Princess Charlene looks sombre and opts not to wear wedding ring as she attends funeral with Prince Albert
Princess Charlene of Monaco appeared without her wedding ring as she joined Prince Albert at the funeral of former French minister Didier Guillaume at Monaco’s Notre-Dame-Immaculee Cathedral today.
The royal couple, aged 46 and 66 respectively, cut solemn figures as they arrived at the service for the late minister of state, who died suddenly last week at 65.
The country has entered a period of mourning, with Prince Albert ordering flags to be flown at half-mast on all public buildings.
Princess Charlene donned a black mid-length dress with sheer tights and a matching Prada leather bag for the sombre occasion.
Grace Kelly’s grandson, Pierre Casiraghi, and his wife Beatrice Borromeo were among the mourners, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, 47.
Guillaume died in hospital on January 17, a week after being hospitalised for a sudden illness, according to an announcement from the Prince’s Government.
The former French minister served as the Minister of State of Monaco and was widely recognised for his dedication to the Principality.
In a heartfelt statement, Prince Albert said: “I am deeply touched by the passing of a man of commitment and heart. The Principality of Monaco has lost an exemplary servant, whose action and loyalty will remain engraved in our memories.”
Speaking to Monaco-Matin, the Prince added: “I am losing a friend, someone I appreciated very much and on whom I counted.
“He had a very human side, very friendly, close to everyone. Over the years, we had forged bonds of trust and mutual esteem.”
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Princess Charlene’s missing wedding ring has been a recurring theme in recent years, with the royal often seen without her three-carat pear-cut diamond engagement ring.
The former Olympic swimmer received the handcrafted Repossi ring when Prince Albert proposed, and the couple later exchanged 18-carat white gold platinum Cartier bands at their wedding.
While frequently spotted wearing the rings in her early marriage, the Princess has rarely been seen with either piece since 2017, even at formal events.