Top News

Prince Albert of Monaco has undergone a "short" medical procedure, but he is expected to continue his royal duties as normal, the Monacopalace has confirmed. The 67-year-old royal has undergone a "scheduled, short medical procedure on his scalp" as part of "routine dermatological monitoring" to treat a benign condition, and stitches were required.

In a statement released on January 16, the palace said: "The Princely Palace reports that, as part of a routine dermatological follow-up, H.S.H. Prince Albert II underwent a scheduled, short medical procedure on his scalp and face to treat a benign condition. The procedure required a few stitches. The Sovereign Prince's schedule of activities continues as normal."

Prince Albert has reigned as Monaco's head of state since April 2005, when he ascended the throne following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III.

Albert and his wife, Princess Charlene, have twin children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, who are 11.

Charlene, whom Prince Albert married in 2011, has also spoken openly in recent years about her own health struggles. Charlene collapsed on September 1, 2020, due to complications following one of several surgeries for a severe and ongoing ear, nose and throat (ENT) infection.

She reportedly went in for surgery in May 2021, before a second operation in June, and a "final" surgery in October. Charlene gradually returned to public duties in 2022.

Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, at the time, Albert said: "I'm really proud of my wife. Charlene's doing really well."

Charlene's life before becoming a working royal focused heavily on health and fitness as an Olympic swimmer.

Prince Albert's wife, 47, who married into the Monegasque royal family in 2011, swam for South Africa in the 2000 Olympics and at the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games, having made her professional swimming debut at the South African Championship in 1996 at the age of 18.