated about the princess' changing appearance and attributed her plans to relocate to the larger tension back in Monaco.

"'She was full of good will, but she quickly felt judged and misunderstood,' says one of her friends in the Principality. 'So she closed up to protect herself,'" the French outlet reported.

Meanwhile, Bunte claimed that Princess Charlene has been house-hunting near Johannesburg. Prince Albert's solo appearance at the Tokyo Olympics fueled the rumors because the Olympics have played a prominent role in the royal couple's history. Both competed in the past Olympics and have been a regular presence at numerous ceremonies.

Princess Charlene, a professional swimmer, represented South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Meanwhile, Prince Albert competed in bobsleigh during the Winter Olympics finals before retiring in 2002.

In an interview with the South African outlet Channel 24, Princess Charlene explained why she hasn't returned to Monaco. She said she is suffering from surgery complications that would not allow her inner pressure to "equalize," so she couldn't fly above 20,000 feet.

For the first time, the royal couple did not spend their wedding anniversary together, but she said he has been very supportive. Contrary to the rumors that they are splitting, the couple seemed eager to reunite.

"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 said of her husband.

"My daily conversations with Albert and my children help me keep my spirits up a lot, but I miss their presence very much. I can't wait for us to be together."