Princess Charlene of Monaco

Never been invited to a royal shindig? Us neither. So we are ever so slightly salivating over these pictures from the Bal de la Rose du Rocher over the weekend. Described as the "annual jewel in the crown of Monaco’s social calendar" this is THE ball for the European principality. Members of the royal family mixed with fashion's elite in honour of the Princess Grace Foundation and Monaco's 150th anniversary. Rita Ora got cheeky (in Chanel, of course) with Karl Lagerfeld. A Dior-clad Natalia Vodianova gossiped with Princess Caroline of Hanover. Cara Delevingne pulled her trademark smirk at every opportunity. In short, it looks like the most glam party of the year, next to the Met Gala. Keep-a-clicking to get inside this fashionable fête. Blue blood not required. 

Princess Charlene of Monaco stepped out in style in Berlin, Germany yesterday. The royal tour of duty saw Monaco's reigning queen of style do a clever switcheroo on arrival, swapping an elegant shoulder wrap for a less formal printed scarf before hopping on board for a quick boat trip with local dignitaries. Charlene then changed from her versatile turquoise pantsuit (which, btw was not disimiliar to the one she wore at her wedding) into a gilded gown for an official gala dinner at the Schloss Bellevue Palace. Proving that even royalty have wardrobe malfunctions, Charlene got held up on the red carpet when Germany's first lady accidentally stepped on her train — oops! Prince Albert and Charlene are set to continue their royal tour of Germany, heading to Stuttgart tomorrow — which means more royal style stalking for us! In the meantime, take a closer look at Charlene's on-tour wardrobe . . .

We can safely credit Kate Middleton for our latest obsession with the royals, and rightfully so. Since her engagement to Prince William, the British beauty has garnered worldwide attention, not just for her real-life princess status, but also as a fashion pro in her own right. Our style obsession may have started with Kate, but the worldwide network of royals boasts a bevy of style-setters. We've traveled the globe (so to speak) surveying the style of real-life princesses. Sure, they can fashion up a red-carpet look like nobody's business, but this batch of savvy trendsetters also offers up a lesson in chic, modern-day looks that appeal to our everyday sense of dress. From Princess Letizia of Spain's feminine-chic sheaths to Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis's fashion-forward ways, click on to get acquainted and inspired by some of the world's best-dressed royals.

Princess Charlene of Monaco stepped out with her husband Prince Albert of Monaco at the final of the ATP Monte Carlo Masters and presented Rafael Nadal with his trophy over the weekend. But that's not what we're here to talk about. We immediately zoned in on her new hairstyle. Now, you'd be forgiven for thinking nothing much had changed if you just looked at the Princess front on. The colour and sweeping fringe are both still in place, but gone is the length, in favour of a crop. Check out the new royal 'do and tell us, does it get your seal of approval?

Move over Marilyn Monroe, it's Grace Kelly's turn to have a moment. The silver screen star turned real-life Princess has long been a beauty inspiration thanks to her peaches and cream complexion and ice-blonde strands. Her ability to make every look — from set curls paired with a red lip to a pared-back minimal makeup palette — look effortless and elegant is unparalleled but many stars have definitely taken lead from her glamorous style. With news that Nicole Kidman is set to play her in an upcoming movie and Scarlett Johansson's US Vogue cover paying homage to the star, we chart the influence that Grace has had on many red carpets and runways.

What a royal treat! Princess Charlene of Monaco made a surprise appearance down under at the Bendigo Art Gallery on Saturday afternoon. The regional Victorian township played host her to HRR, who was on deck to open the Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition, which is part of the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival's cultural programme. Charlene picked Australian designer Johanna Johnson to create a custom-designed frock for the celebration of her late mother-in-law's iconic sense of style, adding a royal stamp of approval to the designer's already bulging list of famous clientele. The blush-hued frock was a suitably ladylike design, featuring a low-cut back and a Swarovski crystal, hand-sewn embellished trim, which she teamed with strappy silver Jimmy Choo Lance sandals. Take a look at HRH's beautiful look, from all the angles!

Princess Charlene of Monaco slipped in to the country over the weekend to open the Grace Kelly exhibition at Bendigo Museum on Saturday. A red carpet was rolled out for the royal, who was greeted by a huge crowd of locals waving Monégasque and Australian flags, and schoolkids bearing flowers. Princess Charlene, who married Grace’s son Prince Albert last year, showed off a new fringe and wore a pink dress by Aussie designer Johanna Johnson, and during her address she talked about her late mother-in-law’s iconic style, which is celebrated in the exhibition. Charlene said, “Princess Grace’s beautiful style is a reflection of her natural elegance, taste, character, and a rare command of colours and textures. A style so gracefully unique that it remains an inspiration to all across generations and cultures. A style so much part of every facet of her amazing life, including the beloved princess and the devoted mother she was.” She also said she was happy to return to Australia and had fond memories of our country; she travelled here often as an Olympic swimmer representing South Africa “to compete with my Australian mates.”

Princess Charlene of Monaco showed off a new look as she jetted into Australia to speak at the opening of the Grace Kelly exhibition at the Bendigo Museum. Greeting young fans outside of the museum with smiles and kisses, the Princess' hairstyle gave a nod to the '60s with a centre-parted fringe and volume at the crown. Fringes are big this season — we spotted blunt versions of them on the runways of Marni, Versace and Elie Saab — but Charlene's look is much more wearable for those who want to dip in and out of the style. Take a closer look of it now.

What do you get when you mix a little royalty with a dash of celebs? The Montblanc Princess Grace Awards Gala, but of course! Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco rubbed shoulders with the likes of Anne Hathaway and Olivia Palermo at tonight's NYC soiree, setting the dress code high for a bevy of sparkling looks. Floor-length feathery gowns, glittery ladylike dresses and classic LBDs were the styles of choice accessorised with statement jewels and megawatt smiles. Enter our slideshow for the full style snapshot.