PARIS (Reuters) - Princess Charlene has returned to Monaco to be with her husband Prince Albert and her children as her health improves, the royal palace said.

       Charlene, who married Monaco's ruler Prince Albert in 2011, has been absent from the principality for months due to health problems, including what the palace has previously referred to as a "state of profound general fatigue".

       "The next few weeks should allow for Princess Charlene to further strengthen Her health, before gradually resuming Her official duties and commitments," the palace said in a statement issued on Saturday.

       The Monaco palace has consistently denied media reports of a rift between Charlene and Prince Albert.

       Charlene was born in South Africa and swam for the country at the 2000 Olympic Games.

       (Reporting by Gus Trompiz; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)