On the 11th of July 2018, Princess Charlene of Monaco returned to home in South Africa for the Nelson Mandela centenary celebrations. As Patron of The Giving Organisation Trust, an establishment of seven reputable charities tending to the various needs that exist in our country, Princess Charlene commits herself to tending to some of the social issues that exist in our country.

Her first stop in the country was at the Convention Centre in Emperor’s Palace. She arrived at the centre looking modest in black pants, grey knee-high boots  and checkered throw over, greeting members of the crowd as she walked in.

At the event, she addressed numerous media groups about her future endeavors to effect change within the number of social issues that affect South Africa.

“I’ve felt that it’s my duty to do good”, said Princess Charlene, as she spoke to the crowd about the responsibilities she feels she has a member of the royal family in Monaco.

Through the charities of The Giving Organisation Trust, which includes Ithemba Trust, CANSA and the SPCA,  and through her own foundation,  Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the princess hopes to continue to save lives across the country’s most vulnerable groups. Her own foundation seeks to save lives by decreasing instances of drowning in South Africa through teaching young children about staying safe in water and how to swim.

“My trip this time here is to listen to Nelson Mandela’s lecture, to meet with the elders, and to discuss my Water Bike Challenge which i’m bring to South Africa on the 17th of February and that’ll be in Cape Town. I’m very excited about that”, she said

The Water Bike Challenge refers to an annual event that traditionally takes place in Monaco, created with the intention to raise funds for Princess Charlene’s foundation. More details will be shared about the challenge in the months to come.