Hi F - Do you think she smiled more, was happier before 2014?I don’t really think so. Yes, she attends fewer functions now, but I recall P Albert saying before they were married that P Charlene would not be expected to fulfill the traditional role of Princess. To me this means that they have had a discussion around that and had come to a mutual agreement. Some posters above think the children are no excuse for her not to be present at events - that is a matter of opinion.
She has always come across as somewhat reserved at formal functions or where the spotlight is on her, but more relaxed at informal events. People who have met her report her as being very warm, open and down to earth.
And who knows why she looked a little upset in the courtyard on National Day? We can only speculate...and I like to give her the benefit of the doubt. Her close family was present apart from her mother...was she ill maybe? I noticed that neither P Charlene nor her brothers brought their children to the courtyard ceremony. Was there an agreement (or directive from P Albert) not to bring the children that Andrea and Pierre ignored and P Charlene was upset by this? Again, only speculation, but plausible reasons.
Later, on the balcony, she seemed more relaxed, smiled, waved, blew kisses to the crowd. I also think she is the kind of person who shows her feelings, who doesn’t wear a mask just because she is expected to appear in a certain way. I remember a while back she looked pretty miserable at a soccer match. P Albert showed some concern. Of course there were stinging comments. Later it was reported that a close friend had passed away.
After all this, I guess what I’m saying is that we should also allow for simple explanations of what we see - or think we see.
I would also love to see her more, especially in Monaco, as I think the Monegasque people deserve to see and be proud of their Princess. But there seems to be an arrangement in place that P Albert appears to be happy with, and I respect that.