Yet in recent months, there seems to have been a shift. Glamorous separates, groomed hairstyles, sweeping gowns and glittering diamond jewellery have been Princess Charlene’s hallmarks over the course of the last year year, in a prevailing palette of ice blue, sea foam green and sugary lilac. The shift coincided with a return to ‘normal’ duties for the Princess following a period of turmoil and disruption that included an extended stay in South Africa during Covid and a period of recuperation in Monaco. At the country’s annual circus parade in 2024, she wore her honey-toned hair swept elegantly to one side, and donned a classic, camel coat as she smiled alongside her children. In November, she dazzled at Monaco’s National Day celebrations in a silk lilac suit, which she teamed with her rarely-seen engagement ring: a pear-shaped, three-carat diamond surrounded by more diamonds.
Undoubtedly a polished look fit for a Princess, but it has left royal watchers wanting more. Had Charlene, the royal rebel, disappeared for good? If this week’s Max Mara look is anything to go by, the answer is a firm ‘no’. Perhaps the royal is now finding the perfect balance – a riskier take on royal staples. All hail the Princess!