Princess Charlene makes her second public trip to a rugby tournament with family after a year of illness

Prince Albert, Prince Jacques, and Princess Gabriela join over 100 youths under the age of 12 in rugby from seven countries in Monaco on Saturday.

The kingdom's Saint Devote rugby tournament returns on Saturday after a two-year lull in the pandemic. The annual one-day youth track and field competition, sponsored by Princess Charlene and her foundation, welcomes 100 youth rugby players under the age of 12 from seven countries and is described by those around her as "perhaps her most cherished event.

It was his second public appearance since the 44-year-old former Olympic athlete returned from a long illness that this year's edition was closely watched - and did not disappoint.

Charlene's punishment for leaving so soon. Photos from the event, posted to his Instagram profile this afternoon, were captioned, 'Great day at St Devote Rugby. God bless you all." 

Charlene returned to Monaco in March after a four-month stay in a Swiss clinic where she was being treated for profound emotional and physical exhaustion. In early November, Charlene volunteered for treatment at a professional facility. Choosing a clinic outside of Monaco, her husband Prince Albert told news at the time, was a personal choice, supported by family members.

He first fell ill while in South Africa last May on what was planned as a short 10-day visit to his home country. However, complications from previous ENT surgery delayed it by six months. A series of painful corrective surgeries and subsequent relapses delayed his return to Monaco until late 2021. Young players from countries such as Ecuador and Mauritius can now return home and pride themselves on being personally pushed – even beaten – by the Princess during their friendlies to leave.

Dressed in an open-necked cocktail dress with a midnight blue belt with '50s-style buttons (instantly dubbed "So Wonderful Grace Kelly" by one observer) paired with straps, she looked casual for a garden party.

Welcoming the crowd with a serene smile, he led his 7-year-old twins around the track at Louis II Stadium and mingled informally with 100 athletes in front of teenagers from 14 countries.