Princess Charlene of Monaco Speaks Out on Drowning Tragedies

Princess Charlene of Monaco has publicly shared the personal tragedy that has shaped her advocacy for drowning prevention and children’s safety around water. In a heartfelt disclosure, she revealed that her cousin, Richard, drowned at just five years old. This incident profoundly impacted her life, and she is committed to addressing the rising rates of drowning worldwide.

Charlene established her foundation shortly after marrying Albert of Monaco in 2011. Her organization aims to prevent drownings and promote children’s education through sports. She has become a prominent advocate for these causes, recognizing her influence and drawing from her background as an elite swimmer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning has recently emerged as a leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 in the United States. In 2022, 461 children within this age group lost their lives due to drowning. In Spain, there were already 303 drowning deaths reported in 2025, marking the highest number in a decade. These statistics highlight a concerning trend that Charlene is determined to combat.

In an interview with Ouest-France, she emphasized the need for proactive measures, stating, “Water must remain a place of joy, not of mourning.” She advocates for getting children into the water early, under supervision, to teach them self-rescue techniques and to train adults in appropriate emergency responses.

Charlene’s commitment to this cause is deeply personal. Reflecting on her cousin’s death, she said, “It’s an issue that affects me deeply, not just as a swimmer. It was devastating. I don’t think that pain will ever go away.” This statement marks the first time she has publicly addressed this painful chapter of her past.

The Princess also experienced another tragedy in 2018 when the 19-month-old daughter of friends drowned after falling into a pool. “When they found her, it was already too late. Nothing could bring their baby back to life,” she recounted to Point de Vue. These experiences have fueled her dedication to ensuring that her own children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, develop a healthy relationship with water.

To achieve this, Charlene ensured that the twins learned to swim at a young age, providing them with “freedom and safety.” They have also taken courses in diving and water rescue at the Monaco naval academy and participated in the Seadventures Summer Camp, where they won a medal.

Through her foundation, Charlene has spent over a decade working to ensure that children receive swimming lessons and understand water safety. She insists that swimming is a fundamental right and should not be limited by financial barriers. Her organization promotes free swimming lessons, lifeguard training, and educational campaigns in collaboration with schools and clubs.

Charlene of Monaco continues to use her platform to advocate for essential safety measures, aiming to prevent drowning tragedies and to instill lifelong swimming skills in children, reinforcing the idea that water can be a joyful experience rather than a source of grief.