Princess Charlene of Monaco has surprised royal watchers with an unexpected footwear choice at this year's Monaco Grand Prix.
The annual racing event, which traditionally serves as a showcase for the Princess's most glamorous wardrobe selections, saw a striking departure from her usual elegant style.
Charlene stepped out wearing a simple pair of chunky trainers in tan at the glitzy event, a new casual look for the princess.
The Monegasque royal’s dressed-down footwear was spotted by eagle-eyed fans in images of her trip to the race, alongside her husband Prince Albert, which were shared on social media.
Princess Charlene stepped out in a casual pair of trainers at the glitzy Monaco Grand Prix.
Instagram: Prince’s Palace / Michaël Alesi
Along with the trainers, Charlene wore a pair of wide-leg black trousers and a white blouse.
The blouse was the “Guepards et Palmettes” painter blouse from the exclusive brand Hermès, valued at £1,850.
Continuing her relaxed look with a twist of subtle luxury, the princess wore her blonde hair in a simple bun, which contrasted against her bright pink lipstick.
Prince Albert opted for a more traditional navy suit jacket, blue shirt, off-white trousers and classic black leather loafers.
Charlene wore a a white blouse alongside Prince Albert, who wore a more traditional navy suit.
Instagram: Prince’s Palace / Michaël Alesi
Charlene’s casual fashion statement came in stark contrast to her hugely symbolic choice of dress during the inaugural mass of Pope Leo earlier this month.
Most female attendees at papal events are required to wear black and a veil, but certain Queens and Princesses are permitted to wear white due to their dynastic and religious status.
The privilège du blanc is an ancient tradition reserved for a select few Catholic royal women, which permits the wearing of white in the pope’s presence.
Charlene wore white to Pope Leo's first mass, as she is one of only three women permitted to do so.
Getty
Princess Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer who converted to Catholicism upon marrying Prince Albert II of Monaco, stood out in a structured white coat dress and delicate veil.
She is one of only three women with the exclusive privilege, alongside other female Catholic royals, Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Queen Letizia of Spain.
The importance of religion to Charlene’s royal life was recently seen as she celebrated the first communion of her children with Albert, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco, earlier this month.
The 10-year-old twins, children of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, received the sacrament at Monaco Cathedral.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
The Prince's Palace of Monaco shared the news on social media, releasing photographs of the special occasion.
"On this day of First Communion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella who received this sacrament with faith and reverence," read the official statement.
The royal twins wore matching white, floor-length tunics for the occasion, complemented by wooden crucifixes.
Jacques and Gabriella, who were born in December 2014, are the first pair of twins in the history of Monaco's royal house. The twins, who turned 10 last December, have been increasingly appearing alongside their parents at official events.
