The Princess, 43, left Monaco in January for a routine surgical procedure in her homeland. She underwent a sinus lift and a bone graft to prepare her for dental implants. Unfortunately, soon after she developed an infection which has left her unable to travel and stranded in South Africa.

“This is the longest period I’ve actually been away from Europe and my children,” the Princess told South Africa Radio 702’s host Mandy Wiener.

“I’m very sad I can’t be with my children during this summer in Europe.

“I cannot force healing, so I will be grounded in South Africa until the end of October.”

Charlene is an accomplished swimmer, who represented South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

She was part of the women’s 4x100m medley swimming team which came 5th at the Games.

Charlene and Prince Albert II met initially in 2000 at the Mare Nostrum in Monte Carlo and later developed a romantic relationship.

The couple became engaged in June 2010 and married in Monaco at the beginning of July in 20211.

READ MORE: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene net worth

“I really salute the athletes that have taken a very high risk to be in Japan during a pandemic,” she said.

“As a former Olympian, I don’t think I would have taken the risk myself of going that far.

“The determination and the sacrifice that these athletes have made, they are my heroes.”