Ever since Prince Albert of Monaco slipped that handcrafted, pear-cut diamond and Cartier wedding band on Charlene’s finger some 12 years ago, rumours have swirled that all has never been entirely well with the royal couple.
When it was alleged the princess, a former Olympic swimmer, tried to flee before the wedding, the French media gave her the title “Runaway Bride”.
![Charlene, Princess of Monaco, wore a custom Giorgio Armani gown for her wedding in 2011. Picture / Getty Images.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/4ZZT3WXQPVXBCL5DSVMKK6CTLE.jpg?auth=ae041d73a75be6d51789c83a8dcac032d560756bb6f4c9391a707c8c7c678357&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
And while she made it to the altar and the couple have two children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, claims of a rift have followed Charlene since her wedding day, fed by the deduction that because the royal has often been spotted without her wedding rings, her marriage is on the rocks.
Now, French magazine Royauté has claimed a separation is in fact in process for the royal pair - a rumour that has gained traction on gossip sites and social media.