Princess Charlene is stunning in incredible silver beaded ‘mermaid’ gown

Princess Charlene has earned a name for herself as Europe’s most fashion-forward royal and she doesn’t look likely to give up her title anytime soon.

The South African-born princess wowed revellers at the annual Red Cross Gala in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on Friday, practically leaving jaws on the floor as she entered the room with her husband Prince Albert II on her arm.

Charlene, 40, looked every bit the royal superstar as she posed on the red carpet in a stunning silver Versace gown complete with scalloped layers of material, each one intricately beaded to create a shimmering effect every time the princess moved.

She completed her glamorous look with a sweep of blue and silver eyeshadow, diamond studs and a simple silver clutch.

The Red Cross Gala was launched in 1948 by Prince Rainier III. A decade later Princess Grace of Monaco became chairwoman of the event and the night was transformed into the most prestigious and glamorous party on Monaco’s already ritzy calendar.

Thanks to Grace’s Hollywood connections, a stream of stars, including Shirley Bassey, Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davis Jr attended the party over the years, further propelling it on the pages of society magazines and gossip columns around the world. 

Speaking with People magazine ahead of this year’s gala, Prince Albert called the charity ball “the highlight of the summer in terms of social and charity events” and said it had a special place in his heart.

This year’s event had plenty of star power on-hand too, with guests treated to a performance by singer Seal.

The glitzy outing was in stark contrast to Charlene’s last public appearance at the Monaco Grand Prix in May, where she donned a daring thigh-split maxi dress and chugged back on champagne to help Australian Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo celebrate his victory.

Read more: Royal rebel Princess Charlene chugs down champers at Formula One

Like her mother-in-law, Charlene joined the royal family as an outsider having no royal connections of her own prior to meeting Prince Albert, who’s mother was Grace Kelly. Charlene met Albert at a swimming competition in 2000 – the same year she represented South Africa in the pool at the Sydney Olympics.

Unlike Grace and Prince Rainier, who corresponded for only a year before marrying, Charlene and Albert dated for 10 years before becoming engaged and finally marrying in July 2011.

The couple now have three-year-old twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, and spend much of their time working on Charlene’s charity foundation and attending to their royal duties.

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