Princess Charlene channelled glittering mermaid in sequinned gown we all forgot


The royal and former Olympic swimmer joined her husband, Prince Albert, at the Formula One Gala Dinner at the Monaco Sporting in 2011


 Charlene Wittstock smiling close up in sequinned gown© Getty Images
Katie Daly
Katie DalyLifestyle Writer
May 7, 2026
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Princess Charlene always pulls out all the stops at an evening gala, but in 2011, the wife of Prince Albert wore a mermaid dress that has since been forgotten.

The princess, who was a pro swimmer in her pre-royal life, made an appearance alongside her husband at the Formula One Gala Dinner at the Monaco Sporting events venue and looked like a goddess in a bronzed gold maxi gown featuring a boat neckline and fit-and-flare skirt that pooled around her feet.

Princess Charlene in sequin gown and prince albert in suit© Getty Images
Princess Charlene attended the Formula One Gala Dinner in style in 2011

Charlene, now 48, accessorised her look with a stacked diamond tennis bracelet, high heels, and a mini clutch in the same hue as her dress. She also added diamond drop earrings with amber stones, highlighted by her updo, which was intentionally messy for an undone look that created a cool contrast to her sequin dress.

Royal sequins

Princess Charlene styled her gown with a matching clutch© Getty Images
Princess Charlene styled her gown with a matching clutch

Of the sequin moment, stylist Sian Clarke of Styled by Sian tells us: "Princess Charlene's choice to wear a sequin gown for the special event was an absolute masterclass in modern royal dressing. She has my full seal of approval because she perfectly balanced showing her personality while still remaining incredibly regal and refined.

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"Sequins naturally signify celebration, joy, and confidence, yet choosing them in bronze softened the overall effect and made the look feel subtle rather than overpowering. It is this balance between classic tailoring and modern detail that truly made the outfit work."

Grand Prix glamour

It is not the only time Charlene has dazzled at a Grand Prix gala. Keep scrolling to see our top picks from over the years…

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco attends the Gala Dinner For The F1 Grand Prix Of Monaco on May 25, 2025 in Monaco, Monaco. © WireImage

2025

Last year, the royal looked like a bride in a striking white gown by Louis Vuitton featuring metallic hardware on the asymmetrical neckline and a heavy armour-like belt.

princess charlene red dress prince ablert f1 gala dinner © Marc Piasecki

2024

The year before that, the mother-of-two wowed in red, choosing another Louis Vuitton gown, this time featuring silver sequins across the shoulders and long crimson sleeves.

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco attend the Gala Dinner for the F1 Grand Prix Of Monaco© Getty Images

2023

In 2023, it was all about bold print. Turning heads in Valentino, the then-brunette royal chose a floaty one-shouldered number that flattered her statuesque frame beautifully.

Charlene Wittstock in pink gown and Prince Albert in suit© Getty Images

2010

In 2010, Charlene went for something girlier. Rocking a pop of pink, the princess chose an Armani ruched number, drawing attention to the strapless neckline with her vintage bob.

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