Princess Charlene of Monaco has opened up about the ‘devastating’ family tragedy that motivates her most treasured royal duty. In an unprecedentedly candid interview, the wife of Prince Albert (and former Olympic swimmer) revealed to Ouest-France that her cousin, Richard, drowned at the age of five, inspiring her to advocate for water safety in the principality over which she reigns.

‘Richard drowned in a river, very close to my uncle’s house . He was only five years old,’ Princess Charlene told the outlet. ‘It was devastating for our whole family. I don’t think that kind of pain ever really goes away.’

The royal has since become a fierce promoter of swimming lessons in Monaco, which she said ‘should be a fundamental right, just like learning to read.’ She added: ‘Cost should neve

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